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"You mean the affair," Huia replied, relieved to say it. Evelyn asked open questions to another four people. In her heart she wanted to be wrong, but every time she asked she heard the confirmation and disappointment, followed by a string of supporting concerns and allegations. She spoke with other managers, who made it clear it was no one else's business, if she knew what was good for her. Another five days passed before Evelyn and Liz were sitting in the corner office. It was a regular meeting, nothing out of the ordinary; except for the outlandish loudness of Evelyn's pounding heart. After the usual pleasantries and updates the conversation began. "I know about you and Mike and I know a lot of others know. People are talking and forming opinions," Evelyn blinked and held back a thought. Liz remained silent for a good few heartbeats. "What do you think?" she asked poised to pounce on any suggestion of disloyalty or moral judgement. Evelyn couldn't resist the invitation to offer an opinion. This alone was the trigger to her downfall. "I don't think it's appropriate," she began and not one to stop at an understatement she continued. "I don't think it's professional. And I think you should back off. Your behaviour is compromising our reputation and people are losing respect for both of you." Evelyn grimaced as the words swam in the silence. It was a moment too long before the response followed. "Do you?" Liz replied. It was a rhetorical and guarded statement. The inflection of tone made Evelyn uneasy. Liz rubbed her chin and rolled her eyes. An idea occurred. It was time to get rid of the messenger. Evelyn held her tongue knowing it was too late to retract the words or change the sentiment. Evelyn was an easy target. "Thank you for your honesty, Evelyn. Let's move on. I want to discuss work arrangements and hours in the office. I have decided I need you here every day," her tone was so matter-of-fact that Evelyn nearly missed the intention. Liz reminded Evelyn that working from home was a trial; and as it turned out it was not working for the good of the organisation. The boss knew Evelyn would choose family over work when the crunch came; and the crunch was nigh. It would be enough to remove Evelyn from the payroll. As she spoke, it dawned on her that the newly created vacancy would be perfect for her office- pet; she could promote him to head office. Evelyn made notes and started her own paper trail. She rejected the notion that her conditions were on trial. "Don't make this about me," she said, but it was all too late. Protracted negotiations began and eventually broke down. Legal advice was sought and discussed. They agreed to a mediated settlement. The two women arrived at the Department of Labour mediation rooms within moments of each other. They waited with lawyers before being directed into the mute blue room. Papers were rustled and ordered in the uneasy silence. Points of law, contracts, and work projects were discussed at length. There was much tit-for-tat behind the closed doors. Prepared statements were read; lawyers offered advice. It was the boss who broke under the strain and betrayed herself in an outburst. "She's defiant and unmanageable," said Liz. Quitting became easy. Evelyn wanted neither her job nor an unsecured contract. She argued as though she did and won a reasonable pay-out, which she shared with the lawyer and the Inland Revenue. Judith Lofley Have your story published! Here's how to enter our Short Story Competition: Entries need to have a maximum of 1200 words and will be selected based on their interest and professional standard. Entries are to be emailed to: hermag@strettonpublishing.co.nz Subject line: Short Story Competition about the author Judith Lofley is a communications consultant and writes fiction for fun. Her characters are an amalgam of people she has worked with in the private and public sectors. Nothing is entirely true, nor is it entirely false in the world of make-believe. She lives on the Kapiti Coast and is married with two children. Terms and Conditions: Entries to have a maximum of 1200 words, submitted in double spacing, including a short biography of the writer. Entries close the 20th of each month. Each entry must be the author's original work and must not have been published before. The winner each month will be notified prior to publication, which will be at the editor's discretion. Her Magazine retains first publication rights for all winning entries for a period of six months. Entries from the previous month cannot be resubmitted for following months' competitions – i.e. entries can be submitted only once. Each entry must be original and must be submitted by the author. The judges' decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Submission of each entry constitutes acceptance by the submitter of the competition's terms and conditions of entry. www.hermagazine.co.nz www.hermagazine.co.nz | 115