Operation Overwrite: Part 4
David loved this showmanship, this false modesty of his, which was an act, or rather the term he preferred, performance.
Image Source
“Seriously though, all the applause belongs to you,” he said while opening his arms in a sweeping gesture towards the crowd.
“On my way in I thought, ‘What can I do for these loyal hard working dedicated experts?’ And it hit me, what better than an all expense paid vacation?
“But then come on, they won't believe me,” Dwight continued as if talking to himself out loud.
The audience’s attention had been captivated, of course there was no real plan for a full staff vacation, he just needed to get them listening.
“But seriously, we’re running a business here and that idea would bankrupt us and you’d all lose your jobs, so really I’m doing you a favor.”
“Instead, I decided that at least one of you will get a dream getaway. And who better to give it to than the recently announced local hometown hero and good Samaritan?
“It is someone we should all look up to and aspire to be more like, ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. Andrew Manning!”
“Mr. Manning come on up here, don’t be shy now Andrew,” David added, almost as a command.
Andrew’s jaw gaped at the sound of his name.
It was not because of the aforementioned prize, but because somehow the news that he had just received was already known to his company’s CEO.
Juan patted him on the back and prodded him, “Well get up there.”
Andrew staggered across the people in his row as the rest of his co-workers continued their approving applause.
Once Andrew reached the front David gripped his hand in a hearty congratulatory handshake and smacked him on the back in a cheerful half hug-like way.
“Well Andrew, how about a few words,” David spoke into the mic as he gave Andrew a knowing wink.
Well, thought Andrew, I might as well play along until I can figure out what’s going on here.
“Thank you for your warm applause,” Andrew started.
“As you all know I’ve been with YOU NEED THIS for a little over three years and must say thanks to all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. I have had the honor of working beside you all and now I have the surprised pleasure of accepting this recognition on behalf of all the outstanding work you all help me do here in this office.”
The words dripped off this tongue with little thought (which mildly sent a strange twinge to his consciousness).
At that he stepped aside and handed the microphone back over to Mr. Dwight.
“Andrew, do us the honor and cut the cake! I am sure everyone would love to celebrate with you,” David excitedly directed him.
After the initial few pieces were cut and passed out, David took the knife from Andrew and gave it to another employee and scooped up two plates with slices of the cake already on them.
He also grabbed two plastic forks and commanded Andrew to follow him out the side door and into an adjoining private office.
Image Source
“That was one hell of a speech, son,” David said praising Andrew.
“And here is your next one,” he said as he passed a folded paper over into Andrew’s occupied hands.
Andrew clumsily grasped at the paper while still holding the plastic fork and began unfolding the paper.
He asked with a mouth half-full of cake, “For what sir?”
“It is your speech for the Police Ball of course,” David quipped. “Didn’t you get the notice kid, you’re a hometown hero, a vigilante, a leader of the people, you know a regular Moses.”
Andrew gave a confused look and was about to say something when David went on in a harsher tone drawing close to Andrew’s face, “Did you forget what business you’re in son? Did you forget our company aims and your training? You’re up for active duty and your new suits are waiting for you out in your limo escort. See that you remember by tomorrow night. I will be at the Ball,” David finished and headed back into the other room to finish the training session.
Andrew reluctantly went out to the waiting limousine and meekly shook his head.
“There must be some mistake,” he muttered to himself in a nearly inaudible whisper.
As soon as he got inside his place, Andrew took out his black Samsung Galaxy cell phone and punched up Juan’s number and anxiously waited for him to pick up on his end.
“Bueno,” Juan’s familiar cultural greeting burst over the wireless network.
“Juan,” Andrew asked calmly, “What do you know about all this hype and everything?”
“Didn’tcha get the email I forwarded ya?” Juan inquired.
“Not any about me,” Andrew contemplated, “just about having that meeting this afternoon.”
“Well it was all there,” Juan continued, “meeting at 1:15 with the distinct pleasure of Mr. Dwight yada yada honoring Mr. Andrew Manning with highest praise for something something and heroic community service.”
“About that,” Andrew cut in, “what is it they say I’ve done Juan? I got a letter from the TPD asking me to attend a banquet or something and that I was going to have to make a speech.”
“Sounds like you missed the news this morning on your way to work,” Juan replied. “There was a radio broadcast about your modesty and good deeds.”
“Seems like I’m being set up,” Andrew frowned, “Mr. Dwight had passed me a speech I am supposed to give too.”
“Hey this stuff happens,” Juan broke in, “I’ve seen it at least four of five times since I’ve started at YNT. Nothing bad ever happens. I was friends once with a lady who ended up being transferred to L.A. with all expenses paid. She received a raise up to $200,000 annually to boot,” Juan exclaimed excitedly.
“What about the others?” Andrew asked in desperate earnesty. “Did you hear how they made out in the end?”
“Relax,” Juan suggested, “I was not so close to the others, but I’m here for you man. Just keep me posted of what’s up and I’ll keep your concerns in mind. Let me know if I can help.”
“Well thanks Juan. That’s great, but I am still concerned why I don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
“You know the company man and our operations. This is just how they go about things. I would soak it up if I were you and milk it for all it’s worth, besides since when has a few days of luxury ever gotten anyone killed. Think about it, you get paid to play.”
“Thanks Juan, I appreciate you helping me put things into perspective. Catch ya later man.”
“Yeah, you too bro,” Juan concluded and toggled off his cell phone.
Andrew stared blankly at his television set for a few minutes before he reached for the remote and powered it on.
Please check out my other recent fiction:
P.S. Get $500 to spend how you want where you want on whatever you want when you use my link now to refinance your student loans with Credible.
However, this is a Limited time offer and you need to start the refinancing process between now and 2/15/17 to be eligible for $500 reward.
This post has been ranked within the top 80 most undervalued posts in the second half of Jan 29. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $5.52 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.
See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Jan 29 - Part II. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.
If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.
Thank you for posting @strangerarray. In a word....gripping.
Well written. Well done.
Much thanks!
Very good [email protected]