News With The Neverseen

Episode 33

Gisela's POV

"What did you tell Fintan?" I was innocently sitting in my cubicle when I was accosted by Umber.

I looked up at her, puzzled. "Uh, what?"

"You know what I'm talking about, so don't play dumb. Now, you're going to suffer the consequences of your actions. You should've known that I don't make empty threats. I always carry out my punishments."

Umber began to storm off, but I grabbed her arm. "What are you talking about? I didn't tell Fintan anything about you!" "Well, how else would he have found out that I was the one you were working for? I didn't leave any hints!"

"Hints about what? What's going on?"

"You definitely told him. If I were you, I'd watch my back." Umber yanked her arm free and stormed off.

+++

I took a deep breath and knocked on Fintan's office door. It opened almost immediately.

"Umber, I told you–" Fintan began, but stopped when he saw me. "Gisela? What are you doing here?"

"What happened to Umber?" I asked, letting myself in.

"Turns out she was the person who was sending threats to Gethen. She'll be gone by the end of the week."

I tried to look surprised. "Really?"

"Unfortunately, yes. However, this raises a question I wanted to ask you, Gisela. How did you not recognise her? She was your former employer, after all. I'm sure that if you knew who she was, you'd tell me right away, so I'm stumped."

I didn't have to fake my shock this time. How had I not prepared for this question?

"I don't know," I said, lying through my teeth. "She made a good disguise."

"How so?" Fintan asked.

I was on the verge of screaming and running off, but I calmly answered his question. "Um, I guess her hair was... shorter and a different color. Maybe she was wearing more makeup? I'm not sure."

Fintan smiled. "I guess you weren't on guard. It helps me to know that you were as clueless as the rest of us. Makes me feel a little less slow-witted."

"Great," I flashed him a smile that surely looked as fake as it felt. "I have to get back to work now. Enjoy your day!"

"Wait!" Fintan called.

I turned around "What?"

"I need someone to take Umber's job." Fintan said quickly. "I think you can handle it. I don't have the energy to hire someone new again."

I nodded. "Understandable. What do you need me to do?"

"Well, I need to discuss that with Gethen first. I'll let you know by the end of the week."

+++

A week passed in no time, and I found myself back in Fintan's office. The only difference was that Gethen was at Fintan's side. I felt my pulse speeding up.

"Thanks for coming, Gisela," Fintan addressed me, "and thank you for accepting the extra work. There are few employees that I trust as much as you, despite all that's happened."

I gulped. "Thank you."

"Gethen and I talked and decided that we'd give you the job of a receptionist. Of course, there will be a pay increase."

I nodded. "I'll do my best."

+++

"Gethen!" I yelled down the hall. "There's a mega-fan on the line for you!"

"Coming!" Gethen called from inside his office.

"Where is he?" The mega-fan demanded over the phone.

"He's coming. He's very busy today." I answered shortly. "In fact, I think I need to put you on hold."

"Don't you—"

I clicked the phone off.

"Gisela?" Gethen popped out of his office. "You didn't hang up, did you? They're one of the few fans I have left after all the scandals."

"Don't worry, Gethen," I told him. "We'll clear your name."

"I hope so," Gethen sighed. "All my fans have moved over to Alvar." He spat out the name like it tasted sour.

"Alvar's your friend," I reminded Gethen. "Don't let fans get in the way of real life relationships."

Gethen groaned. "You sound like Fintan."