Cross Roads

He looked up when Jim entered the office, and went over to the button on the wall. When the bar was exposed, he found two exquisite crystal glasses and filled them with a fine, aged whiskey. “Here you go, Jim.” He handed his employee a glass and walked over to sit behind his massive cherry wood desk. Then, he pulled an envelope from the drawer and handed it to the man. “Jim, you are indeed an excellent assistant, and quite frankly, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Please accept this little bonus as my thanks for the fine job you are doing here.” He took a sip of his drink and smiled across the desk. “And, Jim. I have one more little favor for you to handle, and it needs to be done today.”

Jim was feeling special and knew that he would agree to do anything this great man asked of him. “Just name it, Mr. Templeton, you know you can count on me.” He raised his glass to the man and took a sip.

Templeton toasted with the man, and then put the glass down and leaned forward, a serious look on his face. “I want you to bring Gloria to me. It won’t be easy, but I need her here today. Do you understand?”

Jim knew it was his time to leave, so stood and shook his hand. “That won’t be a problem, Boss. I’ll go find her now. And, thank you for the bonus. It makes me happy that you like my work.” He started for the door, and then stopped to face Templeton. “Oh, and as for Max, that wasn’t planned.” He felt like he needed to excuse himself for the messy part of his job.

Templeton put his hand up to stop the explanation. “You got the job done, that’s all I care about. If he had minded his own business, he would be okay today. I’m not worried about Max. Now, go get me the woman.” The door closed, leaving Templeton staring into his glass.