Just Another Job

by Casey Peterson

  “I need the keys back too,” said Len with a waiting open hand.

  Chris brought his hand up to drop the keys in Len’s hand, but came up with a better plan and dropped the keys on the floor at Len’s feet instead. As Chris walked out the door, regret seeped into his head and chest. He thought about turning back to pick the keys up for Len but the door shut behind him. All he could do now was leave and Chris couldn’t decide which exit he wanted to take. Shadows formed against the glass window pane on the door leading back to the break room. He didn’t want to explain to Steve and Jack. Through the store and out the giant x doors became the best option.

  A part of Chris wanted to run and knock over every end-cap of Blu-rays and merchandise he could find. Instead he walked calmly out the main entrance. Chris grabbed his phone out of his pocket. The home screen leered back at him while he attempted to find the words to tell Sadie what had just happened. A couple of flicks of the sound button from on to off and back to on didn’t help him form the words either.

  Then Chris jumped in surprise as his phone lit up with a call from Frank.

  “Hey, Frank.”

  “What the – shit – a cop. Hold on.”

  “What are you doing driving?”

  “I heard what happened man. Those bastards had no right to fire you over that.”

  “How could you have found out already? Where are you going? What the hell’s going on here?”

  “Right behind you. I figured you needed a ride.”

  Frank’s pickup pulled into the X-Tech parking lot with a sharp turn. The black pickup comforted Chris somewhat. At least he could tell Sadie in person instead of awkwardly on the phone that he was fired. Chris hopped in and Frank peeled out.

  “Slow down turbo,” said Chris.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.”

  “I appreciate your help, Frank. I will figure something out.”

  “No. We will figure something out. Those fuckers fired me today too. Said my personal time on their electronic devices exceeded acceptable limits. Bunch of bullshit.”

  A hiccup of laughter slipped through Chris’s mouth at this news.

  “I’m sorry,” said Chris.

  “I know, I know. You told me.”

  “Fuck! I can’t believe I didn’t see this coming.”

  “You’re like a baby. Quit trying to act mad and cuss.”

  Frank laughed at his own joke more than necessary, which prompted Chris to laugh at Frank until the two were out of breath. It felt good to treat their predicament this way and so they let off some more steam. Chris joked they should have kept the iPads. Frank pulled his iPad out to show the deed was already done. They took turns imitating each other’s wives upon hearing the news. But it all ended when the pickup turned onto Kirby Street.

  Sadie would…What would Sadie think? Chris thought he knew it would be horrible when he stepped out of X-Tech, but now he wasn’t so sure. He would be home more; a big plus in her eyes. A possible chance at a career using that expensive literature degree could happen too.

  “Hey relax. It’s Friday. We’ll have a plan by Monday. Just enjoy the early vacation,” said Frank.

  Chris smirked and hopped onto the sidewalk. He looked forward and waved backwards to Frank in appreciation. It had been an hour since he left for work that morning. Sadie would know immediately something was off. Maybe he could jump in his car parked in the driveway and take a few hours to think.

  Honk! Frank nixed those plans in a heartbeat. Chris turned around to see why Frank was being Frank.

  “I just thought of something, but I’ll call you later. You better talk to your wife. She looks pissed.”

  The pickup zoomed off in its usual fashion leaving Chris to face a disgruntled and confused Sadie standing at the doorway. Her hands on her hips, Sadie frowned at the appearance of her husband in the driveway.

  “What the hell is going on?” asked Sadie.

  “Uh, called in sick?” Sadie wasn’t in a gaming mood. “I got fired.”

  “What? Wait. How did this – How could they – “

  It hurt now that he had to really think about it, but he tried to spill it out as fast as he could. “The hospital trip. The mother called to thank me. They probably tracked my iPad with GPS. I broke the rules and he said something about insurance. I’m sorry, I forgot the pizza too.”

  “Oh, honey.”

  Sadie pulled her husband into a hug that sparked off tears in both their eyes. They stood holding each other in their driveway and Chris thought how strangely wonderful this was compared to being at work. He wasn’t happy he was fired, but at that moment he felt much more than content at never having to return to X-Tech.

  A special news bulletin popped on the television when they entered the house. The reporter spoke quickly.

  “We bring you now live to the president’s press conference.”

  The podium stood empty, and then a stoic president stepped forward.

  “Hello America. I understand the confusion that has been percolating across internet message boards and social networking sites these last two days. I called this conference in the hopes of bringing clarity. Many of you are well aware of recent videos depicting acts of extraordinary feats. At first glance they appeared to be clever special effects, but with persistent rumors of their validity I felt it only appropriate to send a team to investigate. Multiple tests were conducted by the research team on the individuals in these videos and as surprising as it may seem the tests were all positive. These individuals are now working voluntarily with the government to learn where their powers originated and how exactly they work. With this discovery, I would like to personally welcome any other Americans who share similar gifts to come forward so that we may better understand this new phenomenon in human existence. Thank you.”

  Realization swept over Chris. Frank was right.

  “Oh my God,” said Sadie with wide eyes. “I saw those videos on the news this morning and I couldn’t believe it.”

  “I thought the same thing, but Frank – “

  Chris’s phone rumbled in his pocket. It was Frank. A smile spread across Chris’s face in anticipation of Frank’s ‘I told you so’ rant.

  “Yes, you were right,” said Chris.

  “Hell yes I was, but you realize what this means, right?”

  “Uh, yes... No. What?”

  “Opportunity. They’re going to need people to document and work with all these super humans.”

  “There’ve been only two so far.”

  “Get off those stupid football forums and check out the real news. By my count there are already at least ten.”

  “How do you know there are going to be jobs? It sounds like you’re just making this all up.”

  “I know a guy at Timely National Labs. I read they have at least two being experimented on there.”

  “We’re not scientists. It makes no sense.”

  “Just trust me damn it. Get a haircut this weekend and have Sadie dye those grey hairs. We’re going in Monday to talk to him.”

  The look on Sadie’s face mixed disappointment and hope. Chris explained Frank’s plan as best he could, but he barely understood what they were going to do. Monday was too soon for Sadie. She thought they would get at least a week together before Chris had to step out the door every morning for eight to ten hours.

  “Well you better make this weekend count,” said Sadie with arms crossed.

  “Think it’s too early to call in for the pizza?”

  Chapter Four

  Too short. Always too short. The weekend blazed by with Louise’s volleyball tournament on Saturday and a rummage sale on Sunday. With two hours left that Sunday night, the Byrne family enjoyed frozen yogurt and a surprise movie picked by Sadie. An obvious choice, Back to the Future, made to support her husband, his favorite. Louise and Gerry groaned over the unmistakable nature behind the pick, but settled in quickly between their mother and father on the couch.

  “Just don’t q
uote the whole movie, Dad,” said Louise.

  “I make no promises to such a blasphemous remark,” said Chris.

  “I like the second one. Let’s watch that one,” said Gerry.

  “Shut up, I mean shush, it’s starting,” said Sadie.

  Chris caught Sadie’s eye and smiled at her. She tried not to return the smile and defended herself with the classic line, “I don’t even like you.” Another set of groans from Louise and Gerry ended the disruptions.

  “When are you going to be home tomorrow?” asked Sadie, as the two lied in bed.

  “You know I don’t know that.”

  “I don’t care if you don’t know. Come up with a time.”

  “Why? You’re just going to get upset when I don’t come back during that time.”

  “Yeah, so you better come up with a good one.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow during lunch to let you know how it’s going and try to give you a time.”

  “Or I will call you. You were supposed to be mine this week and I will call you any time I want to now.”

  “What if I’m in a meeting? It might really be a good job.”

  “It might, but I don’t care. Your job is to be with me this week. Not with Frank at some lab.”

  Chris smiled at his wife’s scowl, “You just like me and want me to be with you.”

  “I didn’t say that. Stop twisting my words. Don’t look at me like that either.”

  “Like what?” Chris leaned forward to put his face closer to hers. “I just want a kiss.”

  “No. You don’t deserve any kisses. You’re leaving me tomorrow.”

  Chris positioned himself on top of his wife, bringing his face closer to hers. She squirmed in protest so he kissed her neck instead.

  “Such a butt face,” said Sadie, and wrapped her arms around Chris’s back to pull him tightly into her. “You need to get to sleep mister. You’ve got work tomorrow.” She kissed him on the lips and sent him rolling back to his side of the bed.

  “Love you,” said Chris, as he turned off the light.

  “Love you too,” said Sadie. “Butt face.”

  Chris didn’t know what time Frank would pick him up, but he knew he would. The cell phone rumbled to life at seven with a text message from Frank, “Be there in ten minutes. You’re buying breakfast.” As quietly and quickly as possible, Chris skipped from the bedroom to the bathroom to get ready. It was different and he couldn’t help being a little excited at what might happen today. More time to dress would’ve been nice, though.

  Exactly ten minutes later, Frank pulled up. Keys and wallet were the last things to grab, but Chris made it out in time before any honking. Starbucks proved to be Frank’s choice for breakfast today as he turned into the drive-thru without a word. Chris handed Frank his debit card at the pay window and after a couple sips of coffee and two muffins later, the men were ready to talk.

  “Who are we seeing by the way? You never mentioned his name,” said Chris.

  “Erik Lee. We graduated together. He’s a director of computer analyses or some shit like that. He has power and can hire us directly.”

  “Why didn’t we do this sooner? Before we were fired.”

  “I hate him, but it’s a job and I know they’re getting a boost in funding from the federal government to do those experiments, which means new hires and better salaries than stupid ass X-Tech.”

  “You hate him?”

  “He’s an attention seeking weasel.”

  Chris thought about it for a moment before moving on. “I only know how to fix a couple computer problems and set up routers. I can’t program like you.”

  “I know. They need technical writers. There’s going to be a huge microscope on top of all this after the president made it public. They have to have evidence that what is happening is legal.”

  “That’s kind of surprising. I guess he is being true to his campaign of a transparent government.”

  “Fuckin’ traffic.”

  “I still can’t believe they’re real.”

  “Face it. Spider-man and Wolverine are here.”

  “Or Wonder Woman.”

  Frank punched Chris in the arm with a smirk. “You perv. I won’t tell Sadie, but I’m sure that’s what she would’ve done.”

  “I meant equal opportunity.”

  “I wouldn’t mind being wrapped up in Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth. You better not let that slip to Gail.”

  “I don’t slip, I just forget. You’re the perv… I was just… I don’t know what I was saying.”

  The traffic lightened and they made their way onto the Altamont. Wind turbines churned across the yellowing grass hills. Frank sped past the scattered cars chugging up the freeway. The air conditioner blasted on full and Chris couldn’t keep his eyes off the temperature gauge. He was thankful for the cool air inside because it was already high into the eighties outside, but Chris didn’t want the stress of calling and waiting for a tow service. Nothing stressed Frank out; at least Chris had never seen him in such a situation.

  “Quit freaking out over there. I can see it all over you,” said Frank.

  “Just nervous.”

  “Don’t be. It’s going to be fine. Shit!”

  With Frank’s curse, a semi jackknifed five car lengths in front of them. Frank smashed the brake pedal sending his pickup swerving dangerously in the lane next to other panicked drivers doing the same. To make it all worse, the trailer of the semi lifted off its wheels and tipped the entire thing on its side blocking the five lanes completely. All of this took place on an incline of the Altamont mountain pass. To add on top of everything, the semi and trailer’s weight proved too much for gravity and sent the metal obstacle skidding down toward the hastily parked cars.

  “Oh shit, look,” said Chris.

  Their safety at stopping in time leapt out the window as the semi’s skid picked up speed and collided with the first cars. Glass and metal gave way for the bigger hunk of rampaging metal. Frank turned his head to look out the rear window and only saw other cars stopped behind them, blocking an escape path. The passengers that realized what was happening ran from their vehicles and up the hills on the side of the road. More cars compacted against the side of the semi with no signs of slowing down. Frank clenched his hands around the steering wheel while his eyes darted in every direction. No plan involving staying in the pickup seemed reasonable so he let go of the wheel and pushed Chris into the passenger door with one arm while opening his own door with the other. They raced across the pavement, weaving around stopped cars to the safety of the golden hills. With a comforting distance set between them and the sliding semi, Frank and Chris turned to watch the slow destruction. Frank’s pickup sat only a few feet away from the semi. Chris put his hand on Frank’s shoulder for conciliation. Frank loved his truck, but did his best to hide that with an angry shout, “Bastard!”

  Inches separated Frank’s beloved from an irreparable accident when the semi stopped. The onlookers looked around at each other confused. A few clapped slowly in appreciation. Frank moved forward, but Chris held his shoulder to wait. There was still a steep grade and the semi should have kept sliding for a while. Cell phones went up next to everyone’s ears to call insurance companies, police, and loved ones. Sirens wined now in the distance. No one was hurt, but the cleanup would take a lot of man power.

  “What the hell is that?” asked Frank, pointing to the semi that was now shaking.

  “Oh no, what do you think’s in the cargo? Could it explode?” said Chris.

  “Look out!” shouted someone on the hill.

  The semi creaked and groaned as the shaking continued, but it wasn’t just shaking. It was being lifted off the ground. Chris looked for a crane or a helicopter with wires pulling up the massive weight, and then more shouts came.

  “He’s doing it!”

  “Who?”

  “Oh my God!”

  “They are real,” said Chris.

  “He better not scratch my truck,”
said Frank.

  A man stood underneath the semi with arms stretched above his head to support the 80,000 pounds. He stayed in that position for only a moment. Then with incredible ease he turned the eighteen wheeler above his head and placed the behemoth back on its wheels as if none of the events beforehand had ever occurred. After a shocked silence, the crowd on the hills cheered louder than a Rolling Stones concert for this new rock star in front of them and realizing things were relatively safe, rushed the stage to get a better glimpse at the spectacle.

  Frank checked his truck first for any damage and Chris tagged along, but eventually they made their way to the hero too. The man stood a head taller over most of the crowd and smiled at the numerous congratulations offered to him. Frank gently shoved his way to the front for Chris and him to take in a better look. The view was fleeting, because at that moment a black SUV opened its doors to reclaim the man. As he stepped into the vehicle, Chris glimpsed a black athletic outfit fitted around the man’s defined muscles. Tall, muscular, and an escape plan. At this angle he really did fit the part of a superhero.

  “I guess he can’t fly,” said Frank. The black SUV drove off leaving the fans wanting more and having nothing left to do but get in their own cars. Tow trucks came in quickly to pull the damaged off to repair shops, the police interviewed the truck driver and a handful of witnesses, but things cleaned up fast. Frank and Chris sat in the pickup and took in the scene in front of them. Then Frank looked down at his phone.

  “Ha! It’s already on there,” said Frank. He handed his phone to Chris.

  “Wow. Louise will give me crap for a week that I didn’t record this,” said Chris.

  Traffic started again and they moved past the excitement to the normal stretch of highway leading on to the Greenville Road exit.

  Chapter Five

  “Hey Erik. How the hell are you?” said Frank to a short man with a sharp nose and chin.

  “Frankie boy, I’m perfect as always,” said Erik, his words blazed out so fast Chris could barely take one in before the next came out.