His expression changed.
She continued.
"I've reviewed the agreement with the records clerk."
Pritchard glanced toward the paper.
"He isn't an attorney."
"No," Loretta replied. "But he knows where the documents are recorded."
Pritchard's jaw tightened.
She took a slow breath.
"I'm willing to reconcile legitimate supply charges. I'm not willing to surrender the kitchen based on figures nobody will explain."
For several seconds, he stared at her.
Then he looked toward the men standing nearby.
"Miss Loretta, you've been badly advised."
She shook her head.
"I've been asking for an accounting."
Pritchard snapped his portfolio shut.
"The debt is due."
Thomas stepped forward.
"Then explain our pay deductions."
Pritchard turned sharply.
"This is none of your concern."
Daniel held up a statement.
"It is when you're taking our money."
The room became tense.
Pritchard looked toward Elias.
"You've stirred up enough trouble."
Elias remained calm.
"These men asked questions. She checked the numbers."
Pritchard's face reddened.
Then he pointed toward the kitchen.
"I can close this operation today."
Loretta felt fear rise.
But she didn't retreat.
"You can refuse to supply us. You can dispute the account. You can pursue whatever legal rights you actually have."
She swallowed.
Then continued.
"But you cannot simply tell everyone this building belongs to the company when the records say otherwise."
For a moment, the room was completely silent.
Pritchard looked toward the written agreement.
Then toward the witnesses.
He seemed to realize that taking equipment by force would create more problems than a quiet threat.
He gathered his papers.
"This isn't finished."
Loretta nodded.
"I know."
He turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
"You'll regret making an enemy of this company."
Thomas looked at him.
"We work for the company."
Pritchard stared.
Thomas continued.
"We're asking to be paid correctly."
The older clerk didn't answer.
He walked out.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Walter Boone let out a long breath.
"Well."
Daniel chuckled nervously.
"That could've gone worse."
Loretta sat down on her reinforced bench.
Her hands were shaking so badly that she could barely hold her cup.
Elias approached.
"You did well."
She looked up.
"I thought I was going to faint."
He smiled gently.
"Didn't look like it."
She laughed shakily.
Then Thomas stepped forward.
"Miss Loretta?"
She turned.
"Yes?"
He looked toward the kitchen.
"Would you still serve supper if the company stops sending vouchers?"
Loretta hesitated.
She knew many workers couldn't pay cash.
Thomas continued.