The Cook and the Crook
By C.L. Pederson

In the northeastern part of Michigan , there lies a town, a small city, one could even say a small town, called Pleasant Park. It lies just East of Grayling and North of Mio. It lies close to the two of the five Great Lakes: Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The town did not have a lot of things, just the necessities: a grocery story, a diner, a gas station, a bank, a post office, and a school. Though, the crown jewel of the town, not to mention the county, or even the state, was the diner. People would travel from all over just to eat at this diner. This particular establishment was well known across the state, but not because it was fancy, but because of the Fishy Fry Burger Sandwich. …show more content…
His father’s father, had a brother, whose grandfather, J.J., invented the sandwich and owned the diner, which was passed down through the generations, along with the name. The Johnsons were a respectable family, appreciated by everyone. Johnson’s eatery consisted of him and two other people, Chutzpah Jones and Texas Cleveland. Chutzpah earned his name by, just simply being a bold person. Then there was Texas Cleveland, a tall guy that looked like he was from Texas. Now these two employees were the finest help in all of Michigan, though it wasn’t because they worked hard, but because they worked for little pay. They’d always refer to Johnson as “Captain”, but nobody knows why, probably because he wears a captains hat wherever he goes. There then came a day when his diner would be tested. It was a test that was mental, physical, and emotional. A test that would determine not only the future of the town, but the future of the diner. A test - well you get the …show more content…
The diner was looking good, which meant things were looking good, which meant he might pass. It was now Wednesday, one day the health inspector arrives. Though, Johnsons sleepless nights readying the place made him somewhat, as you could say, intoxicated from sleep deprivation. His crew came back later in the evening with oohs and Ahhs, admiring the diner. They went to the boss’s office where they saw Johnson hunched over his desk slipping out of consciousness. They apologized and asked for their jobs back, though not really aware of this incident at the time, he hired them again, just like as if nothing had happened. Bright and early the next day, his crew came to work. Johnson had gotten a sliver of rest, but was still in a sort of daze. The diner was closed and was solely open for the health inspector. He came in later in the morning and took a seat. He was met quickly by Chutzpah, ready to take his order.
“Yeah, I’ll start off with one of everything.” said the inspector. Chutzpah choked on his request thinking about all that food he had to cook. It was later in the evening when he finally finished.
“Hey that was some good food, yeah, everything is looking good, just need one of your Fishy Fry Burger