The Fifteen Minute Novel is an attempt to take a single prompt and use the last sentence written each day as a start for the next day. This year I had several prompts circling around a similar story, so I have combined them. However, the story starts the same way each day, with the last line from the day before and a timer set for fifteen minutes. The hope is to end up with a complete, if very rough draft by the end of the year. Some stories are better than others, but I always learn a whole lot about my own writing when I do this so for me it is not only a nice way to work out a story, but it is a tool for helping my writing get better. And so, we continue this story for 2024 with…
Day 153: “Of course,” Kristen said. “Who else would it be? Seriously, you really are dim.”
“Of course,” Kristen said. “Who else would it be? Seriously, you really are dim.” Sophie listened as Kristen bragged about the destruction she caused. Behind her, Sophie could see Linda had taken out her cell phone and was recording the scene. ‘Apparently she doesn’t trust the security system either.’ Dimly Sophie wondered if the cell phone recording would be submitted to the insurance company for renumeration. She suspected the tire would have to be replaced rather than repaired.
“I believe that is enough,” Sean said finally. Kristen’s eyes went wide and she spun around, finally noticing she had an audience of more than one.
Kristen blinked. “But she,” Kristen started pointing at Sophie. “It’s so unfair. I am the one who deserved a promotion and somehow she got it and I got fired.” She didn’t quite stomp her foot, but Sophie thought it was a close call. “I deserve it after everything I have done.”
“And what have you done,” Sean asked, he kept his tone politely curious.
“I took up the slack for Don whenever he was sneaking around with one of his girlfriends.” Kristen said. “I made sure everything got done. Why do you think I told Carrie and Don to give their work to Sophia? It wouldn’t have gotten done if I hadn’t arranged that. I am the one that keeps the department running. I don’t know how you couldn’t see that.”
“And that is why you put a screwdriver in the tire?” Sean asked. “Because Sophia got the promotion instead of you?”
“Of course,” Kristen said. “Actions have consequences you know.”
“I certainly do,” Sean said. “Perhaps you would like to come inside and we will discuss consequences?”
Kristen smirked and followed Sean back into the building. Security went with them and Sophie was left with Elizabeth and Linda.
“I called a tow truck,” Linda said. “I’m guessing the recording will be enough to let the insurance know who did it.”
“We also have the security footage which will probably show her actually puncturing the tire,” Elizabeth said.
“Do you think she really thought this would get her a promotion?” Sophie couldn’t help asking as they waited for the tow truck.
“Who knows,” Linda said.
“Kristen is accustomed to getting her own way,” Elizabeth said. “Her family is rather wealthy and well placed. She was …indulged. It was one of the reasons we had to make certain everything was well documented. We didn’t want her family trying to claim it was our fault for discrimination.”
“I take it she ha done that before?” Linda asked.
Elizabeth nodded. “At a previous company. It was hoped this would be a better fit.”
“Clearly not,” Sophie said.
The tow truck rumbled in and Linda spoke to the driver. The three of them backed away as the car was loaded.
“Do you need a ride home?” Sophie asked.
“No, actually that’s my husband pulling in now,” she said indicating a car turning into the lot.
Ten til Midnight 