The Runner

1. The Day Before

Another normal day at the office. Why I had to go in was always a mystery to me, it's not like I had to oversee everything. I have employees to do that for me.

Me being Rita Underwood. A 25 year old business manager with a heart of stone and a PhD in Management. Funny, a business based on finding people their soulmates is managed by a woman with a heart of stone. I never thought I had a heart of stone but after a whole 25 years of being single, that was to be expected. At my age, people are falling in love but nope! Not me!

"Ma'am! You're finally in!" My assistant said happily. Her brown hair bobbed lightly on her shoulders as she re-adjusted the many folders she was carrying in her arms. "I am indeed Lauren! Are those folders for me?" I questioned, hoping silently that they weren't due to the fact there we're 7. But alas, my managing duties reeled me in once again "Yep!" she exclaimed happily. "2 from Edwin, 3 from Quinn and 2 from the board of finance." She told me. "Leave them on my desk Lauren, I'll sort them." I sighed running my hands through my blond hair. Lauren nodded, set down the files where instructed and walked out, probably going to get me a cup of coffee as she does every morning.

I grabbed the folder off the top of the pile and began reading it. I could tell instantly it was Quinn's due to the conjoined lettering and the italic-like slant. As I was skim reading through the files, Edwin rushed in, "Chris needs an emergency meeting!" He shouted urgently. Something was up and it was too early to find out what. I picked up a pen and my notepad and began rushing down to where everyone else was heading, Edwin in tow and Lauren catching up yet not too far behind.

When we entered the meeting room we found a very distressed looking Chris at the front with his normal glare and frown only this time, it wasn't just his resting bitch face. He was actually mad. I sat down near Chris and everyone else also took their seats.

The seating plan went like this, Chris was sat head of the table due to the fact that he called the meeting, then we went down in ranks towards the bottom. I was sat on his left side and on his right was Lauren, due to her status as my "second in command" if you will. Next to me was Edwin, the head of design and updates and next to him was his second in command, John. Next to Lauren was Quinn. Quinn was in charge of texts, emails or however we needed to get in contact with someone. He also essentially served as the secretary sometimes. Next to him was Alfie. At the bottom end of the table was Minka, head of telecommunications and customer service.

I tuned out the meeting knowing full well Edwin, Quinn and Lauren would be listening so they could tell me. I just ran through my head the information from Edwin's folder, making sure it was properly retained in my memory.

Once the meeting had finished i caught a few words from the many conversations going n from the people who just attended said meeting "...fired....manager.............finance?...." I knew it wasn't me that was going to be fired, besides, no one can fire me. Im the highest rank.

"Time to go home i think" I muttered as I gathered my folders, paperwork and laptop. Knowing i wont be doing work at home anyway.

I drove home in my blue Honda Civic and once i had got inside and locked the car, I made a beeline for my bed. Falling face first onto it and allowing sleep to take over me.