Writing for Fun
August 2020
Sam's Secret - Lynn Gale
Sam Johnson admired his reflection in the mirrored wall of the lift as it rose effortlessly up through OmniPlanet Tower. 'Looking sharp, Sam,' he said as he pulled his lips back to reveal newly whitened teeth, cost a month’s wages, but first impressions count. A short puff of air into his cupped hand and sniffed.
'Good, mouthwash is still working.'
'Floor sixty-five, OmniPlanet Planetarius,' a soft disembodied female voice declared as the lift glided to a stop. Sam had a fleeting moment of doubt, but it soon passed. Taking a deep breath as the doors began to slide open, he stepped into a different world.
Ever since that letter, with its distinctive logo, a flaming star wrapped around a globe arrived, his life changed forever. An interview with the largest internet provider in the World was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The huge reception area oozed wealth and class, with its floor to ceiling windows, soft lighting, and large sofas with just the right amount of decor to not look too pretentious. A life-sized model of OmniPlanet’s founder, a smiling Tobias Asmonov in his trademark blue frock coat, greeted every visitor. Sam approached the crescent-shaped desk in the centre of the room.
A tall attractive girl in a blue suit, her blonde hair cut into a neat bob smiled at him.
'Welcome to the Planetarius Sam, Tobias is waiting for you.'
His face blanched, 'I am meeting Tobias Asmonov himself.'
'Yes, he was very impressed by your résumé and is looking forward to meeting you.'
'Sam has arrived Tobias,' she spoke into a speaker beneath the desk.
Giving Sam another of her warm smiles, she gestured to a seating area.
'Please, take a seat, and one of our associates will be with you shortly.'
He licked his dry lips, heart beginning to thump in his chest, not quite what he had anticipated. 'Hold it together Sam, you can pull this off.’
He settled on the nearest sofa, sinking into its large soft cushions.
Wringing his hands in his lap, Sam took out the handkerchief that matched his tie and mopped the perspiration that was bubbling up on his forehead. Smoothing it out, he placed it back in his pocket. He looked out over the incredible views. Just have to get past the interview, and all this could be mine.
A chance to get out of his mundane job working at the Enterprise Hotel? Long hours, low pay, watched closely by Colman, the maître de who had his suspicions regarding Sam. An opportunity to work at OmniPlanet came at precisely the right time.
'Hello, Sam, my name is Ben.' A male voice made him start. 'Would you like to come with me?' Sam rose to his feet and followed him into a large airy room with a small table and two chairs. 'Please take a seat, would you like a drink?' Ben asked. 'Some water please,' Sam could feel the heat rising through him and took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself.
Ben poured a tall glass of water from a jug in the corner of the room. 'Tobias will be with you shortly,' he smiled, placing the glass on the table and leaving the room. Sam grabbed the glass, swallowing it down in two gulps.
'You must sort your life out Sam,' his stepfather told him after his mother died, 'why can’t you be more like your sister?'
Miss perfect could never do anything wrong Sam raged, why did his mother have to marry him and bring along his spoilt brat? They even changed my name.
The door opened, and Sam stared in awe as the figure of Tobias Asmo dressed in his signature look entered the room.
'Hello, Sam, we meet at last,' Tobias’s face crinkled up in a warm smile, 'I must admit you are not what I expected.'
Sam squirmed in his seat. A tightened knot formed in his stomach. Regaining his composure, he stood up and held out his hand.
'Honoured to meet you Mr. Amosnov, I have waited so long for this chance.'
'Oh, I don’t shake hands, too many germs.' Tobias waved Sam’s hand away. 'Please sit.'
'Tobias will suffice, I prefer first names, much more friendly, don’t you agree?'
Sam removed his hand quickly. 'Yes, Tobias, of course,' Giving this odd but powerful character his most charming smile, he sat down.
'Now tell me about yourself, Sam, what makes you want to become a trainee at OmniPlanet.' Tobias looked him straight into the eyes.
'It’s something I’ve always strived for, to work for such an important and beloved organisation such as yours Tobias . . .' Sam began, having committed the whole speech to memory.
Tobias raised his hand.
'Enough, Sam, I don’t want to listen to your rehearsed spiel. I want to know what makes you different from the many that come through these doors desperate to work here.'
Sam swallowed hard, as Tobias’s unusual green eyes seemed to bore into his soul.
'I would work hard and never let you down,' he stuttered, 'you can trust me, Tobias.'
'But are you ruthless Sam?' Tobias leaned in closer. 'Would you do anything for a position?'
'Yes, anything,' Sam could not pull away from those eyes.
'Even murder?'
Sam stared in horror at Tobias. 'I don't know what you mean,' His eyes darted towards the door looking for an escape. It was then he noticed two burly police officers blocking the way.
* * *
The letter was addressed to Sam Johnson, and he knew exactly who it was for.
Samantha had been bragging about it for weeks.
'I may even be able to wangle you a job at Omniplanet, Sam,' she quipped. 'I am sure they could always use another cleaner.'
She was still laughing when his hands closed around her throat.