Inevitable

The Manager

"Ugh, why do I have to wake up so early." I said scooting out of my bed. My back was killing me from my old dusty bed. I already know why we have to come in so early, the boss wants to tell us that Nicolas Gunn is receiving a promotion. The promotion that I should have received years before, is given to that high class millionaire. I guess my problem is getting to work on time. Who wouldn't have issues getting up and ready at nine? Well today would be worse.

I dragged my self to the closet and grabbed a clean shirt hanging up. I changed, then headed down stairs and out the door to my bright orange 1975 Volvo 164. It was my baby. I kept that thing waxed twice a week. Now there was a huge green scratch mark from the fender bender last weekend. I jumped in and headed to the nearest gas station which was The Shell. Running a little behind, I went in and bought a couple sandwiches, a coffee, and some chewing gum. Then I was on my way to the law firm.

I pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of my car locking it as I walked away. Taking a deep breath I opened the door to the building and headed to my office. I passed Debbie on my way in and gave her a smug look. Nicolas must have heard me come in cause he stepped out of his office and gave me a huge smile saying, "Good morning!"

"I hate mornings," I bellowed as I removed his jacket coat. "Sorry I'm late I had to grab something to satisfy my hunger." I'm naturally not a grumpy man, I just pretend to be so people leave me alone. I like my alone time and not only that I work better when I'm by myself.

The man in charge was obviously waiting for us all to arrive to share the news about Mr. Gunn. Nicolas already knew he was going to receive the promotion, there was no keeping it a secret. Yes, I was upset, but who wouldn't.

"Congrats Nicolas." I mumbled as the boss gave the news.

"Yeah, great job." uttered Debbie.

Debbie was about as upset as me about the promotion. She was jealous of Nicolas because of all the fancy things he has.

"Well, let's just get back to work and get all we need to done." Said Mr. Gunn.

"Sounds good." I replied with a mouth full of egg and cheese muffin.

"You have an appointment with Sam Duncan today at noon. Isabelle Harris, a teacher from State View High, is coming to speak with you today also." Said Mrs. Flowers.

When Nicolas left the room I walked over to Debbie.

"So another promotion." I said with a smirk on my face. "It's always him."

"Don't be so rude." stuttered Debbie.

"You know it's true, he gets everything handed to him. Don't you wish you had just a taste of his life?" I said pulling some of her strings.

"Well... Um... Yes, I do. You know how I feel about this whole thing. He has the house, the car, the job, everything. Look at me I'm just a lonely bookkeeper who lives with ten cats.

I stared at her pretty green eyes and thought about how much happier I am, when I am with her.

"Don't beat yourself up like that Debbie, things are going to change around here, and for the better..."

"Sorry for interrupting, but what did you mean by things are going to change around here for the better?" Detective Chevalier asked.

"Oh, well I was planning on proposing to Debbie next week, and give her the life she deserved." I said clearing my throat. "I told you I only pretend to be a grumpy old man so I can be left alone. I'm not a killer."

"I didn't say you were Mr. Brunson." said the detective motioning me to continue.

As I was saying I told her that things would be different. At the time though she had no idea what I was talking about, but she would. When I returned back to my office to get some work done, and when I say work I meant play solitaire, Mayor Duncan flung the door to the law firm open and made his way to Mr. Gunn's office. Debbie followed behind not trying to stop him as he entered Nicolas's office.