This is the continuation of Chapter 1 of my novel *The Space Between Time* to be published this fall. I hope you read and comment. Thanks

As she rose to the fifteenth floor, her legs began shaking. She’d waited so long for news of her promotion. Why they’d waited to make a decision, she couldn’t fathom. Perhaps they’d wanted to see how she’d perform over the long hall. The thought crossed her mind, that perhaps Mr. Drayton wasn’t sure of her abilities. They rarely talked. Though he was pleasant enough when they did. Yet, she felt uneasy in his presence for some reason. Just as she was thinking of Mr. Drayton, the image of a spider popped into Jenna’s head. That’s weird. Seeing that image sapped what little bit of confidence she had about her qualifications to be the newest Senior Editor. Why that image? Maybe it was his inordinately long spindly arms and legs, or maybe it was his beady eyes, flat nose and wide mouth that was too big for his face. Every time she was in his presence, he seemed to be weaving webs in which to catch his coworkers for later devouring. She’d never shared this impression with anyone because he was extremely good at his job. Mr. Winston had brought him in to improve profits, something he’d done quite efficiently.
Jenna shook the spider image out of her head as the elevator doors opened. There was no going back now. She stepped out of the elevator and navigated to Mr. Drayton’s office. Her stomach rolled. It was best to confront her fate. Reaching out a shaking hand, she knocked on Mr. Dayton’s door. From inside came the muffled, “Come in.” She hesitated just a moment with her stomach falling like a stone then she opened the door.
“Jenna, hello. Thanks for coming Won’t you sit down?” Something about Mr. Dayton’s smile told her she was about to be eaten. He indicated a seat at the front of his desk. Without any preliminaries, he said, “I have news about the promotion you applied for. You’ve done a fantastic job since Diane left us, but I’m sorry to say, we decided to choose someone else. Unfortunately, we needed someone with more experience than you have at present.”
The room started to spin. How can they do this. It’s been six months. I found the mistake that saved them thousands of dollars.
She looked at Mr. Drayton seeing the real him as if for the first time. The spider image was back. He had a simpering smile on his face, as he squirmed with pleasure. His first bite hadn’t had enough poison in it. There was more to come.
Suppressing a grin, he turned his black beady eyes on her and said, “I have more bad news,” clearing his throat he continued. “The company is restructuring to further improve profits. We’re laying people off. I’m afraid we have to let you go.”
Jenna couldn’t breathe. How do predators know when their prey is at their weakest? The poison spread, paralyzing her. I can’t believe it, two in one day! The room faded from view as Mr. Drayton went on relishing the effect his words had on her.
“Because of the hard work you’ve done for us, you’ll get a generous severance package. And I’ve written you a glowing recommendation. You’ve been such an asset to this company and done a great job filling in for Diane. I wish you hadn’t been one of the ones we had to let go.” Then he cleared his throat and found something very interesting among his papers.
Why? If I’m such an asset to the company, why are you letting me go? She couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud. Looking at Mr. Drayton’s face, she knew he wasn’t telling her the truth. There was more to the story. Fletcher. He’s giving Fletcher my job.
Fletcher was Mr. Drayton’s nephew. The story was that he’d been snatched away from a big New York publisher to help implement Mr. Drayton’s scheme to streamline the company. No one knew what his official title was, and since he didn’t want to be confused with his uncle, he insisted everyone call him Fletcher.
During Fletcher’s first days, everyone had been charmed by him. He was handsome and personable taking time to stop by and chat with each employee. He said he wanted to get to know everyone and their job description for possible reorganization. The reorganization was a little disconcerting since Columbia Publishing was a great place to work. No one understood why complete reorganization was necessary. Profits had been solid that last few years. But, everyone was committed to making Columbia Publishing the best publisher on the West Coast, so they gave Fletcher all the information he requested.
At first Fletcher praised the efficiency of the staff, and everyone relaxed. However, the last few months things had begun to change. Fletcher would show up at team meetings unannounced, and just sit in the corner listening and taking notes. When the meeting was over, he’d leave without saying a word to anyone. If the other three teams were anything like hers, they must have felt just as uncomfortable when he’d show up without a word. This pattern was repeated when the senior editors met with Mr. Drayton and Mr. Winston. The thing that made the editors uncomfortable was the fact that he wasn’t in the chain of command. They reported directly to Mr. Drayton, which made asking questions about Fletcher’s activities a sticky proposition. If things continued the way they were going, Columbia Publishing would become a dreadful place to work.
Drayton brought her back to the present, “Also, I’m sorry to ask you this, but, could you clean out your office and hand off any unfinished work to Joan? We feel that a clean break will be less painful for you and your team. Ah, here it is. Your recommendation.” He handed her the envelope he’d been rummaging for.
She reached for it, not sure she’d be able to grasp it with her head spinning the way it was. “Sure,” she managed to say.
He put out his hand with a forced smile on his face. This can’t be happening. She rose, her mind in a whirl. Her shock reached a new level. Is this how zombies are made? She nearly giggled. Dangerous. Once I start, I won’t be able to stop. She suppressed the nervous giggle and took his outstretched hand.
“Goodbye Jenna. I know you’ll get another position soon.” His hand was cold, clammy and sticky like a fish. She hoped she’d concealed the look of disgust on her face, but then maybe that didn’t matter. It was unlikely she’d ever have to see him again. Without a word she left.
Shock turned to rage as the elevator descended to her floor. When the doors opened, she was fuming. How can I get my revenge on them? She didn’t dare say anything to anyone out on the floor. In her office she stacked the files she’d been working on, wrote the password to her office computer on a sticky note and took everything to Joan’s office, plopping the files on her desk.
Joan looked up in confusion. “What’s all this?”
Through gritted teeth, she said, “I’ve been let go. Mr. Dayton told me to give my unfinished files to you. Here’s the password to my computer. I have to clear out my office and leave today.”
“What!” Heads rose from nearby cubicles. “That bastard,” Joan said in a whisper as she went to close her office door. “You know why he’s letting you go, don’t you? Because you found the mistake that little weasel of a nephew of his made. I bet he gave him the position instead of you. He can’t have you around reminding him he’s an asshole.”
Of course Joan was right. Jenna could see it all in a flash. When she’d taken over the team, she’d followed the paper trail on the first few projects to be sure she understood every aspect of publishing and marketing books. On the third project she discovered a discrepancy in the figures for advertising. Going to Kenny to ask about it, they discovered someone had tampered with the report. They’d gone to Andy in accounting, then Dave in IT to see if they could follow the trail of who might have hacked into Kenny, or Jenna’s computers. Whoever it was had done an expert job at covering their tracks. Jenna couldn’t keep such a breach in security a secret. The four of them prepared a report and sent it to Mr. Drayton. Now she knew her one big mistake was to CC Mr. Winston and Mr. Carlsen the CFO, with the evidence. How could she have been so naive as to think her report wouldn’t come back to bite her.
She’d been lulled into thinking she was safe, however, when the four of them had received a commendation and bonuses from Mr. Winston. She, however, was singled out as the savior since she’s the one who found the error. Ironically, she’d used the bonus to buy her wedding dress, for which she now had no use.
What she hadn’t thought about until today was that Mr. Dayton must have something on Mr. Winston. He must be using it to manipulate the changes he wanted to make. But, to what purpose and how had he caught Mr. Winston in his web so quickly? Mr. Drayton was one of the newest executives of the company. He’d only been hired a few months before Jenna, three years ago. Some people have a talent for finding the jugular. Mr. Drayton must see her as a threat to whatever it was he was planning. He couldn’t have her turn the tables on him and dig up his skeletons. She’d shown her hand when she’d sent that report. He wasn’t going to let her get away with it. The triumphant expression on his face when she’d left his office just now confirmed her suspicions. He’d successfully gotten rid of an enemy. Oh how she’d underestimated the role of politics in the business world. Well two could play that game. He’s not going to get away with this. I’ll forward the financial evidence to myself and tell the team exactly what happened.
Coming out of her reverie, she looked Joan in the eye. “Get the team together in my office in ten minutes.”
Rubbing her hands together, Joan said, “A rebellion. I can see it in your eyes.”
“It’s the least I can do for Mr. Drayton. I bet Fletcher is part of whatever it is that he’s planning.”
They left Joan’s office and she went to gather any pertinent records she’d saved on her computer to email to her personal account. What she’d do with them, she wasn’t quite sure yet. But something in her gut told her to do it. Just as she hit the send button on the last email, the team entered her office.
“Tom, will you shut the door?” They sat around the small conference table. All eyes were on Jenna. Rarely did they have unscheduled meetings, so they knew something was up.
“I’ll get right to the point. I’ve been laid off.” There was an audible gasp and questions erupted in a jumble of noise. Jenna raised her hand. The room grew quiet. “Mr. Drayton didn’t say so, but I’m sure Fletcher is to be the new head editor for the team. That’s just a guess of course. I’ve been asked to clear out my belongings and leave as soon as possible.”
As Jenna looked around the room, each person looked shocked and dismayed. Kenny said, “We’ll stand by you. Tell us what you want us to do.”
“Thanks. First of all, I’ve handed the projects I was working on over to Joan, as ordered. Joan, I want you and Kenny to divide up the work among the team members. I’d persuaded Eric Meyer to switch to us for his latest novel. He was supposed to sign the contract today. What do you think, do you want to go on with that project?”
Amy said, “I do. I love his work and it’d be a great feather in your cap if he signed with us pre-Fletcher.”
Joan said, “I agree. I’ll call him to let him know what’s happened, and see what he says. Since I was in on the negotiations, maybe I can get him to stipulate that I’m his editor, so we can keep him out of Fletcher’s clutches. I’ll also try to get him to give you an endorsement for future reference.”
“Thanks. I’m not sure he knows me well enough for that, but thanks.”
Joan asked, “Do you want me to tell him EXACTLY what happened to you?”
“I know I should say no, but I want revenge right now, so yes. That may make him change his mind, but let the chips fall where they may.”
“Okay,” said Joan. “Maybe, he’ll let it slip out what happened to you and others will know to steer clear of Fletcher and Drayton.”
“Maybe. We’ll have to see. Second, I may be committing professional suicide here, and putting you all in jeopardy, but I want you guys to keep your ears pealed. Joan, let Andy in accounting know what’s happened. He’ll watch the books. You’ll have to keep quiet about your surveillance. Something’s not right. I feel it in my bones. I can’t put my finger on it, but those two are up to something, so be careful. I don’t want any of you to lose your jobs because you got caught. They’re cagy. I’m afraid you’re gonna be in a war zone. Fletcher knows you guys are my team. He might make sure you get moved to different departments. I’m sorry about that if he does. Maybe if I hadn’t been so noble…,” Jenna sighed, then continued, “Follow your own consciences. Well, that’s it. I’m gonna miss all of you.”
Emily spoke for all of them when she said, “We’re gonna miss you too. You’ve been a great boss, as good as Diane was.” All the heads nodded their assent.
“Thanks guys. I’ll be thinking of you all, and how much I enjoyed working with you. Okay, better get back to work now. I’ll be sure to say goodbye before I leave.” The meeting broke up and Kenny followed Joan to her office.
Jenna then took out a flash drive and for good measure copied the files she’d sent to herself, then deleted the evidence and all other files she thought could be used against her. Then for good measure she called Dave in the IT department and asked him to be sure everything was erased permanently. He was a great guy. She liked him very much, and even more so, when he agreed to check the server and do it right away. I think all the bases are covered.
Putting the flash drive in her briefcase, she left her office for the mail room. On her way, she noticed that no one else was packing to leave. Anger welled up inside her at the injustice of her situation, and she clenched her teeth. I knew he was lying. I’m the only one. Oooh, if she could only figure out a way to get Drayton and Fletcher exposed for the connivers they were.
Down in the mail room, when she asked for boxes, Chuck asked, “What do you need them for?”
“I’ve been kicked out. The company no longer needs my services. I’ve gotta pack up my stuff today.” To her dismay tears came to her eyes.
“Those bastards,” said Chuck.
“Yeah. I don’t know how I’ll get my stuff home. I rode the train today.”
“Don’t you worry about it. I’ll bring them by your place when I’m running my errands this afternoon.”
“Thanks, Chuck.”
“My pleasure.”
She took her time packing, making sure she got everything that was hers and double checking for computer files she thought Fletcher could use against her. Just before noon, she took one last look around the room then called Chuck to have her boxes picked up. Looking at the empty office, she thought of that sinking feeling she’d had every workday morning. You could write. Snorting, she told her little voice, I have to eat you know. It could take years to make any money writing. Fear clutched her stomach. What was she going to do? She couldn’t keep the apartment she’d shared with Sam. It was much too expensive. She’d have to find a cheaper one. Oh, well, she was going to do that anyway. There wasn’t much time to find a job and move. Don’t worry. It’ll all work out, whispered her little voice. Yeah, right, she answered back. “I’ll just have to do the best I can,” she said. “Goodbye,” she said to the office she’d hoped would be hers permanently.
There were many aspects of her job she enjoyed. For example, she remembered the writers who had thanked her for her work, making their books the best they could be. That made her proud, so at the moment, she wasn’t ready to admit that her little voice was right. As she reached the office door, she thought she heard the swish of petticoats, like in her dream this morning. Shaking her head, she looked back; she didn’t see anyone. Maybe I’m losing my mind. Yet the sound made her feel comforted. Don’t freak out here. There’s plenty of time to do it at home. But somehow, for the first time in her life she felt as if someone really was looking out for her. It had been such a strange day, she thought she was imagining the sound of the dream woman’s petticoats. It would be nice if the woman would come save her from this nightmare. Closing the door, she headed for the elevator.
Once there, her team gathered around her. Heads bobbed up from cubicles around the office. Apparently the news had gotten around. “We talked about it, and decided we’re taking you out for dinner tonight to thank you for being the best boss,” Matt said. He was the newest member of the team.
“Thanks guys. You’re the best.” Just then the elevator doors opened, and Fletcher was standing there with a janitor who had a dolly-load full of boxes. A red haze filled her vision. There was something of an oily used car salesman about him. Jenna had cringed the first time she’d met him, even though everyone else had been drawn to him. As the seconds ticked by, with Fletcher standing in the elevator, and her team surrounding her, something strange happened. When she looked at Fletcher he was surrounded by a dark inky cloud. As she looked at her team, she noticed his presence dampened the warm feelings that had surrounded her just the moment before.
“Well, Jenna. All packed up I see,” he said with what would have been a charming smile in earlier times. “I know this must be hard for you. I’m sure you’ll get another position very soon.” He pushed his way through the small crowed. Turning his beaked nose toward the group he said in a syrupy voice, “Don’t you all have work to do?”
“Yeah, but we wanted to say goodbye to our friend,” Joan said, challenging him with her red-orange aura rushing out to confront Fletcher. Jenna blinked. What’s going on? This was a new experience she didn’t welcome. She looked at her team and saw red flaring among them. No one moved to go back to work. Fletcher stopped to stare at them. He must be feeling their hostility. Strange, Fletcher doesn’t seem the sensitive type. His hawk-like features sharpened. There was trouble ahead.
Joan continued, “You don’t mind do you? It’ll only take a minute.” Jenna saw Fletcher look around at the cubicles. Most people were standing watching the commotion. The inky cloud receded and Jenna knew he’d decided to draw in his claws. Somehow she knew he’d strike later when there weren’t so many people watching. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “Of course you want to say goodbye to your friend. We’ll have our first team meeting after lunch. See you all then.” Turning, he directed the janitor to his new office.
“Watch out you guys. You don’t want to make him mad on his first day as boss.”
“He can’t fire all of us at the same time. He needs us until he’s assimilated.” Joan said, opening her arms to hug Jenna.
As she got into the elevator, tears welled up in her eyes. “See you at Chin Yen’s at six,” Joan said. All Jenna could do was wave.
By the time she got down to payroll, she’d dried her eyes. Tracy met her. “Those bastards. What could they be thinking?” she said handing Jenna the envelope. “Drayton told you the company was doing some reorganizing didn’t he?” She laid out the severance paperwork for Jenna to sign.
“Yeah.”
“Well, they aren’t. You’re the only one he’s letting go, but no one knows why. It’s a real shame. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks Tracy.”
“You’re welcome.” She put one copy of the signed papers in a manila envelope and handed it to Jenna. Whispering, she said, “I put Diane’s contact information in the envelope in case you didn’t have it. I’m not supposed to give it to you, but I know she’d love to hear from you. She might have a position open, or at least give you a good recommendation.”
“Thanks. It’s been a bad day. I appreciate the help.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t be a stranger. Let us know how you’re getting along.”
“I will.”
Walking to the train, all she could think about was going home to Roseburg to talk everything over with her mom. Her mom knew about tragedy. While she was there, she’d also talk to her mom’s best friend, Naomi, who was like a second mother. They’d help her figure out what to do next. Besides, just being home among caring friends would soothe her wounds.