6. The Deep End

Saroma worked like a robot throughout the day. He planned on asking Rocca more about his job and if possible, about Mr. Stone, his predecessor. However, Rocca was staying late and Saroma spent a lot of time alone at his desk, just twiddling his thumbs. It was 8:30pm by the time Saroma woke up from his power nap.

Saroma pokes his head in the offices to see that Rocca was getting ready to leave. Saroma enteres his office, "Mr. Rocca, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?" Rocca already had his coat on, but he sat back down at his desk.

The man rested his hand on the mouse, ready for admin work. "Sure, Saroma. What is it you need?"

Saroma said, "Well, I need to know about Query. For religious purposes." Of course, Rocca couldn't ask for details, but it was also a believable lie.

Rocca clasped his hands together on the desk and confessed, "I am not allowed to disclose that kind of information, Saroma. It has nothing to do with you." Saroma sighed and looked for some kind of sign of abnormal behavior. He wasn't an expert on finding these things, but he figured that it would be obvious.

Saroma got part of the idea from his neighbors but also pulled an excuse out of his ass: "I'm sorry. But if I don't know some things, then I'm afraid I will prevent him from moving on." Rocca was quiet at first.

He suggested, "You can ask a question and if I can answer it, I will. If not, I'll let you know. Is that fair?" Saroma nodded his head in acceptance.

He asked, "Where did he pass?" No answer. "Did he pass at work?"

"No."

Saroma slightly changed the topic, "And what about the person before me?"

Rocca looked shocked at the question, "I am not at liberty to disclose information about that." Saroma didn't want to hear that and he certainly didn't want to leave Rocca wondering about why he is questioning these things.

Saroma asked the question differently, "I respect that you can't tell me certain things but... I need to know the same thing about him as I do about Query." Rocca paused, not showing any signs of breaking. Saroma took a big risk and said, "I only need to know for religious purposes. I'm not trying to extort you for malicious purposes." Rocca leaned back in his chair and thought about it carefully.

He quickly said, "Stone committed suicide after almost 5 years working here. As you'd expect, no one saw it coming. And just between us, I don't think Query is the kind of man to kill himself in any way besides cigarettes." Saroma felt a mental image of lungs struggling against black tar. It was grotesque, but it was also somehow exciting. Saroma was disgusted with himself for feeling what he was feeling.

Saroma asked another question, "How do you deal with the stress of work?" He tried to figure out if Rocca had an unhealthy obsession like Moritie it Query.

"What do you mean?"

Saroma stood up and shook his head, "Never mind. I'm just ready for the weekend, sir." Rocca placed his hands on the desk and pushed himself up.

Rocca reminded him, "This was just between us."

"Right." Saroma nodded, fully understanding and appreciating the confidentiality.

Saroma would have asked him more questions about his position if it weren't so late. He also spent too much time on other topics to continue. Rocca's willingness to answer Saroma's curious questions drew to a close. He was lucky enough and didn't want to push his luck.

The two men silently made their way to the parking garage, but Saroma was deep in thought. He autonomously open his car door and got in. He backed the car up without even thinking. What actually happened to Query? Why did Mr. Stone commit suicide? What is "the rush" and what was his purpose in the company?

Saroma heard a loud bash coming from behind him, and an arm on the ground through the side mirror.

Panic and fear struck him faster than a bullet and he gripped the steering wheel. He was so afraid that he couldn't move to get out of the car. What had he done!? He had just hit his own manager!

His mouth grew dry as he imagined the possible back injury the man possibly procured. His body was completely stiff as he placed his hand on the shift and set it in reverse...