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 159: ‘Or what I hope will be the end of the story.’
‘Or what I hope will be the end of the story.’ Sophie parked and went into the building. AAs she walked from car to door, she looked around and noticed that none of the cars belonging to those from her former department were there. ‘So at least no one is lurking.’
As much as she didn’t want to admit it, the screwdriver incident had her concerned. She made it inside and up to her desk without incident. She started work and began her day. As she had taken so much time on Friday to start things, Sophie found she was already ahead. It made a pleasant change to start he day ahead rather than worrying about being behind.
She was about an hour into her day when her phone rang. Sophie slipped out her ear buds and reached for the phone. “Hello?” she said.
“Sophia,” Elizabeth said. “If you could come up to my office, please I would appreciate it.”
“Okay,” she replied. Sophie hung up and felt butterflies dancing in her belly. Elizabeth sounded tense. Sophie ran through the possibilities as she quickly locked her files away and went upstairs. Her nerves didn’t settle as she took the elevator up. She exited and smiled at the receptionist before veering into her supervisor’s office.
“Good morning,” Sophie said. Elizabeth smiled wanly at her, the smile didn’t come close to her eyes.
“Please have a seat.” Elizabeth said. Sophie sat. She swallowed hard as Elizabeth laced her fingers together and leaned forward. “We have a situation. Kristen, or more accurately her family, has put in several complaints about her termination. We have witnesses and a recording of how things played out. Her family has very good lawyers.” Elzabeth took a deep breath and rubbed her temple.
“I’m being blamed for something?” Sophie asked.
“No one can prove anything as you didn’t actually do anything. However, in the interest of,” Elizabeth shook her head. “Well no one here really, but because corporate needs to look like they are doing something, I have been asked to put you on administrative leave for two to three weeks. You will be paid during that time and the investigation will continue. When it is concluded, you will be brought back as it will appear that all things were considered.”
“Two to three weeks?” Sophie said.
“They anticipate two weeks but if it is not concluded at the end of two weeks then you will be notified of an extension.”
“Right,” Sophie said. “So I am being put on administrative leave because Kristen was fired for not doing her job and stabbing Linda’s car tire with a screwdriver. I see. When does this start and what do I nee to do before hand?” Sophie asked.
“It starts today,” Elizabeth said. “I need to collect the in progress files and see where you are right now with your work load and then I need to send you home.”
Ten til Midnight 