AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Laura informed me you haven’t returned the demo disc.”
“About that—”
He puts his hand up, stopping me. “Do I need to remind you about the clause in your contract?”
“No, sir,” I rasp, feeling my throat tighten.
I should have kept the coffee.
“Then you understand that the company can file criminal charges against you. Please don’t make us do that, Miss Smith. If you have the disc, it needs to be returned. We will know if it’s a copy.”
“Mr Carpenter, I can explain,” I begin.
He sweeps his hand out, giving me the floor. “Please, explain to me how a multi-billion-pound game was removed from this floor.”
“Last week, an estranged friend came to visit me here at work, unannounced. He somehow managed to bypass security and find my office. I never expected him to come here, and I didn’t expect him to steal the disc from my desk.”
His veins bulge at his temples, his forehead and neck going red. “You’re telling me an unknown citizen is in possession of Sanctuary?”
“I’ve been trying to get it back,” I blurt out. “I would never jeopardise your company or the success of this game. I didn’t even know he had it until after I’d searched high and low for it. I never thought he would do something like this. I’ve asked for it to be returned but he’s refusing to admit he has it. I’m working on it. I swear. I’m so sorry, Mr Carpenter. I’m truly sorry.”
“That’s no use to me now, is it,” he growls, banging his fist on the table. “Your negligence could cost this company billions. Do you have any idea what you have done?”
“I take full responsibility. I understand what this means for your company and for me, but I won’t stop until I get it back. I know it won’t make up for anything that has happened, but I want to make it right for you.” I hold back tears, knowing this will be the end of my career. No one will want to hire me now. I’m too much of a liability.
He rips his glasses off, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Imogen, I have no choice but to go to the police. Until the disc is back in our possession, we have to take every precaution. We also may need to bring forward the release.”
My tears begin to burn as I sit forward. “I will get the disc back to you. I know this doesn’t help the situation, but I am truly sorry. And don’t move the release. Zach won’t know what to do with the game. This was to punish me, not you.”
“Laura has packed up your office,” he announces. “Please hand over your key card and badge.”
I stand, the tears now slipping down my cheeks as I pull the lanyard over my neck. I unclip my key card from my bag, and place them down on his desk.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and everyone here. I’m truly sorry for the damage I’ve caused and for breaking your trust. Whatever happens from here on out, I still enjoyed my time here. I never wanted to let you down, and you’ll never know how sorry I am. Once I get it back, I will email Laura to hand it to her personally.”
He opens his mouth like he wants to speak, but I think my betrayal stops him from saying what he was going to. “Goodbye, Miss Smith.”
I nod, swiping the tear that falls. As I make my way out, I slowly close the door behind me, then head next door to my office. Or what was my office. I guess it will be someone else’s now.
Laura is closing a box up as I enter. She looks up, and multiple emotions run across her expression. Sadness. Pity. Betrayal.
“Is it true? Did you steal the game?”
“No. My ex-boyfriend who visited me did as revenge for breaking up with him. He knew what the game meant to me, and I guess he saw an opportunity when he was here. I’m trying to get it back, but he’s making it difficult.”
“Did you tell Mr Carpenter that?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t change anything. I take full responsibility. I should never have let him stay.”
“I’m sad to see you go. I loved working with you. But this game means everything to this company.”
“No, I get it. I’ve told Mr Carpenter this, but I will tell you as well. When I get it back—'cause I will—I’ll email you to meet me outside. I’ll feel more comfortable handing it back to someone trusted.”
“You really think you will get it back?”
“I’ll be going straight to his as soon as I leave here,” I assure her as I lift up the box.
“Word of advice?” she calls out.
