When I returned to work, I was pleased to see that everything was running smoothly, as I’d known it would. I would miss everyone here.
Sharlene, the other assistant manager, grabbed me by the arm before I could make it to my office. “Mr. Jachetta is here,” she said in a loud whisper. Oh, wonderful.
“Thanks for the warning.”
She patted my shoulder and trotted out front while I continued down the hall to face the beast in my lair.
And there he was, comfortably ensconced behind my desk. Well, mine only for a little while longer.
“Finding everything you need, Mr. Jachetta?” I asked, causing him to snap up his head. He tried to smooth out his expression, but I didn’t miss the wince at my formal greeting.
“You’ve never taken this long a time off from work before.”
I leaned against the doo
