Distant+Whispers

“Yes!”
“Assess them! Denmark lifted another finger in the air.
“Yes!”
Denmark lifted up a third finger.
“And send a discrepancy report to you. Which is what these are,” said Denmark, pointing to the
reports. “What exactly did you think would be in a discrepancy report, Miz Eddington, a listing of
their misspelled words? Let me see that!” Denmark grabbed one of his folders. “Look here! I
highlighted each area of their reports that was deficient. Did you read this one? The erroneous
population figures by the big one. Is Harold his name?”
“But you added more. You went beyond your task.”
“No, I just did my task very well.”
“That’s a matter of opinion. I told you Mister Alexander that you need to understand our country a
bit better before you—”
“Did you even read the reports, Miz Eddington? Those numbers tripled the estimates of your
country’s population. Even a dumb Yank like me could figure like out,” said Denmark sarcastically.
“Tripled the figures? Where is that? Show me where that is.”
Denmark picked up another folder
“What about these estimates of your expenditures?” he asked. “They’re all off. Don’t you think
that Blue Cross might notice these errors?”
“Let me see those,” Petra eyes raced down the set of figures in another set of folders.
Denmark eyed her coldly. “You didn’t read any of these reports, did you?”
Petra dropped her eyes.
Denmark smirked. “Let me understand this. You confronted me about my reports and you didn’t
even read them?” He held his gaze on Petra for a moment, then turned away from her, sighed deeply
and stared at his computer screen.
Suddenly, Denmark bolted up and began stuffing his laptop, papers and pen into his leather
satchel.
“Look,” Denmark said, hoisting his satchel on his shoulders. He hesitated and stared intently at
the ground then shook his head slowly. He looked up at Petra with tired, resigned eyes. “Look, I don’t
want to be the one to cause confusion around here. You guys have your way of doing things. I wish
you guys well. It would have been better had you opted out of the contract two weeks ago. But, listen,
I’ll talk to my company. You won’t be charged for next week.”
“Next week? Charged? What are you saying? What are you talking about?” Petra gasped. “You’re
leaving?”
“Yes, I’m leaving, Miz Eddington,” Denmark replied. “As in leaving leaving. I’m gone. Today is
my last day here.”
Petra shook her head. “You’re running away, Mister Alexander. I didn’t figure you to be that type
of person.”
“Running?” Denmark chuckled. “No, Miz Eddington, I’m walking. Then I’ll take a taxi. Then, I’ll
fly.” He glowered at Petra. “I’m outta here!” Denmark stormed past her and began to head up the aisle
towards the exit.