The Ties That Bind
by Kathleen Kent
Carrie!!
Yes, Mr. Bryson.
Where are you?
I’m just finishing up at Duckworth’s.
They got my shirts and slacks in?
Yes.
The French cuffs w stripes, right?
Yes.
Alright, I need you to drive over to Renaldo’s now and pick up the liquor order.
Like now, Carrie.
Sorry. It’s just raining. I had a hard time getting the car door open with my hands full.
It’s ten o’clock. I need you back here no later than 10:45 to set up the meeting room.
Right.
Text me when you’re on your way.
Okay.
And pick up some lemons at the counter. Don’t forget.
HELLOOOO?!
Lemons. I won’t forget.
ten minutes later
Carrie, what are you doing now?
I’m just at Renaldo’s.
Forget that. You’re not going to Renaldo’s.
You want me back now?
No. Listen. My soon to be ex-wife just called from the airport.
She’s leaving for Cleveland for the day to see her divorce lawyer.
Okay.
I need you to do something. Forget about coming back here. The other girl can set up for the conference.
I want you at my apartment.
Your apartment?
Yes, what used to be mine, soon to be my ex-wife’s apartment. When you get there I want you to text me. Still have the key?
Yes, I’ve got the key. What do you want me to do?
I’ll tell you when you get there.
I’d be more comfortable if you’d tell me what you want me to do.
I don’t pay you to be comfortable. The bitch took my key and I need something from the apartment!
No need to be ugly with me.
You want ugly? How about a termination slip!!! I’m about to go into the meeting. Just text me when you get there.
a little bit later
What’s going on? It’s been almost an hour.
I’m inside the apartment.
It took you that long to get downtown?
Traffic. And it’s raining. Couldn’t find parking.
Go to my wife’s closet in the master bedroom.
Okay. I’m there.
In the back of her closet is a gun safe.
It has a combination lock.
Try combo 11-25-7.
I’m not really comfortable with guns, Mr. Bryson.
You’re not going for guns, Carrie. Do it!
It didn’t work.
Try 6-24-83
It’s open.
Stupid bitch, always uses the anniversary or her birthday. You see what’s in the bottom of the safe?
Large envelopes.
How many are there?
There are 7.
I want you to put them in your bag and bring them back to the office. And for God’s sake be careful with them.
Is it cash?
Just put them in your bag and get your butt back here.
They look like bonds.
Did I tell you to look inside??? Get back to the office. Now, Carrie!
Do you understand? You made me walk out of the meeting.
There are a lot of bearer bonds in these envelopes, Mr. Bryson.
Goddammit, Carrie, I’m not going to tell you again to bring those envelopes to me.
What THE HELL are you doing?
Carrie, I’m not messing around here. Where are you?
These bonds belong to your wife, don’t they?
There is no “HERS”. It’s all mine. You either start back to the office now or you will be very, very sorry.
Okay, Mr. Bryson, I’m leaving now.
Don’t take the tollway, it’s too crowded. Let me know when you’re close.
Where are you now?
In the car. Can I ask you something?
Look, you can ask me questions when you get back.I’m still in the meeting.
I’ve pulled over to the side of the road. I’m not coming back to the office until you’ve answered my questions.
For Christ’s sake. What is it?
How many years have I worked for you?
Jesus. 3 years.
Actually, it’s 4. And in all that time, have you ever given me a raise?
Is that what this is? You hocking me for a raise? I’ll talk to you about it when I see you.
How many times have you grabbed my ass?
Are you working your way around to bribing me? Is that what this is!!
How many times have you embarrassed me in front of co-workers.
What do you want me to say?
An apology will do for a start.
Look, I’m sorry. It’ll never happen again. Believe me. Never. Again.
You know, you’re quite the asshole. Did you know that, Bob?
Carrie, I am standing out in the hallway again. I’m sorry, okay? I’ll make it up to you when you get here.
Carrie?
What is it you want? A raise? More vacation time? Whatever it is, we’ll talk about it when you get back.
Okay, I’m on the road again. I’ll text you when I can. It’s raining really hard. It may take a while.
a little bit later
Carrie, it’s been over an hour. Where are you?
Where the hell are you?
CARRIE ANSWER ME NOW. WHERE ARE YOU?
Right now? I’m at the boarding gate. Your wife’s flight to Cleveland was delayed.
You know she’s actually a very nice person. She bought me a round trip ticket to the Caymans. She sends her best.
And, Bob, shove your apology. By the way...I quit.
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