"Fine," Erika said and it was clear that she wasn't intimidated by appeals to national charters, "I won't reach into your coat, but you have to come with me." And she pointed back towards the back of the store. For a moment, Allie hesitated. She knew she couldn't run and she also knew that assaulting this bitch would get her in way bigger trouble than she was already in. She only had about $20 in food. Maybe if she cooperated, she'd get let off easy. She started to walk towards the back of the store.

She desperately sought to figure out a way to drop at least some of the...