The Company

By Sally McLean

AMDIS/KANE is one of the most successful companies in the world, but it has secrets. Dark secrets. Follow the rules and you'll have nothing to worry about. Disobey and you'll risk a visit from security. Betray The Company - you had better watch out. The Management have special measures for dealing with troublemakers. Measures that lurk in shadows and can sometimes be glanced out the corner of your eye. But you won't need to worry about that, not if you stay loyal. Just remember, at AMDIS/KANE we think of ourselves as one big family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally McLean
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005732561

Sally McLean

Writer and chronic procrastinator.

Book preview

THE COMPANY.

Copyright 2018 Sally McLean

Published by Sally McLean at Smashwords

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THE COMPANY.

Congratulations, Ms. Paulson said, shaking the young man’s hand.

Thank you, Leon responded enthusiastically, although it was hard to feel any real enthusiasm with the stone-faced head of security, Mr. Dominic, glaring at him from the corner of the room.

I see you’ve applied for residence in one of the Tower’s employee apartments.

That’s okay, isn’t it? he asked uncertainly. I was told at my initial interview that I was eligible, but if I misunderstood…

"Of course you’re eligible Mr. Druce, as are all who are work here, right down to the janitorial staff. At AMDIS/KANE we think of ourselves as one big family."

Leon forced another smile and wondered if Mr. Dominic considered anyone part of his family. Who should I talk to about getting the key and the moving arrangements?

Not to worry Mr. Druce, as we speak a team of movers are currently at the building where you rent a room, and are in the process of packing and relocating your belongings. I trust that isn’t a problem?

No, he said, but the thought did creep him out.

Good. Ms. Paulson buzzed for her assistant, who appeared almost immediately. Miss Carlisle, please escort Mr. Druce to his new accommodations so he might freshen up, and then deliver him to Mr. McFarland for a brief induction.

Yes, Ms. Paulson.

Sensing this as his cue to leave, Leon stood up and followed Miss Carlisle out of the room.

I have a good feeling about this one, Ms. Paulson said, turning to face Mr. Dominic. Don’t you think?

That’s what you said about the last one and look how that turned out.

Mr. Vaughn’s actions were highly unpredictable.

Which is why I’m not prepared to risk the chance of it happening again, and if that means putting the fear of God into each and every single employee, then that’s what I’ll do. Mr. Dominic’s face was resolute.

I suppose I should be grateful that you didn’t bring any of your security team with you, she said.

Who says I didn’t? he replied smugly.

Fear flickered across Ms. Paulson’s face. She sensed the presence materialise behind her and carefully looked over her shoulder. The tall, thin security guard stood in the opposite corner of the room, presumably where he’d been all along. Ms. Paulson repressed a shudder. In all her time at AMDIS/KANE she still couldn’t get used to these men, if that’s what they were, as their faces seemed to defy reality by appearing slightly out of focus, not to mention their ability to appear out of thin air or know exactly what a person was thinking.

Don’t worry Ms. Paulson, Mr. Dominic assured her, while enjoying her discomfort. We know you’re loyal to the company. Just be sure to keep it that way.

···

Miss Carlisle rapped twice on the office door and waited exactly ten seconds before entering. Mr. McFarland, I’m delivering Mr. Druce for his induction as ordered.

There must be some mistake. My department is at full capacity.

I think he’s a replacement for Mr. Vaughn.

He swallowed hard and fought desperately to maintain a business-like façade. Okay, well then thank you Miss Carlisle. Have him take a seat in the lounge and let him know I’ll join him momentarily.

Yes Sir.

Once the assistant had closed the door behind her, Aaron McFarland leaned back in his chair and ran a hand across his haggard face. He was only thirty seven years old, but right now he felt at least three times that. Another inductee. What the hell had happened to Mitchell Vaughn? The thought filled him with a tremendous sadness and then an all-encompassing guilt.

Reluctantly Aaron pushed back from his desk, quickly checked his appearance in the window’s reflection, because it wouldn’t help matters to have a crooked tie or part of his shirt hanging out, and went to meet the company’s latest recruit.

The young man he presumed was Mr. Druce rose as Aaron entered the lounge. Mr. Druce? he confirmed as they shook hands.

Leon.

Aaron smiled without any warmth. He couldn’t afford to become too friendly with another employee. Actually it will have to be Mr. Druce. I trust Ms. Paulson had you sign the required contracts and gave you a copy of the company handbook? Leon nodded and held up the small usb drive to confirm that she had. Good. You should study the section on basic protocols around the office. Some of the rules might seem a little bizarre at first, but they have proven to be an excellent way of maintaining a clear balance between professional and personal relationships. Something which could otherwise be difficult when so many of us work and live together.

Of course. I understand. He didn’t, but Leon needed this job, and if he had to fake it until he found his feet, then so be it.

Right, well let me show you where you will be working. Aaron led him down the aisle, identical cubicles flanking either side of them. Every cubicle was occupied by someone busy at work. Nobody even glanced up as the two men passed. There were also no windows to provide any distractions.

They stopped at the last cubicle on the right. Aaron took a breath, disheartened at how quickly all signs of Mitchell’s presence had been eradicated. This is your workspace. You’re not permitted to personalise your cubicle in any way, shape or form. Random inspections will be carried out to make sure your space complies with company standards. Any questions?

Leon glanced around. I don’t think so.

Well, my extension is listed, Aaron pointed out a list