Where the Sun Sets
Chapter 19
Chester prided himself in being completely efficient. Even at his age he felt
neatness counted. Everything needed to be in its place. No fuss, no muss, organized
to the "T". So it was no surprise to himself that he broke out into a cold sweat,
when tossing his shirt over the dining room chair, the small wad of paper appeared.
Nothing was to leave the grounds of the house without expressed written consent,
and or, legally authorized documentation. So close to retirement and he could lose
it all for this little finger football. How could he have let this happen? He
glanced at his watch and sighed dejectedly. There was not enough time to drive all
the way back to the house that evening. Even if he made it before lock down, there
would still be an explanation needed. No, it would be best if he waited until his
shift tomorrow. He could replace it then without anyone noticing. As he bent down
to retrieve the fallen object something about it caught his eye. He had not noticed
it earlier.
Along the inner fold there seemed to be some writing. He sat himself at the
dining room table and stared intently at the object in his hand. His curiosity was
getting the better of him. He could sense that it would be just a matter of time
before he opened the wad of paper. Unfolding it, though could have serious side
effects. Someone would surely notice it had been tampered with. What if he could not
get it folded back the same way again. Why did he have to bring this damn thing home
with him? He had gone back to the records room with the intent of picking it, from
the corner it fell, and putting it back where it had come from. There was a fire
drill, the wad went into his pocket. He had no choice at the time but to exit the
building immediately. He should have returned as soon as the building was cleared,
but he had forgotten all about it. Like so very many things these days. His memory
was going. His age was catching up with him. "Harold was to blame for this.'
Chester thought to himself. If only he had retrieved the item himself. After all it
was Harold who flicked the wad into the corner in the first place. "Harold, the poor
guy looked so worn down.' Chester glanced at the wad.
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