#Chapter 9 - Shut Down

Abby I stand with my hands on my hips, watching a group of law enforcement officers pour into my restaurant. One of them approaches me, a stern expression on her face. “Mam, you need to shut down this restaurant immediately and straighten out your practice.” “Pardon?” I say, looking around with wide eyes. I can’t believe my ears. “The restaurant needs to be closed for the month.” I lower my hands. “Please, I can’t do that,” I say. “I have customers with reservations, and regulars that are expecting to be seated. I can’t just close for a month.” Just the thought of doing so makes me feel a little sick. The last thing I want is to let my customers down, and who knows what negative effects it could have on my business long term. “Please, officer–” I start, but she waves me off. She looks completely unmoved by my pleas. “You have a food safety problem here.” “No.” I shake my head. “That can’t be right. We’ve gotten an S+ in sanitation every time.” The officer ris