James-Chapter 1 B

 A person commits a thing to memory when it behooves of him to do so.  Ask a man to remember a digit code, he will likely soon forget, but place a treasure inside a box which only the digit code will open and he will go to great lengths to ensure that the code is remembered.

James remembered what time the sun would go down that evening when he left work. He tarried a little after all the other associates had left at five o'clock sharp.  He would never admit to himself he was staying for any reason specific, it would bring the shame of what he was timing quite willfully.   Instead, he convinced himself he needed to get an early start for tomorrows file.

The room had cleared and as the janitor passed each desk, he emptied wastebaskets from the many long rows. Pencils were sharpened and supplies stocked.  

"Looks like you'll need a new bulb, son." Said the Janitor.

James realized he had been squinting a bit. "I suppose I do." He replied without looking up.

"I just replaced my last. Would you mind getting one from the closet?" He pointed to the utility closet with the light on at the end of the room.

James exhaled heavily as if he had been commanded a great task. It was improper decorum for a janitor to ask this of an accountant and James normally would not have obliged it.  He would have packed up and left without saying a word but looking at the clock, he still had time...

He rose and went to the closet and fetched the bulb.  He was surprised to see how many kinds of bulbs there were and chose the brightest. 

A voice called abruptly to James and gave him a start. "See to the second floor promptly when you are done!" James turned quickly to find his boss, Mr. Clement standing in the doorway with a commanding sneer that transformed into pursed surprise at the sight of James instead of the Janitor.

"What are you still doing here?" Mr. Clement looked at his watch and the bulb in James' hand. "We haven't hired you on as a janitor have we...I'm sorry what's your name?"

"James, sir.  James Williams." James extended his hand and Mr. Clement shook it limply. "Your not not staying late on company time are you?  Extended hours must be approved."

"It's only ten minutes sir.  I didn't think..." James stuttered.

Mr. Clement cut him short, "Never mind, it doesn't matter the reason and I don't have time.  I am staying late with a file for an important client on my Anniversary! Which is one matter for me to stay late and another for you! You understand?"

"Yes sir! I should not have taken my liberties." Said James pitifully.

"Indeed! Now where is the Janitor?" And Mr. Clement turned to find the man in the mingled desks James had come from.

James followed. and wanting to leave a better impression offered, "Since I am here, is there something you need help with...your file I mean.  You say it's due tomorrow, would you like me to look at it?"

Mr. Clement stopped in his tracks, almost smiling, "Would you? Gosh, it's just a quarterly, you've done those before?"

"It's what I do, actually."  He extended his hand to take the file. Remembering the time, James added. "Problem is, I have to go home soon, I'm...meeting someone." James suddenly grew uncomfortable.

Mr. Clement smiled, "You'll have to take it home. I'll add your time myself if you report tom me with it first of the morning.  And tell that Janitor to tend to the second floor next will you eh,...James?"

He had remembered his name. A surge of pride ran through James. "Yes sir, right away. And happy Anniversary!" He extended his hand again and this time it was met with a proper shake.

James walked a bit more confidently down the steps that evening.  And as he tucked into the side streets for his walk home.

He pulled his hat down lower and his collar up higher than he normally did.  Afterall, it was Tuesday, it was nearly five thirty, and he didn't want to risk his face being seen.