I do a double-take. “I’m… I’m sorry. It’s just that I was—”
“Answer the question, Ms. Everett. Is it in your job description to ‘step away for a moment’?”
My eyes fall to the floor at my feet. I could say, What job description? You haven’t given me one! But I get the feeling that would be a very bad idea. Instead, I say, “No, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”
“Then why did you do it?”
I begin to explain, then stall out. I’m not actually sure what I’m supposed to say. I don’t think he’s particularly interested in my answer either way. He has other motives at work. And if he wants to make me feel like I’m lower than the dirt beneath his feet, then job well done. We can call it right here.
“I received an urgent phone call while you were out this morning, sir,” I splutter. “Someone named Afon. He sa
