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 181: Sean nodded.
Sean nodded. “I can say it wasn’t anyone’s intent to embarrass you. Or that anyone thought you were guilty of anything. It was documented that many of the claims Kristen made were false. She claimed you were somewhere when we could clearly see you were not. The corporate lawyers decided on the move simply to make a clear statement of impartiality.”
“I can see that,” Sophie said nodding.
“But it doesn’t make the sting less?”
“Not really.”
“Well perhaps this would help. You are on the lowest pay level of your category and I have been authorized to bump you up a level. You will still be in the same category, just at a slightly higher pay grade. Even though it is to make up for the embarrassment, your work has clearly earned it. And it will put you at a higher rate of pay for when promotions and raises are evaluated after the fourth quarter. And I believe that the drama should be over. Kristen has been not only fired, but as she was caught damaging the property, she should not be a problem.”
“So I don’t have to worry about he slashing y tires or setting my car on fire?” Sophie asked.
Sean winced. “I really hope not. Because of the incident her claims against the company with regards to termination have been withdrawn and I believe Donald Evers has withdrawn his claim a well. I am pretty sure he will be too busy with his divorce to worry about the office. While there is always the possibility someone might go mad, I believe that we are finished with the craziness.”
Sophie nodded. She really didn’t want to upend her work life and would be more than happy to just leave things as they were. ‘And with the pay raise it would be the same pay ass the other offer,’ Sophie thought.
“Just out of curiosity,” Sophie couldn’t resist asking. “Is this just because I am the only one working with the new databases?”
Sean smiled. “You mean would we fire you if we had someone ready and waiting to take over your work?”
Sophie nodded. “It was something that occurred to me.”
“Understandable however if we did fire you then we would be guilty of wrongful termination. You ae a hard and competent worker who is valued by the company. We also happen to need you with the databases.”
“Honest I suppose,” Sophie said.
“I do my best. So will you remain here or will you be leaving us?” he asked.
“If things are calming down then I would be happy to stay,” Sophie replied. Sean looked relieved.
“I’ll send the paperwork through,” he said. “I’m guessing once accounts see the increased pay they will stop thinking of it as a disciplinary act so the embarrassment should fade as well.”
“Thanks.” Sophie replied. She stood up.
Ten til Midnight 