... That Time I Overheard My Boss's Secret...

So there I was at the bar last week, just another shift. Normally it's pretty quiet from around midnight to closing time; most people are either asleep or out drinking elsewhere. But on this particular night, things were oddly busy, people spilling in late from parties and whatnot. As usual, our regular bartender had called in sick and I was covering the floor for him. The extra money's always welcome but it meant I couldn't take many breaks myself... not that I needed them. My nights at this bar are pretty routine; I know everyone's order by heart now... Anyway, while filling a drink request for some new college kids one evening, my ear caught something unusual. Coming from the office next door, our boss, Mr. Chen, was talking on his phone. Now, we're supposed to mind our own business and keep things professional... but I couldn't help myself... I strained to hear what he said: '...so I figured if I just gave them some more leeway with the liquor licenses... maybe they'd drop it...' What does that even mean? He sounded nervous, like he was trying not to get caught in something... The conversation trailed off as another customer ordered a round at my station. I tried my best to act normal, serve everyone well... but those words kept echoing in my head. Next day at work, I noticed Mr. Chen seemed extra busy, making lots of calls and meeting people from other bars and restaurants. It was then when it hit me: he must be trying to buy off the regulators or something... I've never been one to gossip or cause trouble... but hearing that made my skin crawl. Part of me wants to tell someone, like report him or something. But another part knows it could get messy for everyone involved... so I haven't said a word yet... And here's the kicker: if he finds out I know his dirty little secret, what then? Does he fire me for overhearing and keeping quiet? Or does he try to convince me otherwise...? ...I've been stuck in this loop ever since. Every time Mr. Chen walks by or calls a meeting, my heart skips a beat. What should I do? Tell someone? Keep it inside...? ... So that's the confession for tonight...