The Fifteen Minute Novel is a novel written fifteen minutes at a time with each week day’s section starting with the sentence from the previous day. At least it is attempting to be a novel. For now I am just aiming at one continuous story, worked on for fifteen minutes each day. Started Friday January 1st, 2021 (in case you want to search for the beginning. I can’t wait to see where it ends up. It could be good, or it could be a mess. We’ll have to see. For now, here is today’s fifteen minutes.
Day 18: “Yes, there were complications,” Carson admitted.
“Yes, there were complications,” Carson admitted.
“Complications?” James asked. He was beginning to feel like a parrot as he repeated Carson’s words.
Carson sighed. “There was some evidence that the packing was observed, and the agents in charge are making certain your belongings take a more circuitous route instead of being shipped straight out.”
“I see,” James said. “Should I be worried?” The cinnamon roll in his belly threatened to morph into a stone.
“No,” Carson said quickly. “You are safe and everything is secure. It is just very important that you not contact anyone from your previous life.”
“Okay,” James replied. Given the way he severed his ties, he wasn’t planning to go back anytime soon. “Is that all?”
Carson frowned. “Not exactly. There have been some issues with your family.”
James stared at Carson uncertain if he wanted to know. When it was clear he was leaving for good, he made his last goodbyes. While he tried for a good parting, restraining himself to fondness and good wishes, some bitterness remained on all sides. Having the family wish to contact him so soon after he left could only mean something happened. Something terrible. Perhaps that was why Carson seemed so nervous. Thoughts of hospitals, emergency rooms flitted through his mind. Who had been injured? Was someone dead? His fingers twitched but his cell phone was still in Carson’s hands. He leaned forward but resisted the urge to snatch it from his hands.
“Apparently, they are having trouble replacing you. You were an integral part of the company system.”
“The company system,” James said. Thoughts of hospitals faded and his internal panic eased. No one was injured. No one was dying. It was just business.
Carson looked surprised. “I know it is your family firm.”
“Was my family firm,” James said. He felt cold inside. Numb. “My shares were sold back to the family when I left and I am no longer a part of it.”
“I know you must have some concern for your family as they face this crisis. I just want you to know that we could get them a message if you would like, but you are not to contact them on your own. I looked into the company and saw that you have a habit of bailing them out when crisis strikes. I just don’t want you to feel desperate if you see something on the news. We can get assistance to them without you breaking cover.”
“Ah,” James said, seeing Carson’s reason for concern. “And you believe I would risk myself and your case to bail them out once again. “
“It would be keeping in character.”
“It would, however I decided to stop bailing them out when I discovered that during my marriage both of my step brothers were sleeping with my wife. I won’t be running home to help them out.”
Carson blinked as he processed the news. “I see,” he said slowly. “While that must have been …awful. I have to say I am relieved not to worry on that account. There is however the matter of your ex-wife.”
“Faith? I don’t see why she is a concern. At the end of our marriage she was given a single lump sum and no alimony. We severed all ties and connections, divided all the assets.”
“A call came in this morning. There seems to be some concern about someone named Rupert,” Carson explained.
Ten til Midnight 