The Shadow Network

Chapter 1: Identity Crisis

Jack is having a rough day at work. His boss has been working him hard all week, and he's starting to doubt himself. But when he gets a call from HR, his day goes from bad to worse.

"Jack, there's a problem with your paycheck," the HR rep says. "It seems that your identity has been stolen. You need to come down here immediately."

Jack rushes to HR, where he learns that someone has been using his identity to open credit cards and rack up thousands of dollars in debt.

Jack: "I don't understand. How could this have happened?"

HR Rep: "We don't know, Jack. But we need you to contact the police and the credit bureaus right away."

The HR Rep looks at him then says "And I'm afraid we're going to have to let you go. We can't have someone working here with a stolen identity. It's a security risk."

Jack: "Let me go? What? Why?"

HR Rep: "I'm sorry, Jack. It's company policy."

Jack can't believe that his identity has been stolen. And now he's been fired from his job? How could this be happening?

HR Rep: "Jack, we appreciate your hard work and dedication to this company, but this is a serious security issue. We need to protect ourselves, and we need to protect our customers. We can't have someone with a compromised identity working here."

Jack: "I don't believe this. I'm a good employee. I've never done anything wrong"

HR Rep: "I know this is hard, Jack. But we have to follow the company procedures. Please gather your things and leave the building. We'll mail you your final paycheck."

Jack: "Fine"

Jack leaves the HR's office and heads to his working space. Jack enters the office, his head down. He's trying to avoid eye contact with his colleagues, but it's no use. He can feel their eyes on him, their whispers about his identity theft and firing. He feels like a target, a walking disaster.

He makes his way to his desk, feeling the stares of his co-workers burning into his back. He begins packing up his things, moving quickly and methodically.

Co-worker 2: "Jack, is everything okay?" She asks as Jack is packing his belongings

Jack: "Yeah, everything's just peachy, Katie." His voice is dripping with sarcasm.

Katie: "I heard about what happened earlier. That really sucks."

Jack: "News really travels fast around here. But what can I do?" He forces a weak smile.

Katie: "Don't mind, it will be over soon"

"I hope so" Jack mutters

As he finishes packing up his things, he notices his phone vibrating with a text message. He ignores it and continues on his way to the exit. As he passes by his supervisor's office, he sees her standing in the doorway, watching him.

Supervisor: "Jack, I'm sorry about all this. If there's anything I can do..."

Jack: "I hope there's really something you guys can do, Becky"

Jack's supervisor looks at him with concern in her eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?" Becky said

Jack: "Didn't you hear the news?"

He continues walking, not wanting to engage in small talk. He just wants to get out of the building as quickly as possible. As he reaches the exit, he turns and looks back at the office one last time. He thinks about all the hours he's spent there, all the relationships he's formed.

Then he turns and walks out, closing the door behind him. He's on his own now, and he has no idea what to do next. Outside the office building, he takes a deep breath, trying to clear his head. But it's no use. His mind is still racing, still trying to make sense of what's happened. He starts to walk home, his steps heavy and slow.