Secretary Andrew Gets A Note

Later that day, by routine, the fearsome tyrant Allen could be seen marching through the main lobby, escorted by none other than his loyal secretary Andrew. Employees cowered away from his path. Their heads bent down to avoid eye contact with the owner's scowling son.

It was a usual sight. A daily occurrence for most.

What wasn't normal was the president and his wife lingering by the main entrance, waiting for their son. Andrew couldn't even form a coherent response as he was shoved out of sight and into a surprised group of employees. He regained his composure and apologized to them. They offered him pats on the back and sympathetic glances as they walked away.

Andrew was about to pop out when Mrs. Lopez's bubbly greeting to her son echoed throughout the lobby. He stuck himself on the wall as much as he could. He tried to listen in, but only caught bits and pieces of the conversation.

"Why...here...at home?"

"Alfonso..."

"Why don't we pick him up then," declared Mr. Lopez in his booming voice.

"...In the car," came Sir Allen's barely heard response.

Andrew sprinted to the elevator, politely responding to inquiries about being pushed by his boss. He took delight in describing the abuse, until he reached his floor. His feet ached in protest as leather shoes were not made for marathons.

He used the five million reward as a boost of adrenaline as he darted to his desk that perpetually faced Sir Allen's room. He kicked off his leather shoes, discarded his polo, and his accessories which gave an office worker vibe. He slipped his feet into his running shoes, which gives him the freedom to maneuver during his commutes, and took out his wallet, keys, phone, and a small, gift-wrapped box from his drawer.

As he tried catch his breath, he noticed a yellow note on his desk.

Thank You was written in fine penmanship. He shook his head. Thank you for what? Bringing their boss to their lunch?

Andrew took out an inconspicuous box inside his pedestal, but when he opened it—stacks of yellow notes filled it to the brim. There were faded and new ones on top. He placed the Thank you note and hurried out of their office.

Andrew went back down and left the building through the back, so it doesn't look like he came from the building. He circled to the main entrance until he stopped by the Lopez car with Sir Allen waiting for him outside. Andrew's chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. Sir Allen covered Andrew from the employees going in and out of the office with his body.

The car window slid down and Mr. Lopez's grinning head popped out. "Hello, Andrew. Oh, that's alright catch your breath. We've already explained it Allen where we're going but let me tell you again—"

Mrs. Lopez cut him off by shoving him back to the seat and leaning forward towards the window. "We're going to have dinner!" She yelled from her seat. "Our chef is on vacation in the tropics, so this is the perfect opportunity to cook for my children."

Mr. Lopez winked at Andrew like two children hiding a secret. Andrew tried to wink back between gasping breaths and dripping beads of sweat.

"It's been so long since we've eaten together. Oh, why don't you invite Secretary Andrew?" Mrs. Lopez's face brightened.

Sir Allen pinched the bridge of his nose. "That won't be necessary, mom. He's headed home."

"Too bad," said Mr. Lopez. "It's because you keep inviting him Allen. He's become scared. Why don't you both sit here with us. The four of us can scooch together to fit."

Andrew took a quick look at the front seat. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Lopez. I can seat in the front." Andrew ambled to the front and opened the door. He motioned to sit but paused when he caught a glimpse of Sonna across the street caught in a heated argument with a man who had his back to Andrew. It was probably Sonna's ex. It seemed to be escalating.

Andrew's hand tightened on the car door.

"Alfonso?" Sir Allen called from the back seat with an impatient drawl. "Anytime soon?"

Andrew mustered up a smile. "Yeah, let's go, Sir Allen."

When he looked back across the street. Sonna was gone.

It was probably nothing.