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 46: The smile was pleasant, but there was something mocking underneath.
The smile was pleasant, but there was something mocking underneath. James sipped his coffee and said nothing. Carson lifted his mug to his lips but didn’t drink. While Carson didn’t like that James stepped out on his own. Apparently there wasn’t much he could actually complain about with the car. Realizing this, he let it go, content with his small victory about the apartment. He lowered the coffee cup.
“The job has been arranged,” Carson told him. You will report on Monday, eight am to Drogal Industries. They needed an accountant. You fit the bill. Your supervisor is Kevin Harkness.” Carson took a folded piece of paper out of his suit and held it out to James. James put his coffee cup down on the table and took the paper from him. He unfolded it and saw Drogan Industries and an address. He assumed it was where he was going to show up on Monday Morning.
“So I just appear as their new accountant,” James said as he placed the address on the table. “Poof like a wish from a genie. If you asked a genie for an accountant. Personally, that isn’t what I would ask for.”
Carson smiled. His irritation was tucked away and he was all friendly good natured cheer again. James knew he needed to remember how quickly the expressions could change.
“”Not exactly,” Carson said. “You are sent by Anderson Staffing as a temp to permanent hire. You are there on a temporary basis and if they like you they can offer you a more permanent job.”
“Anderson Staffing?”
Carson pulled out a business card. “Carson Johnson, Anderson Staffing,” James read. “Does the company even exist?”
“We have a website and e-mail address, even a phone,” Carson said. “But no, not really. We only work when we need to place people. If anyone has issues with you, they can contact me. You aren’t anticipating causing trouble?
“Not really, just curious,” James said. “So what is the dress code at Drogal Industries?”
“Ah, that I have in my car if you will come with me.” Carson sat his coffee cup down, the coffee mostly untouched and stood up. James did the same and picked up his keys as Carson headed towards the door. He opened the door and stepping outside he found that the parking lot was just as empty as it had been the day before. Having seen it mostly full in the evening, it worried him less today.
‘Or maybe the fact that on Monday I will be heading out myself is what makes it feel less abandoned.’ He thought. He and Carson descended the exterior stairs and went into the parking lot. James was somehow not surprised to find that his agent parked next to the Studebaker. As one of the few cars in the lot it stood out and had certainly not been there the day before. James wondered if Carson gave the car a good look over before coming up to the apartment and decided that it was probably. He fought back a frown.
‘It’s his job,’ James reminded himself.
Ten til Midnight 