10/10/12
Jim circled through the employee parking lot for the third time, but it was no use. All that was left was a handicapped space; and he couldn’t count on anyone leaving the lot again this early. He pulled back out onto the street and headed for the auxiliary lot a block down. He’d have to run back now and hope there was still enough time to make it. After he had parked and was jogging up to the front door he noticed that even the handicapped space was now occupied with a yellow car.
While still only halfway across the lobby, Jim saw the elevator door beginning to slide shut. “Hold the door!” A hand inside moved toward the button panel, but the door continued closing. Jim came to a stop at the shut door and pushed the call button. He watched the indicator lights rising through the numbers and muttered to himself, “Damn him!” Jim had seen who was in the elevator — his supervisor, Mr. Grank. And Jim had seen his smirk.
At last the elevator returned and Jim made his way to his cubicle. He had just logged into his computer when Mr. Grank appeared. “This is the third time you’ve come in late this month. I’m going to have to put a reprimand in your file.” Jim’s mouth dropped open. “But, I was in the building on time. And I’d have even made it to my desk on time if …” Mr. Grank interrupted him, “I’m sorry, but rules are rules. By the way, remember your performance review is today. Report to the personnel office at 11:30.”
A few hours later Jim was sitting in front of the personnel manager feeling his blood pressure creeping up as the manager talked. He was saying, “Jim, you do good work. We’ve been watching you for some time now, with an eye toward moving you up the ladder. Unfortunately, these negative entries in your file make it hard for us to do that at this time. So I’m afraid you’ll have to stay where you are for the present. Try to avoid any more infractions until your next review in six months and we’ll see what we can do then.” The manager stood up and extended his hand, so Jim could only exit with a nod and return to his desk.
His mind was racing with the events of the morning and he couldn’t concentrate on his work. Since it was almost noon he thought he might go to lunch a few minutes early. But as he glanced toward his supervisor’s office Jim saw through the open door that Mr. Grank was talking on the phone and was looking straight at him. He sat down again quickly and turned back to his computer. He’d wait out the remaining minutes.
Bob, his co-worker from the adjoining cubicle, came around the small wall, “You going to work through lunch?” Jim looked at the clock; it was now several minutes past 12:00, so he felt it safe to leave. “No.” On the way downstairs Jim told Bob his saga. Bob shook his head in sympathy and said, “Whoa! What a bummer. Hey; isn’t that Mr. Grank’s car?” Jim looked to where Bob was pointing and saw a bright yellow sports car. And it was in the handicapped space. “He’s not handicapped; is he?” asked Bob.
Jim didn’t answer. His attention had been caught by a police car a block away coming slowly up the street. Bob followed Jim’s gaze, smiled real big, and said, “I dare you! Just get his attention and point to Grank’s car.” Jim’s face flushed and his ears began ringing. As much as he’d like to, he’d be afraid for someone to know he’d done it.
The two walked on a short distance. Bob’s car was parked only a few spaces away. “If you come 20 minutes early you get the good spots.” Bob said, getting into his car. As Bob pulled out, Jim turned to head for the far lot. But he stopped when he saw that the police cruiser was now nearly opposite him.
Jim took a quick glance around; no one was in sight. Then, before he could change his mind, Jim raised his arm and caught the policeman’s eye. He smiled as his hand pointed in the direction of the yellow sports car, and he whispered to himself, “Rules are rules!”
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