Carlos Delgado was at the lowest rung in the hierarchy of Human Resources at Bickering, and consequently, he often found himself dealing with cases others avoided. In an odd way, he felt that provided him with job security, since no one else would want to deal with the messes he managed. It was no surprise when the file for Nelson Cabot crossed his desk. There was a post-it on the front with a large question mark drawn with a Sharpie. He phoned Celeste, his manager.
“What’s the story on the Cabot file?”
“Not sure. Randolph handled it. Must be sensitive.”
“Oh good. Cleaning up more of Randolph’s wizardry. You must really love me.”
“That’s the job, Carlos.”
“Seems that way sometimes.”
Carlos started rooting though the file and it took him less than five minutes to sort out what had happened. He called up Cabot’s entry in the employee database.
“R-I-P, Mr. Cabot. Seems like you were a reliable worker. Not very exciting.”
Before he could begin the process of explaining why Cabot was being deactivated, there was a knock at his door and Celeste stepped in.
“What’s up?”
“Hey, Carlos. Listen I didn’t want to mention this on the phone, but I have some news about our move to corporate.”
“Where are they sticking us?”
“Thirty-second floor at the tower.”
“Not the worst.”
“That’s only part of the news. Unfortunately, there are only offices for five in the suite we’re occupying.”
“Great. Who are we ditching?” She didn’t immediately respond. “Wait. You’re not getting rid of me, are you?”
“You were the last one hired.”
“Who’s going to handle all your crap files now? You owe me, Celeste.”
“I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate. At any rate, you’re not being terminated. Just transferred.”
“Transferred to what?”
“The details haven’t quite been worked out but probably Sales. I’m sure they can find someplace where you’ll be an asset.”
“I’m an asset here. What I do doesn’t translate to much else.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I warned you that you needed to be more of a team player.”
“Team player. Yeah. Fine, Celeste.”
“You’ll get formal word later today. Just don’t cause a stink, okay.”
“Whatever.”
Left alone, Carlos turned his eyes back to Nelson Cabot’s information on the screen.
“Cause a stink? No. I’d never do that.”
He started typing.
“Who needs someone?” He scanned the divisions in need of leadership. “Enterprise Software. They’re always a bloody trainwreck. This would be a perfect assignment for Lisa Summers. Sorry, Lisa, but you’re going to have to run another division in the absence of a director. Unfortunately, you’re a pro at this.”
He filled in salary and experience. “Now, how to explain the absence.” He racked his brain. “How about medical leave. Maybe a mental health sabbatical. Dying can really ruin your disposition.”
Finished, he reviewed his work then hit save, and chuckled.
“Welcome back, Mr. Cabot. Hope you enjoy upper management.”
