Jimmy starred at his reflection in the mirror. At 33, he was still looking breathtakingly handsome even in his own eyes. He put on a serious face and knotted his tie perfectly. This was an art he had gained mastery of over the years.
He looked at himself in the mirror and gave a confident smile to the man starring back at him. He was convinced now more than ever that he would ace the interview he was preparing for.
The day was Monday and the morning was beautiful. The sunshine cascaded it's rays through the sky giving it a clear blue color. Jimmy momentarily looked outside and thought aloud, "Today is gonna be a good day. Even the sky agrees with me".
The interview was slated for 9am, but he knew he had to get there earlier than that. He was determined to make a good first impression by being punctual.
Jimmy had graduated top of his class as a petroleum engineer. Afterwards, he had gone abroad to bag a master's degree after which he grew homesick and decided to once again come back to his fatherland.
His father had been a prosperous businessman and his mother a renowned lawyer whose name still opened doors for Jimmy till date. Unfortunately, Mr. And Mrs. Billy Carter had been gruesomely murdered together with their 15 year old daughter, Tracy, by a band of criminals on the night of Jimmy's 27th birthday.
Jimmy had been out clubbing with his friends on the night the incidence occurred and was shocked beyond words when he came back a little past midnight to meet the battered corpses of his family lying on the floor.
It was a gruesome sight and he had sworn never to forgive the prepetrators of such a hideous act.
As usual, the police swarm over the case for the first few weeks like hungry locusts. But with every new case of criminal escapades coming in each day and no leads in solving the 'Billy' case, they soon gave up the case and dismissed it as a simple case of homicide with no known suspects. The murder had been neatly carried out leaving no trace of the criminals.
Jimmy moved out of the neighborhood. It reminded him so much of his parents and his cute adoring baby sister who had been so gruesomely murdered.
He resolved to start a new life elsewhere, devoid of the sadness and emptiness the loss of his family brought to his heart. Here, he was, about 6 years later, living the life he had craved for.
Well, one would say he had succeeded. His past no longer gave him sleepless nights. He was free at last and was finally about to begin a career for himself in his field.
Jimmy smiled for the umpteenth time, took his car keys and shut his door behind him.
Minutes later, he was at The Horizon Oil and Gas Complex where he was ushered in by a nice but plain receptionist to sit and await his interview.
Seconds turned into minutes and finally at exactly 9:30am, the receptionist who went by the name Miss Grace ushered Jimmy into her boss's office.
Jimmy took a deep breath, adjusted his tie, kept a straight and confident face and strode cautiously into the office.
At first, he was stunned. The supposed boss was a woman who didn't even lift up her face to acknowledge Jimmy's presence for the first few seconds. Jimmy wasn't really a fan of the feminist school of thought. He hated women being in positions of power over him. Still, he thought, "I'll beat her and do whatever she does here better than her and become the boss here in no time".
The lady suddenly raised her face up to address Jimmy who momentarily lost his composure. She was attractive in a weird kind of way, Jimmy thought.
"Please sit Mr. ......"
"Jimmy......Jimmy Carter", Jimmy spluttered out.
"Very well then, Mr. Jimmy Carter. I am Ms. Noelle Johnson, the Managing Director of this firm. I will be interviewing you".
Her voice was sweet.
Jimmy immediately felt ashamed of having such thoughts about a lady who was far beyond his league. He was aware that being the M.D. of such a reputable company in a world where men dominated the positions of power was not a small feat.
She must be one tough woman, Jimmy thought.
"A penny for your thoughts?", Ms. Noelle chirped in noticing his slight change in mood and composure on being told she was the one to interview him.
"Do you have a problem with my interviewing you?"
She sat up a moment studying the man before her with steady and stern eyes.
Jimmy immediately came back to himself. No, he couldn't mess up now. This was a day he had prepared for, for a long time.
"I'm sorry ma'am. I guess I'm just trying to take everything in. I didn't fathom I'd be interviewed by a most senior executive as you", Jimmy offered nervously trying to get his composure back.
Ms. Noelle smiled a very enchanting smile. "Make no mistake Mr. Carter. The post you're vying for is a very crucial post in this company. That is why I've been chosen to officiate this meeting today. So, let's get down to business. May I see your CV?".
Her accent was beautiful, one would think she was a linguist, rather than an engineer.
He handed the wad of papers to her and watched her skim through it as she nodded occasionally in approval.
This boosted Jimmy's confidence greatly.
She broke the silence.
"So, Mr. Carter, supposing you're employed to work in this prestigious company, what do you hope to achieve with us? In other words, what assets will you bring to us?"
Jimmy had rehearsed his answer for this particular question prior to the interview. The answer came out smoothly.
"I hope to use my office to pursue the good of this company and I pledge to deliver my very best if I'm employed."
Ms. Noelle smiled that enchanting smile again which threatened to ruin every chance of composure that Jimmy was trying to put up
"Interesting. Any idea on how much you think you should be paid?"
Once again, this answer was rehearsed.
"I trust the company will be able to pay me according to my abilities and how best I render my services in this company."
Ms. Noelle raised an eyebrow, leaned back on her seat and cast a thoughtful look at the man sitting in front of her. Then almost momentarily, she thrust out her slender hand towards him, "Congratulations Mr. Carter. You have impressed me and the job is yours."
Jimmy smiled for the first time since they met and returned the gesture by shaking his new boss's slender hand courteously.
Ms. Noelle was saying, "The receptionist will direct you to the Human Resource Personnel who will in turn usher you into your office and help bring you up to the speed of things in the company. I will be watching you closely and I won't hesitate to replace you if you do not make good use of your stay with us." Her face hardened as she spoke.
"I will not disappoint you ma'am."
"Good. Because you won't like the result."
She flashed him a professional smile and added quickly, "Welcome to Horizon Oil and Gas. Congratulations once again."
Jimmy beamed at her. He couldn't help but like her and that was a dangerous game he was playing. God help me, Jimmy thought. I might as well be signing my death warrant by liking her.
Still sitting, he cast a quick look at Ms. Noelle and the smile had vanished. She was already motioning to him to use the door while she got back to work.
Jimmy nodded shyly and sauntered out of her office.
Minutes later, he had gotten to his new office and given all his necessary data to the HR personnel who had in turn gotten him up to the speed of things in the company as promised.
He had been asked to take the day off and begin work officially the next day.
Jimmy took a long look at his new cubicle. Suddenly, he realized how much responsibility he now had and how much of the company's assets rested on his shoulders
He was now the Marketing Director in the prestigious company and he was aware he had to do his best at his new job.
He slowly slumped into his new seat. It felt so comfy and he momentarily felt relaxed.
Finally, he smiled, work had begun.
