All of the keys went to every room. All except for his office. After a week of working the company and making changes, such as giving a few people raises and directing people to work longer hours, she wanted to check in with the main boss. She had talked to everyone about how to reach him, but none were of any help. It was as if that interview and being in that room were a one time thing.
Another week had passed, and for whatever reason, she still had no idea where his office was and had tried every single key. There were no more keys that would fit into his door and it was as if his office completely disappeared from the premises. When she asked around for the boss or even mentioned about the man who had hired her, it was as if they had no clue what she was talking about.
There was a hush and a quietness in the hallways. People were looking at her obscurely and slightly puzzled with unexpressive tones. Finally, someone went up to her and told her that the boss wanted to see her before Friday, at 2:00 p.m on Thursday. She reluctantly agreed, with curiosity and wonder going through her mind as to what- how, and why it took so long.
That day came rather quickly. Outside again, just as the day she was hired, the forecast was foggy, and she was back in his grey office, the blinds nearly shielded and with that same tinge.
‘I heard you have been trying to get a hold of me.’ He said.
She was just about to speak before he put up his hand. ‘Before you say anything, I noticed all that you have done, I see the changes. I get what you’re trying to do. And you are doing a great job. But why have you given the custodians a raise, and given the computer engineers the freedom to hold longer hours? I thought the changes you would make, which have been many, wouldn’t include such liberation among all workers. I chose to give you the reigns and you seem to have given the same to your workers.’
His feet were on his desk and he was sitting and leaning very far back in his chair with his hands now clasped together with fingers laced.
‘Well, yes, sir. I believe, without a doubt, that cleanliness is hugely important to a thriving work environment. Plus, this is one of the most talked about up and coming businesses in the whole town square. Your accomplishments and the pride of your company should be held and esteemed to every single worker.’
He put his feet down and sat forward. ‘They are scrubbing toilets.’
‘Actually sir,’ she interjected. ‘everyone is scrubbing toilets. Just like the toilet you have at home, there is a scrub brush displayed in every stall. The scrubbing is not limited to custodial work. But now sir, even custodians, top level custodians will be replaced if the duties aren’t being accomplished at the top price and standard that they are expected to represent. And this goes along with the marketing and computer engineers. If you give them the freedom to get here, only asking for extra hours, they will bring their work with them, for those who fully want to invest in their work. We’re not drawing back hours, or trying to have people work overtime, as a matter of fact, they don’t even get paid time and a half if they do, but these workers get along, enjoy it here, and if inspiration arrives when they are home, I don’t want to limit the time that they wish to be a part of the team and use more of their time innovatively and productively.’
The man sat back and slowly uncurled a smile.
‘You wished to come here and ask if you were doing a good job, am I right?’
‘Yes.’ She said.
‘Well, all you have done is tried to convince me that you are making the right decisions.’ He ran his hand through his thick- greying black hair.
‘Three weeks you tried to get a hold of me.’ He paused and then sighed. ‘You’re doing a fine job, but next time, ask to see me if you need me for more than convincing that you are doing a good job. Trust yourself. Take pride in what you do.’ He said, earnestly then hurriedly replied, ‘Now let me get back to work.’
She stood up and then right before she left, asked one more question. Or rather, stated.
‘Sir, you gave me all of the keys but to your office. Every door, and then when I looked to find you, I could not.’
‘Let’s keep it that way, alright?’ He said, frankly. ‘And keep up the good work.’
Mystery
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The suspense here is really strong, but the vagueness can be a little confusing. Can we maybe get a little more information about what the main character actually does for a living in the first few paragraphs? The mystery around the man is enough to drive the story, and I want to fully immerse myself in that.
I was getting there. I filled in some holes in the next segment.