Micro-Fiction
Cheating Doesn’t Pay
By Anna Maria Sprzęczka-Stępień
It was beautiful autumn, just the beginning: September. So golden and sunny. People have been coming back from their holidays. James too. He has spent a wonderful time in the countryside, but all good things must come to an end.
The next day after the return, first thing in the morning, James went to the bank where he worked. Nobody was there. He switched on his computer and started realizing his vicious plan. He opened an account for himself; then he charged the bank’s account. The money was finally there!
“It will solve my £ 20,000 problem.” – Jim sighed with relief. When he was about to go, suddenly other employees came into the room.
“What are you doing here so early?” – one of them asked. It was Tom, Jim’s best mate.
“Oh, hmm, so…” – James murmured nervously. He wasn’t prepared for this turn of events!
“Well, I have been so snowed under with work recently that I thought I could come here earlier one day to get through it. And here I am!” What a brilliant and simple answer it was. At least his colleagues believed him, even though he seemed to be confused a little bit.
James was quite satisfied and he eventually calmed down.
“But what am I going to do when they find out about the fraud? Sooner or later it is going to draw somebody’s attention.” – James kept thinking about it. The rest of the day, he was on pins and needles. But the day finally passed and nothing, absolutely nothing had happened.
The next day Jim went to work as usual. With some dose of hesitation, he opened the door of the office and entered the room. Everybody was there. Jim noticed that they had been gossiping about something in low voices. But at the very moment they saw him, they became silent.
“The boss wants to see you, Jim. He is waiting for you in his room.” – said Tom.
Left with no choice, James did what he was asked to do.
“Good morning, James.”
“Good morning, Mr. Harper.” – Jim replied with noticeable uncertainty in his voice.
“Do you know what I want to tell you? Oh, I’m sure you know!”
Jim stood still, not being able to say any single word.
“I should have called the police, but I didn’t. You’ve been such a good and intelligent employee! It’s a pity I must say it:
YOU ARE FIRED!!!”
( Micro-Fiction)