"Evil is unaccommodating, uncommitted and impartial."
Chioma Onwudiwe
A manipulated view and skyline....
Frada shuffled her feet nervously, under the large and polished mahogany desk. Shifting her weight from one side of the chair, to the other. She struggled to maintain the reluctant and toothy smile, plastered on her face. The exercise was as painful, as it was exhausting. The man was seated opposite her, in his high chair. Why not? It was his office anyhow and his ever subtle verbal infliction, was drifting in and out of her ears. She felt like she was slowly and surely, sinking into the damning implications of his words.
“This is the fifth time, you have been late in two weeks.” Stated her boss. His voice was not raised, but his tone was precise and piercing as he continued.
“I understand that you are facing a foreclosure, on your home. And you have explained, some of the financial strain that this is causing you. Yet I have a company to run and a business to maintain. Your work is suffering, due to your tardiness. And your overall output, is lagging far behind.” He stopped for a moment, to study her demeanor and reaction.
Frada began to cry softly. The weight of a crumbling life, suddenly bearing down on her. It was becoming impossible, to keep it all together. Her domestic partner and father of her two younger children, was out of work. In fact, he had never really been in any real job. A drug bust and robbery conviction six years before, had left him with even slimmer options. A few odd jobs here and there, always ended as quickly as it had started. She was always left, holding the empty purse.
“You know it was very noble, of your boyfriend. To have taken the rap and done the time, for the last bust. I mean he took responsibility, for everything.” The man broke into her tortured thoughts. baring whitened large teeth, against an uneven or possibly painted tan.
“Everything?!” She asked foolishly, heart seemingly sinking. She already knew, that her boss was a big sneak. He spied on everyone via electronics, cameras and word of mouth. She knew, because she had processed and facilitated some of those invasive transactions. And had also spread her fair share, of damning lies. Now to think that he had spun her also….
“Yes everything,” he responded. His eyes appeared to be dancing, as his smile mirrored a gloat. “I heard your oldest son, was also involved in the situation. He did a couple of drug runs, for the busted ring. Did he not?”
She imagined how calming and soothing his smile would have been, if only it were sincere. “How did you….?” She began to ask, but gave up at the realization of the obvious. “He did not take the rap, for my son.” She began to cry softly again. Thinking as she did, of her four children. She had done her best to protect and provide for them. “He introduced my son to those people!” She stated defiantly, wiping the tears from her face as she spoke. “So I put it all back on him. I dumped my son’s stash on him also, when the cops came.”
“Oh I see,” the boss nodded. “So in order to protect your son, you multiplied your boyfriend’s offences.” “I did not mul….” He cut her off, with a wave of his hands. “I wonder how he would feel, if he found out all about this.”
“Oh please don’t....,” she made to grab his hands in a plea. “He would kill us all.” She finished helplessly, a new wave of despair registering on her face.
“I thought so too,” supplied the boss triumphantly. “How about I tell you, that I have a job for you and your boyfriend. Something that can help you retain your house, provide for your family and maybe, just maybe take a vacation too.”
Frada opened the door and walked towards the familiar desk. She carefully placed, a banded file on top and waited. When he did not look up at her, she turned to walk away quietly.
“Is this everything?” He asked, his voice stern and commanding.
“Yes sir it is.”
“Did you get as many false witnesses, as you could?”
“Not many, most were unwilling to lie. And besides, they held her in a special place and also they felt guilty."
“How about you, are you willing to lie?” His stare was unimpressed and disgusted.
“I ermm…. She really did nothing to me, so I don’t know where to begin….”
“Neither did she to these,” he sneered as he tapped the folder. “Think about roaming the streets hungry, with your kids. Next time you feel that moral ‘high-horse’ coming on.” He threatened with a smile and cold eyes.
She walked out quietly, almost bumping into a young lady. Quickly heading into, the same office she just exited. “Oh hi,” the newcomer greeted enthusiastically but uncaring. "I have an appointment, with the boss. I just got offered a new job, with the organization.” She gushed with mounting excitement and glinting eyes. "Is he in?” The young woman nodded her tilted head, towards the closed door. The wide smile, never leaving her face. “Yes he is,” Frada stated flatly. Her mind curious, as she walked away. Wondering as she went, the conditions of the young lady’s employment. And what she too, would be willing to do for the boss.
"Since evil is relentless and re-ocurrying, good must be unyielding, formidable and fearless." Chioma Onwudiwe/2017
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