Layers: Book One Read Free

think to do.
    I scan over everyone’s faces. I see confusion, concern and a whole lot of anger. Riot angry, lynching angry, raid and pillage angry. A little extreme don’t you think?
    They shuffle forward in complete synchronization. Wow. Did you see that? Like that—was way cool.
    Pete hobbles back a step and raises his arms. “Hey guys, just doin’ a job here. I need you all to take a step back.
    They look at me for direction—I give them nothing––they look at each other then, with reluctance, the Mob Squad (Very creative name, don’t you think?) glides back. Wow, again totally synchronized. How do they do that?
    Pete turns his body only—keeping his eyes towards the Mob Squad, then punches the elevator up button several more times. Like that’s going to help.
    Everyone knows that the continuous pressing of an elevator button does not make it move any faster, but we all do it.
    I stand and stare at the Mob Squad because I don’t know what to say. This is a very rare occasion.
    They look at each other then begin shouting out questions and comments.
    “What the hell?”
    “What’s going on?”
    “Mountain, who authorized this?”
    “Alexia, what did you do?”
    “Are they going to can you?”
    “This is crazy!”
    “Security Pete, what the hell man?”
    “Where are you taking her, Mountain?”
    “This sucks.”
    “Did Frankie report us again? We’ll kick his ass.”
    “Wall, who sent you?
    “Did Ryan send you?”
    “Yeah, what’s going on with boss-man?”
    “Yeah man, does he really have the Bird Flu?”
    Pete looks at me. “The Bird Flu?”
    I shrug. Don’t look at me dude I’ve got nothin’!
    The Mob Squad continues to shout out. It’s soon apparent that I need to buck up and be a manager––okay, buck up anyway. I clear my throat and address the squad. “Okay team, I sincerely appreciate your support or whatever this is, but you need to chill out. I don’t have a clue as to what’s going on but I’m sure it’s nothing.” Everyone gives me that deer in the headlights stare—okay I need to buck it up more.
    Jill, one of my team leaders, steps forward. “Sorry Alexia, we’re all a little on edge. Something is definitely going down. Ryan’s Korea trip was cut short—the partners have been meeting daily and upper management cancelled all their meetings. There have been tons of rumors and now this.” She waves her hand between Pete and me.
    I frown because it seems appropriate. “I wish that I could enlighten everyone, but like I said I’m just as clueless.”

 
GOING UP
     
    The elevator dings, and then opens. Pete gives me a look of relief as we step inside. He hits the CEO floor button and the doors begin to close.
    Just before they do, Dale stops it with his foot. I punch the open button.
    “Alexia, this is crazy.” He pants. “I’ve been here for nine years, when security escorts you to the CEO floor, you’re either being fired or you’re…being fired.”
    “Thanks. I feel so much better.”
    

    “Sorry, I just…I don’t get it. You’re the best manager at Ryan, your department totally kicks ass. Christ, there’s a freakin’ waiting list for people who want to be transferred into RM.”
    “Really? There’s a waiting list?”
    “Yeah.” He says like– duh ?
    “Hey—whatever’s going on—I’ll be okay. Ryan is probably just playing with me.” Do I want him to play with me? Literally? Maybe—Okay, yes—playing with the boss-man sounds like fun.
    “Yeah, maybe.” Dale sighs. “But he’s never had you escorted to his office by security.”
    “That’s true.” I exhale. “Well anyway, you’re in charge until I return. Get everyone back to work before they find a rope, and start looking for a high ceiling, rafters or beams.”
    “I don’t know.” Dale mocks while grinning at Pete. “This office could use a good lynchin’.”
    Pete grins but it’s more of a leer than a grin—a grinler.
    Dale shakes it off then steps back and the