Willard (Ratman’s Notebooks) by Stephen Gilbert

Author:Stephen Gilbert [Gilbert, Stephen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 75189095
Publisher: Lancer Books

At half past two this afternoon Jones sent for me. He was just in from his lunch, and, by the smell when he spoke, I think he must have had a drink or two. I couldn’t imagine what he wanted, but naturally I felt nervous. It’s always a little frightening to be told that the Boss wants to see you. Especially when you don’t like the Boss very much and think he doesn’t like you.

Jones was grinning away, all over himself with gush. I wonder was he nervous. “Sit down,” he said. “Sit down and make yourself comfortable.”

I sat down distrustfully. What’s he up to now, I wondered. Is he going to have another go at getting the house or has the Consultant recommended that my salary should be raised. (Ha ha.)

“Of course you know I always had great respect for your father,” Jones began. “Great respect. A very fine man. The type of man you rarely find nowadays.”

I nodded my head. I couldn’t think what he was at. Surely he hadn’t called me in just to tell me what a fine man Father was.

Jones started again. “On account of you being your father’s son, we’ve always tried to give you special consideration.”

Another long pause. Once more I nodded my head vaguely to show I understood. Who is “we,” I wondered. It’s not surprising royalty get muddled if someone so far down the scale as Jones can call himself “we.”

“We would have liked to think that there was always room in the firm for a son of your father, but to be frank we’ve been disappointed in you.”

Suddenly I realized that he was going to sack me. For a moment I felt quite numb with shock. Then I realized that I must argue with him, plead with him to keep me on. “But, but . . .” I mumbled haltingly. “I mean, I didn’t know there’d been anything wrong with my work. I mean, I haven’t been making mistakes or anything, have I?”

“Tch-tch,” he said crossly. “It’s not your work. It’s your capabilities. We can’t afford to go on paying a man to do a girl’s work, and you’re not fit for any more responsible position.”

“But how do you know?” I demanded, bold with desperation. “I’ve never been given a chance at anything else.”

“You’ve been given every chance,” he replied. “I understand your potential is rated as nil.” He turned over some papers and looked secretly at one of them. “Yes. ‘Potential Nil.’ ” Obviously this was the work of the Consultant.

I had to keep on talking. If I kept on talking I might somehow be able to stay in my job. I wouldn’t be sacked till he actually told me so. He wanted to tell me, but he was having difficulty. I must have something about me. He feels that I am still the real boss’s son, and he’s frightened to sack me. Or perhaps it’s because I’m the boss’s son he wants to sack me. Much more likely. All these thoughts flashed through my mind.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.