Maybe Later(4)



Amy.





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From: J. Spearman

To: A. Walker

Subject: Last word

Sunday, March 6th, 7:23 p.m.



We’ll see who gets the last word, Ms. Walker. Does your boss monitor these emails? What do they think about your work etiquette? I’m curious. I’d fire my employees if they were talking like you do to our clients. Unfortunately, you’re right. I have to deal with you until Carla is back. She’s not taking my calls. Thank you for sending her the flowers and the gift.

My sisters are twins. The babies of the family. My parents wanted a girl, they got two for the price of one. Of course, I eat during the week. My housekeeper prepares my breakfast every morning. When I arrive at work around eight, there’s always coffee on my desk. Large, triple shot latte with nonfat milk and one sugar. I don’t drink it black. Carla makes sure I have a Reuben sandwich on rye and chips for lunch by eleven thirty with a Pellegrino water. For dinner, I eat out on Wednesdays, cook for myself other days, or Carla orders me a pizza if I plan on working late at the office.

Mexico is an excellent place to vacation. My brothers and I like to go down to Cozumel. It’s a great place for scuba diving. I guess you’re right. I enjoy winter sports, water sports, and watch hockey when we have time. By we, I mean my dad and my brothers. We only fish when Dad invites us, but it’s not something I’d do otherwise.

I don’t live to work.

You’re a picky eater. I bet you’re one of those people who swear they eat everything, but in reality only eat a few things.

Don’t worry about my wife’s birthday. I don’t have one of those. My housekeeper takes care of my dry cleaning. My birthday isn’t until September. Alex’s birthday was today, and Carla made sure to wrap the present I bought him. I can buy my family gifts, you don’t have to worry about them.

J.





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From: A. Walker

To: J. Spearman

Subject: So many questions …

Sunday, March 6th, 8:39 p.m.



Are you sure you won’t answer my questionnaire?

So, whoever says the last word on June 10th wins?

I can’t wait to claim the prize. What do I get?

Who is Alex?

Our emails, chats, and calls are monitored for training purposes and to ensure the highest quality service.

Will I get to wrap any presents?

I’m surprised to learn you have a housekeeper. Did she sign a top-secret NDA? Poor woman, I feel her pain.

You like hockey? Hmm, you might not be as bad as I thought.

I hope you enjoyed your day with your brothers.



Amy





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From: J. Spearman

To: A. Walker

Subject: Re: so many questions

Sunday, March 6th, 9:10 p.m.



Clearly, you don’t understand the word no. I won’t answer your questionnaire. There is no prize. I guess if you last until June 10th, I won’t complain to your supervisors and get you fired. Alex is one of my brothers. Jason is only a year younger than me, then there’s Alex who turned thirty-one yesterday.

Unless you come to pick up the gifts I buy, I can’t see how you’ll wrap them. I love hockey, and I have season tickets.

How do you know I spent the day with my brothers?

J





Chapter Three





From: J. Spearman

To: A. Walker

Subject: Impressed

Monday, March 7th, 8:05 a.m.



I see what you did, and I have to confess, I’m impressed. If we were keeping score, you could say, you won this round. Make sure to transcribe the recording I sent you through the portal.

Well played, Ms. Walker.

J. Spearman





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From: A. Walker

To: J. Spearman

Subject: Transcriptions

Monday, March 7th, 9:41 a.m.



The transcription is ready. Zoe just messaged me to warn me that your ten o’clock arrived five minutes ago.

Would it be intrusive to ask if you only drink coffee at eight? I’m good at my job, but I’m not a mind reader, Mr. Spearman. Lunch will arrive on time. Let me know if you do the meat lovers or only pepperoni for that pizza. It’s Monday, I have the feeling you will be staying late today.

Amy





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From: J. Spearman

To: A. Walker

Subject: Tasks

Monday, March 7th, 1:05 p.m.



Please find a list of tasks, have them done first thing tomorrow. Next time, I’ll need a glass with ice for my water. Are you a ninja?



J. Spearman





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From: A. Walker

To: J. Spearman

Subject: Ninja abilities

Tuesday, March 8th, 7:41 a.m.



Martial arts isn’t my forte. I tried Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I liked it but I don’t have time to attend class. I should check other places to see if I can work it into my schedule. Though, being a ninja would be incredible. I did a couple of years of Taekwondo when I was seven. My mom decided to pull me out of class after I used a few moves on a bully at school.

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