Two cooks avoided looking at the scene, clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to step in. Jacob clenched his fists, his heart pounding. This wasn’t the company he’d built.
Is there a problem here? Jacob asked, his voice calm but firm. The manager turned, startled. Uh, no, just a little miscommunication.
Megan shook her head, tears still pooling in her eyes. I’m sorry, she whispered. Jacob looked at her, then back at the manager.
He didn’t reveal who he was yet. Instead, he said, she looks like she needs a break. Why don’t you let her sit down for a few minutes, the manager scoffed.
We’re short-staffed. There’s no time for breaks during the rush. Jacob’s jaw tightened.
There’s always time to treat people with respect, he said evenly. The tension in the room was thick as Jacob held the manager’s gaze. He knew he couldn’t stay silent much longer.
The manager’s lips pressed into a thin line, but before he could respond, one of the cooks, a wiry young man with a nervous energy, spoke up. Megan’s been nonstop since she clocked in. She hasn’t even had time to grab a drink of water.
His voice was hesitant, but there was a quiet defiance in his tone, the manager shot him a glare. Stay out of it, Connor. Focus on your station.
Jacob’s eyes flicked to Connor, then back to the manager. And who’s in charge of making sure your team can focus? Because from where I’m standing, it seems like the pressure’s coming from how this place is being run. The manager’s face flushed, his bravado slipping for a moment.
Look, I’m just doing my job. If people can’t handle it, that’s not on me. Jacob’s gaze hardened.
We’ll see about that. Megan, still wiping her eyes, looked at Jacob with confusion and a hint of gratitude. I’ll be fine, she muttered, though her voice wavered.
She turned toward the door, but Jacob gently stopped her. Take five, he said softly. You’ve earned it.
The manager started to protest, but Jacob held up a hand, his tone leaving no room for argument. She’s taking a break. Now, Megan hesitated, glancing nervously between Jacob and the manager, before nodding and slipping past the swinging kitchen doors.
Jacob turned his attention back to the manager, his voice calm but steely. What’s your name? Rick, the man replied, his tone defensive. And who are you to come in here and tell me how to run my shift? Jacob ignored the question.
How long have you been the manager here, Rick? Rick folded his arms. About two years. And I’ve kept this place running just fine, so I don’t need some random customer stepping in, and you call this fine? Jacob interrupted, his voice rising slightly.
Your staff is overworked, your customers are complaining, and you’re berating people in the middle of their shifts. That’s not fine, it’s a mess. Rick opened his mouth to argue, but Jacob cut him off again.
You might want to think about how you’re treating people. Because I guarantee, if I were your boss, this wouldn’t fly. Rick’s face paled slightly, but he quickly tried to mask it with a scoff.
Right. Well, you’re not my boss, so, before he could finish, the kitchen doors swung open and Megan reappeared, her face slightly more composed. She kept her head down as she walked past Rick and back toward the dining area.
Jacob decided it was time to step back and observe again for now. He gave Rick one last pointed look, before turning and following Megan into the dining room. Back at his booth, Jacob watched as Megan returned to her routine.
She moved a little slower now, her exhaustion more apparent, but she still managed a small smile for every customer she served. Jacob noticed her taking extra care with a young mother struggling to keep her toddler entertained, offering crayons and a paper menu for the child to color on. He also noticed Rick glaring at her from the kitchen window.
Jacob took out his phone and discreetly started taking notes. He jotted down everything he’d observed Rick’s behavior, Megan’s workload, and complaints from customers. He also noted Connor’s quiet defense of his co-worker.
After finishing his meal, Jacob flagged Megan down. Can I get the check, he asked, keeping his tone light. She nodded and quickly brought it over, along with the receipt.
Thanks for stopping by, sorry again about earlier, she said quietly. No need to apologize, Jacob replied, slipping some cash into the billfold. You’re doing great, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she offered a small, genuine smile.
Thank you. As she walked away, Jacob made a decision. He wasn’t done here not by a long shot.
He stood, grabbed his jacket, and made his way to the door. But before leaving, he paused and glanced back at the dining room. Megan was refilling a customer’s coffee, her movements careful but efficient.
Rick was barking orders at Connor in the kitchen. Jacob’s jaw tightened. He pushed open the door and stepped outside, pulling out his phone.
Janet, he said when his assistant answered, I need you to clear my schedule for tomorrow. And get me everything we have on the staff at the suburb name location. Employee files, performance reviews, all of it.
Got it, Janet replied without hesitation. Anything else? Jacob glanced back at the diner one last time before walking to his car. Yeah, he said.
Make sure my regional managers are ready for a meeting. We need to talk. He hung up and slid into the driver’s seat, his mind already racing with plans.
Tomorrow, Jacob wasn’t just going to observe, he was going to take action. The next morning, Jacob arrived at the diner just after opening, wearing the same scruffy disguise as the day before. This time, he carried a small notebook in his pocket and a renewed sense of determination.