Free UNDERCOVER The Secret of Luck by James Kipling Page B

her continue to work, without pay. She was honest when she said that. Her old man left her something of a substantial nest egg. She did not have to work to earn a living. She had a comfortable life as it was. John was aware of her financial situation.
    “I am sorry, Sheila. It is against my beliefs to let anybody work for free. I am afraid that you will have to clear out your desk and leave right away.” John stood and turned away. He then briskly walked into his office and locked the door from inside. He was almost like a young boy who was letting go of his best friend. John dropped on his sofa and turned on the television. He switched to the channel about that city-destroying monster and put the volume up. Outside, Sheila sat there quietly. She knew this day would come, but that did not make it any less dreadful. A few tears rolled down her face. She sat there for a few more minutes, hoping that the office door would open. She was hoping that John would come out and ask her to say. An hour passed and the door never opened. All that came from the door was the noise of some stupid television show about a giant monster that was let loose in the city.
    She wiped her tears, got up, and collected her things. She wanted to say goodbye but decided against knocking on the door. She left the tablet, a gift from John on the table. She picked up her stuff, touched the door as if to say goodbye, and left without saying a word.
    Two Months Later
    It had been almost two months since Sheila had said goodbye to him. Despite the time gap between that event and now, John was still upset about it. Sheila offered to work for free and even pay for her own expense. But John would not have that. He could not have that. If someone was spending time on their job, they should be getting paid, and he would not have it any other way. A few times, he almost picked up his old fashioned landline and called her. Perhaps to ask her out for dinner, or maybe a movie. John would not do that though. Something in his head made him decide against it.
    John also knew that she would never call him. John hated it if someone did anything that he did not ask them to do. Sheila was several things, and one of them was that she was professional through and through. John always wondered what he would do if she called him up and asked him out for dinner. Would he say yes? Would he go out with her? What would be his reaction to such an invitation? John had no answer. He continued to stare out of his office, looking down on the busy streets of the city of Primer. He must have been doing that when his phone rang. The mobile phone, not the land line.
    John noticed that it was an unknown number. He answered the call.
    “This is Russo. Who is this?” said John, answering the phone call.
    “John?” said a voice on the other side. John recognized the voice right away. It was an old friend from his college years.
    “Nancy?” asked John, allowing the caller to confirm their identity.
    “John, you remember my voice.” said Nancy.
    “How could I possibly forget it, Nancy? How are you?” He asked. He was a bit bewildered by her call.
    “I am good. I was in Primer on business. I checked the college directory and it told me that you live in this city. If you are free, perhaps you could take me out for dinner. Catch up on old times.” said Nancy.
    John thought about it. He wasn’t doing anything anyway. At that instant, John also realized that he hadn’t been with anyone for almost two months. Perhaps a date with an old college friend was not a bad idea.
    “I am free today. Where should I pick you up from?” asked John.
    “I have a meeting at the Aubrey Plaza. It will be over by five. Could you be at the Plaza’s lobby by five thirty?” asked Nancy.
    “I know that place. It is four now. I will be there. See you soon.” said John, looking at the clock.
    “Okay. See you, John.” said Nancy, and the call disconnected.
    John stepped away from the window and sat on his