Fiction…

 

As the store comes in sight, she sees three police cars with blue lights flashing pulled up near the doors. Her stomach clenches and she parks hastily. She runs toward the building.

Deidre is standing in the entryway surrounded by police officers. Jada catches her breath and opens the door.

“I’m okay boss,” Deidre exclaims brushing tears from her pale cheeks.

“What happened?” Jada asks.

“Just another day in the neighborhood,” says one of the police officers.

Jada stares and the man who made the snide remark lowers his gaze. She turns her full attention to her friend.

“A couple of guys came in, took armloads of cigarette cartons from our rack, and ran out the doors. I grabbed my cell phone and chased them across the lot. I was able to give the dispatcher the tag number, but they got away. I am sorry boss,” Deidre answers.

Jada maneuvers her way through the circle of officers and briefly hugs her employee. She steps back lowering her hands shakily to her sides.

“You did just fine. I am only glad you are safe. You should never chase thieves, remember how we trained,” she says.

“I know, but I had to do something. You would have never just stood there,” Deidre says.

“We’ve taken the report and there is a bulletin out for the car. Your assistant gave us the security video and we will make a copy of it. You can come by the precinct and pick up a copy of the report and the video on Wednesday,” says a tall dark headed officer.

“Yes, thanks,” Jada replies.

“If there’s nothing else we can do we’ll get out of your way, ladies. Here’s my card in case you think of something you need,” he hands Jada the card and the officers exit the store en masse.

 

Deidre makes a low whistle after the store empties out.

“You okay?”

“Yeah boss, but you, you must have ice for blood.”

“What do you mean…? I almost had a heart attack worrying about you.”

“Sure, but you did not even notice how he was looking at you,” Deidre says.

“What? Who? I fail to understand your thinking about men – when you could have been killed a while ago,” she says.

“That’s how we’re different, Jada. You are so worried about life that you miss the important things. Like hot guys who are drooling over you.”

“Did you call Martin yet?”

“No, I was a little too busy being robbed to call him. You are the manager; you deal with that part of things.”

Jada rushes around the counter and dials her district manager. She tells him about the incident and all he wants to know is how much inventory is missing. She promises to call him back shortly with an exact loss number.

When she gets off the phone, Jada shakes her head.

Deidre says, “Now you know why I didn’t call Martin. Tell me he asked about my well being.”

“No.”

“No,” Deidre says, “all he wanted to know was how many damn cigarettes were missing and if you had done your job properly.”

“All right, Deidre. Calm down, he is not a bad boss,” Jada says, “He has lots of responsibility.”

“Yes, of course, and that excuses his cold heartedness. Whatever boss,” says Deidre.

 

Jada counts the cigarettes and finds about $2000.00 inventory missing. She is relieved that there is a security tape proving what happened so that she may not be liable for that large a shortage. Deidre did an exemplary job by getting the police on the scene so quickly.

“So, how bad is it, Jada?”

“It is not bad, Deidre. You did an excellent job today, except for chasing the thieves. You let them have whatever they want and stay out of their way if this should ever happen again. Understand?”

“Yes, I understand. I wish I could have caught those louts. I’ll know them if they ever show face around here again.”

“Well, if they show up you call the cops and let them handle the situation. We do not need any dead heroes on my watch. Acting tough is a bad way to deal with those kinds of people.”

“Hey boss, what happened to your lunch?”

Jada frowns, “I forgot all about my lunch. There were blue lights flashing and uniforms standing around and it just slipped my mind. My burrito is probably still lying in the passenger seat where I so appropriately left it.”

“Well, you better eat something because it looks like you may have to pull a double shift today. Steve should be here by now if he is planning on working,” Deidre says.

Jada glances at her Seiko, “He has a few more minutes. Can you stay a half hour if he does not make it? I will need to take the deposit to the bank.”

“Sure, I can stay, though Charlie won’t be pleased. He thinks I am too close to you. He says bosses cannot be anybody’s buddy-buddies. He says it’s inappropriate for me to consider you my friend.” Deidre says.

“Well, maybe that is how men see things. I like to think I am a good boss and to consider you a friend. Here comes Steve, so you can go home on time. Count your drawer down quickly now and I can give you a ride home after we go by the bank.” Jada says.

As Steve gets set up for his shift, Jada and Deidre tell him about the excitement of the afternoon.

Before leaving the store, Jada reminds him to do whatever they tell him should criminals show up. He assures her he will.