Chapter 3

3

When I arrived at the police station, my professor's gaze was complicated. I knew what he was thinking. If this became a scandal, I'd lose my chance at the merit scholarship.

As soon as I saw the officer, I spoke up first.

"Officer, I'm glad you're here. I was just about to look for you!"

The officer was confused for a second. I pulled out the evidence I had prepared and handed it over.

"Officer, this is the contract I had with Susie Miller. Per the agreement, she was supposed to provide Grade-A produce. She failed. Look at this."

I handed over the samples of the rotten cabbage.

The officer's brow furrowed. Even someone who never cooked could see that this was garbage, not food.

I continued.

"I had customers get sick from this. It damaged my restaurant's reputation and bottom line. I'm filing a counter-claim for damages."

The officer nodded, his look changing from suspicion to respect.

Susie realized things were going south. She grabbed the officer's arm.

"Officer, she's lying! I didn't know she was using it for a restaurant. She bought it for two dollars and then flipped it for twelve!"

The officer looked at me. I just shrugged and invited everyone to come down to the restaurant to see for themselves.

When we got there, my new supplier was unloading fresh crates. When he saw me, he smiled warmly. He started to reach out for a handshake, then pulled back, worried his hands were too dirty.

I reached out and shook his hand firmly.

"Sir, how does the shipment look?"

He puffed out his chest with pride.

"You can count on me. Thank you again for the help, Miss Vance. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known what to do with all this. My wife's medical bills..."

He started to tear up. I quickly helped him up.

Susie saw the restaurant bustling with happy customers and the old farmer looking at me with pure gratitude. Her face turned bright red, and she started screaming.

"Don't you all see? She's buying low and selling high! She's a thief! And all of you... you're just paying for someone to cook for you? It's so simple! Why waste money eating out?"

"You should be saving that money for your kids and parents! Why eat here instead of buying directly from us farmers?"

"The laziness and corruption in this society are caused by people like you!"