Fear

Chapter 13

My afternoon shift passed easily. I spotted my relief arriving early, presumably attempting to make up her lost time from the day before. I hoped her child was feeling better. I did not get an opportunity to ask because a different person entered my space. He carried himself with great importance.

"Eloisa Hadly?"

"Yes, sir?" I raised my eyes to his face.

"I need to speak to you in my office immediately. Leave your work, your relief will take over."

"Yes, sir." I was surprised, and not a little worried.

Grant winked at me, smiling encouragingly. I gathered my coat and draped it over my arm, following the man as he led me to his office. I dallied at the door long enough for Grant to enter with me.

Your promotion, I think.

Grant was correct. My file lay open on the desk and the man sat down in the large swivelled leather covered seat. He indicated a simple plastic chair opposite. I sat.

"I've just been presented with your file, Eloisa. I'm very surprised you are with us. How long have you been working here now?" He flicked through the documents searching for the dates.

Four months.

"Four months, sir."

"Yes, four months. Impeccable timekeeping, accurate documentation, fine attention to detail, reliable, no sick periods. You are going to be difficult to replace, Eloisa."

"Replace?" My eyes opened wide again in surprise. I began to fear they might pop out permanently if I continued getting surprises.

"With this record and your abilities, you are much too valuable to remain as such a lowly position of clerk, Eloisa. I will have to transfer you to a governmental department. Such a find gives us all a raise in salary, you included. You will, of course, be allocated a new apartment more fitting to your elevated status. I'm certain it will be more to your liking than your present location."

"I'm being promoted?" I gasped incredulously. More eye-popping.

"It's undoubtedly a shock, Eloisa. I will be forwarding your file to the city hall after we end this meeting, but yes, it is a promotion for you. I would expect a request for an interview for your new position to arrive tomorrow. May I be the first to thank you for all your hard work in this department and to wish you a successful career in government." He stood and offered his hand to shake, his face breaking into a beaming grin. I took his hand and shook it, while Grant growled possessively behind me. "You may leave any time you wish, Eloisa. Your relief has been summoned early and has already taken your place. There will be no need to return here again." He released my hand and closed my file. I was dismissed. I rose and opened the door to leave. All heads swivelled in my direction as I walked to the main door, curious to see if I were upset. I held my head high and proud, my smile as genuine as it had been when I had arrived in the morning. I was free. Grant took my hand in his, Luke, Matt and John surrounding us as before.

The news of your promotion may flush out those who harbour malice toward you. This could be interesting.

- Interesting?

Entertaining, then. Matt, Luke and John may find the action they crave.

"There will be violence?" I was surprised enough that I spoke the words aloud.

I heard Luke laugh. He turned and flashed a grin at me. It was clear he relished the possibility. He muttered something.

Luke hopes so. Grant interpreted.

I shuddered. - Surely violence is not necessary? I had given no cause for anyone to fight over me.

There may be people who may object to your promotion, for reasons of their own, particularly into a governmental department. They would not wish for you to discover anything and expose them.

- Enough to kill me?

Grant's thumb rubbed my knuckles. He seemed to do that whenever he thought I needed comfort.

Possibly. Someone has gone to great trouble to kidnap you, remove your early memories and keep you poor. We don't know their motive.

- When we move, do I take anything with me?

We will travel light, sholry. Take nothing that you cannot carry easily. Why do you ask?

- It seems to me that the only person not benefiting by my 'promotion' is the young girl, my relief. She gets extra work instead. Could I not give her what I do not need?

Grant smiled down at me. I felt his hand tighten around mine. You have a generous nature, sholry. It shall be arranged.