A New Story: Nothing More, Nothing Less

Marsha’s stomach churned.  On the one hand, she was certain she wasn’t being accused but how dare Julie be so direct. 

Kim asked, “What?  Do you think someone took it?” 

Julie made eye contact with Marsha and then both ladies as she responded, “I can’t imagine anyone in this office doing such a thing but it is a curious thing.”

Anita asked, “Have you checked with the cleaning people or management?”

“Well, no.  I was heading to my office and, since the three of you were standing here…”  Julie trailed off. 

Finally, Marsha spoke up. “Well, darlin’ I hope you can find your card.  I’m sure there is a logical reason it is missing.  Do you know what it looks like?”

“Actually, no.  They said the envelope is purple and they put it on my keyboard.”

“I’m so sorry darlin’.  I feel awful for ya but if we see somethin’ like that you’ll be the first to know, iddn’t that right ladies?”  Anita and Kim agreed as Julie expressed her thanks and headed for her cubicle.  It didn’t seem normal for Marsha to be the last to make a comment about an issue.  She always freely speaks her mind and isn’t shy about it.  Julie was certain Marsha knew something and probably was the one to take it.  After arriving at her desk, she sent an email to her manager advising something was missing from her office. 

Marsha’s mind raced.  No accusations were made and she knew her 29 Club friends suspected nothing.  Still, her stomach churned.  Oh, she hated this feeling.  It was as if she was trapped and vultures were circling.  She told herself, “Think positive, Marsha.  No one knows and you are innocent until proven guilty. But you are guilty.  You did it and you know you did.” 

It was time to focus on work.  Marsha had to get her state of mind right.  She began looking through emails received during her lunch break.  About the time she finished reading the last unread message, a new one arrived from her manager.  The subject line was “Missing Item.” 

Marsha felt panic start to rise.  Now management knew.  The more she considered her options, the more she realized the card in her purse could become very bad for her.  She had to get rid of it as soon as possible.  She decided to take action then and there.  She walked with her purse to the women’s restroom.  She would dispose of the card in the trash can in the stall she would use.  No one would look there and even if someone did, it was unlikely someone would make the effort to retrieve it. 

Since Marsha was so anxious about the card and so intent to get rid of it, she didn’t notice the need to relieve herself.  Once she sat down with her purse on her knees, nature took its course.  After completing her business, she waited for two ladies to exit the restroom.  She leaned down and glanced under the stall.  Seeing no feet, Marsha wrapped her hand in toilet paper.  Then she moved some of the contents in the trash can to the side.  With her other hand, she retrieved the card and dropped it into the bottom of the can.  Then moved the contents back to what she considered a natural looking position.  Finally, she felt the tension begin to ease. 

Returning to her cubicle, Marsha was surprised to see Anita trying to enter the restroom as she was exiting.  Anita noted the purse hanging from Marsha’s shoulder.  Anita knew Marsha was menopausal and wanted to ask.  She wanted to question the purse she saw but knew Marsha would consider it highly inappropriate to ask such things in a public setting.  She didn’t want to endure the glare she would receive.  Instead, she simply smiled and nodded as they crossed paths. 

Back at her desk, Marsha seethed that she may not be completely in the clear.  It was one thing to be taken down but management or even Julie.  Anita?  That twit!  She was loyal but if she said something stupid or even without knowing, someone else may get suspicious.  Marsha saw the look in her eyes.  She questioned the purse in the ladies room.  When the time was right, Marsha would simply say was spotting.  Nothing more, nothing less.