“The Dow Jones index has closed up 91 points over the weekend, European markets were reasonably flat to our region on Friday. We’re up a smidgen - 4 points on the all ordinaries and 8 on the ASX 200. Gold trading at 1607US an ounce and oil at 94 US cents a barrel.”
I listened intently, feeling as though I’d become far too accustomed with the early morning stock market presenter. Not complaining though, she’s no burden to look at. Like an old man, I lowered into my newly bought red leather lounge being careful not to spill my breakfast.
“In other news, corporate icon James McMann has been sacked after allegations rose overnight that implied he was the mastermind behind the stock markets best kept secret.”
‘Hang on’ I thought.
Before I could even process what was being fed to me, my phone buzzed.
‘Did you hear? OMG! Your plan worked, I can’t believe it! Celebratory drinks tonight at Shine. See you there, boss ;)’
Of course Damien would suggest drinks... on a Monday night.
I put down my coffee and sat upright in an attempt to gather my thoughts. I listened,
“McMann, in a statement to police, denied any involvement surrounding the insider trading claims. McMann believes that he has fallen victim to foul play.”
All of a sudden, I found myself at a loss for words. The once bleak image of the television screen now seemed crystal clear. I quickly grabbed my blazer and after one last look in the mirror and a tighten of my tie; I made my way out to the car.
‘Shit,’ I hissed, ‘My phone’
It wasn’t until I made my way back inside that I noticed the yellow envelope peeking out from underneath my very cliché ‘welcome’ door mat. I picked it up and funnily enough, it was addressed to me. I wasn’t in the slightest shocked considering I live alone. I opened it, assuming it was probably an early birthday present from mum.
To my delight, a thick wad of money dropped out. I checked my watch for the date, confused because I wasn’t expecting this for another couple of weeks. Reaching into the oversized envelope, I felt a note. Cautiously, I pulled it out. It read:
‘Consider it an advancement. Congratulations, keep it up and there’ll be a lot more of this.’
I picked up the cash and started to count it.
‘One, one hundred, two one hundred, three one hundred...’ A total of twenty seven hundred dollars sat in my nervous palm. I shoved the money into my already bulging wallet and went to fetch my phone.
3 missed calls, 2 new messages and 20 minutes to get to work. I was already late, so whoever was so desperate to reach me, had no option other than to wait.
Unlocking the doors to my disgustingly overpriced Range Rover, I had a quiet thought, reminding myself how good it felt to be wealthy. Fresh leather seats and a smell that screamed ‘new car’ always put me in a good mood. As I drove to work, I prepared myself for the inevitable. If my plan had panned out correctly, which if this morning’s news was any indication – it had, given my position in the firm, I should be next in line for the role as head honcho.
I parked in my usual spot and was immediately approached by Jessica.
“Good morning Mr Powers, coffee?”
I nodded. It never ceased to amaze me the lengths people are willing to go for a little recognition. I approached the office, everyone was rushing.
The receptionist; rushing to take my coat.
Jess, rushing to deliver my coffee.
My best mate and partner in crime, Damien, rushing to my side.
“Maaaaate! How does it feel?” he patted my back. “I can’t believe it! He’s gone. See you tonight, hey!” he sped off, turning the latter into an open invitation to the whole office. Rolling my eyes, I made my way down the floor, politely nodding hello to my new employees.
I made special effort to go via James’ office. I stepped in and immediately noticed all his files had been attacked. Papers everywhere - the police had clearly beat me too it.
Insider trading, what a load. If the police weren’t smart enough to find the faults in their evidence, there’s no way in hell they’ll trace it back to Damien and I.
I took a seat in McMann’s chair and spun around, almost as if I were initiating myself into his position. As if my new found power acted as a fuel, I yelled for Damien to come into the office.
“Yes, boss?” He winked, clearly overcome with our overnight success. I pulled out my wallet.
“Smith left this at my door, so I guess we halve it?”
He looked like a deer in the headlights.
“Don’t crack now. This is only just the beginning. He left a note – said there’s more where this came from. I’ll give you this now and more when I get it. We have to keep Smith pleased, I’ll wait to see what he wants next but I assume it’ll be all the same stuff. How’re the odds this morning? The manager of Mex Fencing emailed me last night, begging for help. Look into it, may be worth passing down to Smith – another one to add to the list.” Damien stood there, absorbing my orders.
“No worries. But, what happens if we get caught?” He looked around to see if anyone was listening in.
“The doors shut, dickhead.”
“I know but – “
“We don’t. We don’t get caught. Even if we do, they have no proof. What can they do anyway? Playing good cop bad cop will only get them so far. Once they begin to untangle the system, they’ll start uncovering things that would make them wish they’d never even tried.
Anyway, get back to work. After all, I am your new leader.”
I listened intently, feeling as though I’d become far too accustomed with the early morning stock market presenter. Not complaining though, she’s no burden to look at. Like an old man, I lowered into my newly bought red leather lounge being careful not to spill my breakfast.
“In other news, corporate icon James McMann has been sacked after allegations rose overnight that implied he was the mastermind behind the stock markets best kept secret.”
‘Hang on’ I thought.
Before I could even process what was being fed to me, my phone buzzed.
‘Did you hear? OMG! Your plan worked, I can’t believe it! Celebratory drinks tonight at Shine. See you there, boss ;)’
Of course Damien would suggest drinks... on a Monday night.
I put down my coffee and sat upright in an attempt to gather my thoughts. I listened,
“McMann, in a statement to police, denied any involvement surrounding the insider trading claims. McMann believes that he has fallen victim to foul play.”
All of a sudden, I found myself at a loss for words. The once bleak image of the television screen now seemed crystal clear. I quickly grabbed my blazer and after one last look in the mirror and a tighten of my tie; I made my way out to the car.
‘Shit,’ I hissed, ‘My phone’
It wasn’t until I made my way back inside that I noticed the yellow envelope peeking out from underneath my very cliché ‘welcome’ door mat. I picked it up and funnily enough, it was addressed to me. I wasn’t in the slightest shocked considering I live alone. I opened it, assuming it was probably an early birthday present from mum.
To my delight, a thick wad of money dropped out. I checked my watch for the date, confused because I wasn’t expecting this for another couple of weeks. Reaching into the oversized envelope, I felt a note. Cautiously, I pulled it out. It read:
‘Consider it an advancement. Congratulations, keep it up and there’ll be a lot more of this.’
I picked up the cash and started to count it.
‘One, one hundred, two one hundred, three one hundred...’ A total of twenty seven hundred dollars sat in my nervous palm. I shoved the money into my already bulging wallet and went to fetch my phone.
3 missed calls, 2 new messages and 20 minutes to get to work. I was already late, so whoever was so desperate to reach me, had no option other than to wait.
Unlocking the doors to my disgustingly overpriced Range Rover, I had a quiet thought, reminding myself how good it felt to be wealthy. Fresh leather seats and a smell that screamed ‘new car’ always put me in a good mood. As I drove to work, I prepared myself for the inevitable. If my plan had panned out correctly, which if this morning’s news was any indication – it had, given my position in the firm, I should be next in line for the role as head honcho.
I parked in my usual spot and was immediately approached by Jessica.
“Good morning Mr Powers, coffee?”
I nodded. It never ceased to amaze me the lengths people are willing to go for a little recognition. I approached the office, everyone was rushing.
The receptionist; rushing to take my coat.
Jess, rushing to deliver my coffee.
My best mate and partner in crime, Damien, rushing to my side.
“Maaaaate! How does it feel?” he patted my back. “I can’t believe it! He’s gone. See you tonight, hey!” he sped off, turning the latter into an open invitation to the whole office. Rolling my eyes, I made my way down the floor, politely nodding hello to my new employees.
I made special effort to go via James’ office. I stepped in and immediately noticed all his files had been attacked. Papers everywhere - the police had clearly beat me too it.
Insider trading, what a load. If the police weren’t smart enough to find the faults in their evidence, there’s no way in hell they’ll trace it back to Damien and I.
I took a seat in McMann’s chair and spun around, almost as if I were initiating myself into his position. As if my new found power acted as a fuel, I yelled for Damien to come into the office.
“Yes, boss?” He winked, clearly overcome with our overnight success. I pulled out my wallet.
“Smith left this at my door, so I guess we halve it?”
He looked like a deer in the headlights.
“Don’t crack now. This is only just the beginning. He left a note – said there’s more where this came from. I’ll give you this now and more when I get it. We have to keep Smith pleased, I’ll wait to see what he wants next but I assume it’ll be all the same stuff. How’re the odds this morning? The manager of Mex Fencing emailed me last night, begging for help. Look into it, may be worth passing down to Smith – another one to add to the list.” Damien stood there, absorbing my orders.
“No worries. But, what happens if we get caught?” He looked around to see if anyone was listening in.
“The doors shut, dickhead.”
“I know but – “
“We don’t. We don’t get caught. Even if we do, they have no proof. What can they do anyway? Playing good cop bad cop will only get them so far. Once they begin to untangle the system, they’ll start uncovering things that would make them wish they’d never even tried.
Anyway, get back to work. After all, I am your new leader.”