9. Seeing Hell

I spent the rest of Sunday trying to recover from the exhausting weekend, with Jeffery's calls buzzing my phone nonstop.

His calls became so persistent that I eventually blocked him for my own sanity.

By Monday morning, I'd overslept and ended up rushing to get to my store.

The weekend fun may have altered my usual morning routine.

Anna Witsow, my sales representative, hurried over to meet me just as I reached the store entrance.

"Catty, thank goodness you're here,” she whispered urgently. “There are two men inside asking for you. They've been waiting for hours.”

“Really,” I whispered back. “I’m so sorry, my phone was in my purse. What do they want?”

“They didn’t say; they just kept insisting on seeing you.”

I hurried past her and pushed open the glass door.

The familiar scent of fresh cardboard, painted wood, and the vanilla air freshener greeted me.

Colourful toys filled the shelves, from stuffed animals and dolls to toy cars and building blocks.

Then I spotted two men in black suits, seated in the waiting area.

“Good day, gentlemen,” I greeted them with a polite smile as I walked up to them.

They rose to their feet. “Catalina Rodriguez?” one of them asked.

“Yes. My Rep tells me you've been asking of me. What can I do for you?"

“We’re from the tax authority,” he replied, going straight to the point.

For a second, I thought maybe this was about paperwork or some sort of new routine inspection until he said the next words.

“We’re here under instruction to shut down this establishment.”

I automatically tilted my head forward in doubt that I actually heard him correctly.

“I’m sorry… what?”

“We're acting under an enforcement order issued against your establishment. The outstanding liability has been assessed, and we're authorised to seal the premises pending resolution. According to our records," he continued, "your business has outstanding tax liabilities dating back several years. The unpaid amount has accumulated penalties and interest, bringing your total liability to—"

He read out a figure.

For a moment, I honestly thought I misheard him.

"I'm sorry. How much?"

He repeated the amount and my mouth fell open.

"That's impossible." I shook my head, looking between him and his colleague. "I've been paying my taxes. My returns have been filed every year. I have an accountant who handles these things for me."

"According to our records, the required payments were not made."

"But I paid them!"

My voice came out sharper than I intended. So, I took a breath and tried again.

"Look, I don't know what your records say, but I've been filing my business taxes. I can provide evidence of my payments. There must be some kind of administrative error."

The second man pushed a document my way. “These are the official records."

Collecting the document from him, I was left dumbfounded. There were dates, figures, account references, penalties, and official-looking stamps.

Some of the dates went back years. The penalties alone were enough to make my stomach twist.

I couldn't make sense of it.

I knew I'd paid my taxes. Jeffery introduced me to the accountant who took care of it.

When I asked questions, he assured me everything was being handled.

That feeling of dreadful unease started slipping in.

"How much time do I have to resolve this?" I asked, forcing myself to look up.

“Ma’am,” the man called, already moving toward the door, "Your establishment will be sealed for now pending settlement of the outstanding liability. You're required to cease operations and vacate the premises. You'll need to remove your personal belongings and any movable property immediately."

"You're closing my store?"

"I'm afraid so. We've been instructed to enforce the order."

"Enforce what order? I haven't received any notice! Nobody contacted me about this. Nobody told me I owed anything!"

He gave me a look that suggested my distress was neither new nor particularly interesting.

"Any objections can be raised through the appropriate channels. For now, you need to cooperate."

I looked around the store.

There must be something wrong somewhere. Was this some kind of witch-hunting?

Was someone trying to frustrate me?

What's going on?

First my home, now my store.

What was happening to me?

Was someone deliberately trying to ruin my life?

And if so, who?

"Please," I tried begging, my voice quieter now. "Give me a little time to sort this out. I'll contact my accountant and get the payment records. I'm sure we can resolve this without shutting down my business."

The man shook his head, seemingly uninterested in whatever I had to say. "I would suggest you pick up your personal belongings and head out."

Bella turned to me, looking just as terrified.

“Get your things, Bella,” I whispered, and she hurried over to grab her bag.

“There is no need to panic," I assured her when she got back beside me. "I believe all of this is a mistake, and it will be resolved once I gather my receipts and call their office.”

We followed the men outside and watched helplessly as one of them secured a heavy metal lock across the store's entrance.

Then he fixed a red notice to the glass door.

SEALED.

And just like that, my store was shut.

The men left a moment later after handing me the official documents with proof of what I owe.

I stood there, confused and clueless.

This can't be happening

Then I fumbled for my phone and dialed my business account officer, who I always had on speed dial.

“Good morning, this is Elise from Corporate Accounts.”

“Elise, it’s Catalina.”

“Oh, hello, ma'am. How can I be of help to you today?”

“I need to withdraw seventy thousand from my business account.”

There’s a long pause. Then she asks, “I’m sorry… today?”

“Yes. I’ll be there in less than an hour if that is okay.”

There’s a long pause before she speaks again. “Ma'am… you don’t have that amount available.”

I took a few steps away from Bella. “What do you mean?"

"You only have three hundred and forty dollars left in the account."

For a moment, the words didn't make sense. Then I shook my head immediately.

"No. That's not possible. Please check again. There should be way more than that in the account."

I knew this because I reviewed the figures myself not long ago.

"Could there have been a system error?" I asked desperately. "Perhaps a transaction hasn't been recorded correctly?"

"Let me check the recent transactions."

I heard the faint tapping of a keyboard. Then she spoke.

"Ma'am, there have been several withdrawals from the account. A substantial amount was transferred out."

I almost stopped breathing. "Transferred to where?"

"I'm unable to disclose the recipient's personal banking details over this call, but I can tell you the transactions were authorised through an account holder's access."

Oh my God, Jeffery has ruined me completely. Only Jeffery and I had access to that account.

"How much was taken?" I whispered.

She gave me the total, and I felt sick.

My money was gone.

Money that I worked so hard for... all gone.

"Can you tell me when the transfer was made?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"This morning."

I closed my eyes.

I couldn't make sense of it. I couldn't understand why Jeffery would withdraw my money.

Unless...

Unless he'd done it to hurt me.

No. He wouldn't.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thought.

But would he?

I thanked Elise and hung up.

“Are you okay, Catty? Would you like me to call someone?” Bella asked as she walked up to me.

I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m so sorry for today. I’ll sort it out and let you know, alright. You should go now.”

Are you sure you'll be fine?” she asked, her concern evident.

“Yes, thank you.

She hesitated before nodding reluctantly and left.

Once she was out of earshot, I unblocked Jeffery and dialled his number.