Before the Horns - A Bob Velseb Story

Chapter 17

Charlie strode down the red carpeted floor, through one of the many grand hallways. She had her red hood pulled over her face, and her hands were clammy as they held the front of the hood closed. How was she supposed to tell Carter? She had a deadline coming up, and no results to present other than that Bob had said no to her passive invite. 

Charlie stepped into Mr. Carter's office, only to be met by Carter standing beside his desk chair. Seated in the plush chair was Mr. Evermore, both mayor of the town and a high leader. Now Charlie knew she was in trouble.

Mr. Evermore motioned to the chair in front of the desk. "Charlie! Please, do sit," he offered, though it was more of a command.

Charlie obeyed.

It was terrifying to be called in by one leader, but to be under the presence of two at once was bone chilling. Not many made it out to tell what had happened. It only could mean the best of the best or the worst of the worst.

"So!" Evermore began enthusiastically, "Carter here has told me a lot about you. Said you were one of his best recruiters, and by golly I do believe him. I wouldn't have assigned you this particular recruitment if I didn't after all. I assume you understand the importance of this recruitment, Ms. Charlie. Now tell me, what have you got?"

Charlie ran her hand over the thick fabric of her hood, hands trembling. "Well sir, here's the information on him I've gathered," she stammered, placing her phone on the desk with her notes open.

Mr. Evermore scanned through the bullets she'd typed up for him. Pleased, he set the phone back down. "Impressive," he complimented, "You truly are a practiced recruiter. Other than this, what else have you gathered? Have you convinced him yet?" He seemed very excited to hear Charlie talk about her progress.

Charlie hid her quaking hands in her lap and replied, "Well Bob-"

"You two are on a first name basis?" Mr. Carter asked with a tone Charlie couldn't read.

"Yes sir, he insisted I do so. I tried to address him as Mr. Velseb, but his reaction to my using his last name or even the title 'Mr.' was negative. I started using his first name as asked because using his last made me worry it may jeopardize trust and therefore the recruitment." Charlie explained, hoping she hadn't messed up.

Mr. Evermore grinned. "We couldn't have hoped for any better!" he exclaimed. "So I assume any advances and recruitment attempts have gone well?"

"Well, I only just got my first chance to ask today. The process has been difficult despite his agreeability. I apologize sir, I should have been trying to speed along the process." Charlie uttered shamefully.

"Time is no matter," Mr. Evermore reassured, "All that's important is how the first request went. You understand the priority of 'yes' over timeliness."

"That's the problem sir," Charlie warned, "He didn't agree to the recruitment. I understand how key it is that we recruit the butcher, I've seen it for myself. I've done everything I can to be friendly with him so he'd agree in the end, but my attempts were fruitless." Charlie found herself fiddling with the hood, terrified of what was to come.

Mr. Carter was looking down at the mayor, worriedly. Evermore's face was creased deeply, lost in thought. His hands were folded into a pyramid with his fingertips against his lips as he assessed the problem. The atmosphere was thick enough to cut with a knife. Both Mr. Carter and Charlie both were afraid of what the grey haired leader may decide.

When he finally returned to the room from his thoughts, Mr. Evermore peered over at Charlie. It was menacing, but thankfully not in ill intent. "Charlie, let me ask you this. How do you approach Velseb every day?" 

"I try to be friendly. Bob is very social and picks up well on social cues. I fear if I'm not he'll have a harder time speaking freely with me." she informed.

Evermore went back to his deep thought expression, once again contemplating how to approach the situation at hand. After a few minutes of silence, he exited his trance and returned to Carter and Charlie. "Suggest it again. Don't be unkind, but insist this time. We will ready further measures if he continues to refuse our kind offer."

Charlie nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She wanted to ask what they'd do, but knew better than that. Asking questions was what dead men did. While she knew it was necessary to progress, Charlie couldn't help but worry a little. Sure her manager was an obstacle that was a pain attempting to surpass, but she'd developed a soft spot for the guy. It was unprofessional and out right dangerous, but she couldn't help it. Bob had such a warm personality. Seeing that wiped away would be a shame. Either way however, there was no way around extended measures if he continued to refuse compliance.

"Do you have any suggestions to get him to comply before we need to extend our efforts? I know I've taken long enough and I don't want to waste resources on one recruit." Charlie asked.

"First of all, you-" Evermore started, but was cut off by a young girl entering the room.

Lila stood in the doorway, wearing a nightgown decorated with cats. She had a large stuffed rabbit clutched in her hand dragging behind her as well. Sleepily, she rubbed her eyes and asked, "Daddy, why's Ms. Charlie here?"

Mr. Carter went to go scoop up his daughter. "What did I say about coming into my office when I have friends over dear?" he lectured.

Lila ignored her father and looked over at Mr. Evermore and Charlie. "Why's Mr. Mayor in your chair?" 

"His legs were tired, I let him sit. You need to be in bed little miss," her father sighed, beginning to take her away.

"She can stay," Mr. Evermore interrupted, "Lila's no burden."

Carter nodded, bringing the young girl back to the desk. She squirmed out of her father's hold, and clamored up into Charlie's lap. "What's your name today Ms. Charlie?" she asked.

Charlie smiled and replied, "My name's Sarah today."

"Mr. Bob calls you Sarah," Lila remarked, "Is that your name for him? Like how Mr. Ralph called you Jess an how Mrs. Tanner called you Alice?"

Sarah nodded. "That's right. So you can call me Sarah until Bob joins the game, ok?"

Lila nodded with a smile, turning her attention to the mayor who commented, "That's a good girl. See Carter, I tell you, she'll be a great member someday."

Carter nodded in agreement, smiling proudly at his daughter.

Evermore continued, "Well, back to business. Charlie, you have until tomorrow to gain Velseb's compliance or we take extra measures. You understand."

Charlie nodded. "And are there any ways to get his compliance sooner?" she asked.

"Insist. And if that doesn't work, beg. If that doesn't work, we will just use extended measures," Mr. Evermore instructed.

"How should I avoid suspicion from John? He's presenting problems for the plan." Charlie inquired.

"I suggest avoidance or intimidation tactics, but if that goes south you may deal with him as needed. I don't want anyone getting in the way of my butcher," the mayor explained.

Charlie nodded obediently. "I'll get results," she insisted, "You can count on me sir."

"Good," Mr. Evermore answered, "I advise you do swiftly."

"Yes sir, I won't let you down," Charlie promised.

"You're dismissed," Mr. Evermore informed her, turning to Carter to discuss the events of their meeting.

Charlie did as commanded, and left the building. She really needed to hurry this up before things got ugly. Soft spot or not, Charlie was going to get results. It was imperative. She stepped down the expensive staircase of Mr. Carters grand entryway. The chill outside was enough to make her pull hood on tighter, and it sent shivers throughout her whole body. She began planning how she'd ask Bob again tomorrow, ensuring her tone was more pressing this time. 

Bob didn't have a choice this time. Charlie would make sure that he said yes, whether extended measures were needed or not.