Chapter 8

“Mr. Bartley? Mr. Bartley?”

Alfred heard a strange voice.

“Mr. Bartley!”

Alfred was startled by the sudden raise of voice. He saw in front of him the interviewer and where he was. Alfred was still in his interview.

“Mr. Bartley, I have one more question for you then this will be over. What makes you think you have what it takes to be part of CROPEL?” The interviewer placed down his paper and looked at Alfred in a monotone face.

Alfred fixed himself in the chair.

“I have met and withstanded many people who belittled me. I was always the outcast and never placed myself perfectly in the puzzle. I lost my father 10 years ago at a young age, and I think he was in the highlight of his career, but he unfortunately left too early. I am the son of Francis Bartley, a very good inventor from this company. I want to follow his footsteps and be just like my father. I have been following all the accomplishments of CROPEL, and I can’t help being amazed by the revolutionary feats the company has done in the past 10 years. It’s 2020, and we already have holograms for our everyday lives. It’s amazing! I feel like I can be a good asset for the company, and I want to be a part of it.” Alfred concluded his response.

If the interviewer ever played poker, he would be really good at it. Alfred could not tell what the man was thinking. He just wrote down something on his clipboard. Alfred was getting a bit nervous that he might’ve not nailed the interview. A thought rushed in his mind. He quickly checked his pocket and found the note that Eileen gave him. He remembered what Eileen told him to do if things were looking like it was heading south.

“Oh sir, I have this note that I need to give you.” Alfred offered the note. The interviewer cleared his throat and opened the letter. It was the first time Alfred finally saw some emotion in the man. The old man was trembling as he was getting up from the chair.

“Excuse me.” The interviewer stammered as he ran out.

Not even a 10 minutes passed by, and the interviewer had Eileen’s brother, Hollen, by the arm, and he was standing right in front of him. Alfred immediately got up from his chair and greeted Hollen. Alfred was now curious what the note said! The interviewer is now as pale as a sheet and very serious.

“I was in the middle of doing something in my lab. Sorry, if I was late.” Hollen explained to Alfred. He told the interviewer that he’s got it from here.

Hollen grabbed Alfred by the shoulder and took him from the room and to his lab.

As Hollen closed the door, he walked up to Alfred with such a stern look. Alfred was worried about what was going to happen.

“You got the job.” Hollen said with a smile.

Alfred was baffled. “How?!”

“I placed a good word for you, and you can start out as my assistant. If I knew you had an interview, I could have saved you the headache from all this process. Can you start working next week?” Hollen said.

Alfred could not help but feel joy and gratitude. He hugged him very tightly, and he shortly tried to act professional by fixing his suit and told him that he would be ready. Hollen laughed so hard and patted him hard on the back.

Hollen offered him some champagne, and Alfed can’t resist an offer to his future boss.

A few glasses have passed and some laughs were shared. They discuss current and future projects, politics, and sometimes Eileen would pop out in the conversation here and there. After the fourth glass, Alfred remembered.

“Hey Hollen, what was in that note that Eileen gave me?” Alfred asked.

Hollen was trying to remember for a moment, and he rummaged through his lab coat for the note.

“Eileen likes to mess around with the lower employees by giving them a secret message like it’s from the government.” Hollen laughed a little and gave the note to Alfred.

Alfred saw the note. If you read the note carefully, you can see a hidden message: “Hollen, I got you another one. He’s a keeper.” Alfred was puzzled by the message. Hollen finished the last swig and gestured Alfred to another room.

They were in the top level where you can see another lab below. There were so many young scientists concentratedly working diligently in their designated areas. There are groups of them engaging in their tasks at hand aiding one another in harmony. Alfred was entranced with the accomplishment Hollen has created this perfect environment.

“Eileen likes to find talented individuals who can make a difference, and she sends them to me.” Hollen had a content look on his face. Hollen had the reputation to back him, so he was able to create this sanctuary for young brilliant minds like Alfred to have the opportunity to thrive.

“First thing next week, bring in all your notes, pending, or current projects you have and show it to me. I will look over them and help you. You will also need to prepare yourself in helping with this current project I am working on. It is 85% complete, but it would not hurt to have another mind like you for your opinion. You can stay here and introduce yourself to your fellow peers or wait until next week. I need to go back with my work” Hollen looked at the time on the wall and patted Alfred on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here. Your dad would have been proud.”

“Thank you, Dr. Smith.” Alfred said.

“Oh, don’t start with the formalities, we’ve known each other for 10 years. Just continue calling me Hollen.” Hollen remarked.

There was a moment of silence.

"How is Eileen? I am thankful that you are living together. I don't have much of a chance to be near. I know that she will walk the other way and treat me like I'm the plague." Hollen looks at his glass as the champagne swirls. Alfred can tell that he's aching. Alfred doesn't want to lose Eileen's trust but a little info would not hurt.

Alfred leaned beside a wall looking at the traffic below.

"Eileen lost another job. Well, she actually quit. It's a first. I think Eileen is finally maturing in that part. Right now, I believe she's back at it again with job hunting. I think she should go get a degree to have a better job. Unfortunately, Eileen does not have enough funds to go to college, but she is too stubborn to ask for your help. I keep telling her that you would be more than happy to help. Health wise, she's been doing better as far as I can see. There have not been any serious attacks for a while now.

"You know that she does not complain and that's worrisome. Eileen always thinks about other people than herself. It's funny that it pains her more to be a burden, but she's not a burden at all!" Hollen took the last swig from his glass and poured another.

Alfred leaned on the rail that's in front of the windows. He knew he was going to regret this, but he's worried about Eileen.

"The nightmares came back."

"What?"

"She hasn't been sleeping for a week now. Eileen has been waking up in cold sweat. The new meds have been wearing off." Alfred explained what has been going on.

Hollen had concern and worry in his face. He has always been by Eileen's side whenever she had those episodes ever since she was a child. He feels so helpless that he can't be by her side.

"Take my place to comfort her, Alfred, I trust you in protecting Eileen. I will look for a way to help her with these episodes, and I will check the recents results." Hollen stated.

"You should give her a call." Alfred commented.

"Pff, we had a really heated fallout."

"You know Eileen is sometimes a hot head, but she always has her reasons. She does miss you, but Eileen is on the same boat as you. Neither one of you wants to make the call, but you do want to see each other. It will make her happy." Alfred remarked.

"You're a good kid, thank you." Hollen patted his back and walked away.

When Hollen left Alfred to himself, Alfred lost all feeling in his legs. He leaned onto the nearest desk to catch his tears. Alfred could not believe this was really happening. He’s so close in working under his father’s footsteps but most importantly, Alfred just passed a big hurdle for his personal plan. Examining the room, He believes there are a lot of secret meetings that might happen here, for there are no security cameras. Making sure the coast is clear, Alfred placed bugs around the room. He checked them on his watch that they’re working and all is good.

As he leaves the room, all he can think about is the thought of seeing Eileen and surprising her with the news. He does not know how much more he can say but feel so thankful towards her. Ever since Alfred has met his little raven, there has not been a dull moment in his life. She has done so much for him. Alfred drew the idea that on his way back to the apartment, he can buy something nice for her.

On his way to the exit, there was a pair of janitors that caught Alfred’s view. He could not believe what he was seeing. It was Bernard “Nacho” and Conner “Inky”. They looked the same as ever but very worn out. Nacho still has a big build but now he wears a full beard and Inky is very lanky, and you can tell he’s trying to hide all these tattoos he has on his body based off of the ink on his hands. Alfred does not see Adam Delancey. One would assume maybe his father’s company landed on him. Alfred prefers to think about him having a mop than working in an office.

Alfred walked out of the building, and the sun was shining. He feels like a huge weight was lifted from his chest. He called a taxi. During the ride, Alfred took out his phone to make a call.