The Compromise

Jerry Guiller did not think that he would have to do a lot for his new employer but he was soon to find out that there are things not worth losing your soul to. He had just moved into a popular local condominium by the river proceeding a stent of being out of the country. After a long day of unpacking he decided it was time to quit for the night, too tired to cook, he called out for carry out.

Not much time had past, before the door bell rang when he opened it to find a young lady standing there with his pizza. With a smile on his face he started up a conversation, to his surprise she slipped him her number. Worn out from the days events and starting a new job in the morning, it was time to turn out the lights. He settled in for the night and as all went quiet thoughts of how his life was changing for the good danced in his head.

The very next day, Jerry was awaken by the sound of doors slamming outside in the hall. It was six in the morning when he stubbled out of bed but he managed to make his way to the shower. Soon after some coffee and his morning toast, he was on his way to a new start. Grateful that his friend referred him to this great opportunity, he was very excited to begin his new life.

As he walked in through the door you could feel the history it held within its walls. From the granite floor to the steeple size foyer, each person he encountered exuded professionalism and stout pride. Like a child in a candy store, he eyeballed everything in sight. Someone from behind the front counter directed him to the head office where he met his employer for the first time.

A short Napoleon looking fellow in a very expensive suit stood up to greet him. As he got closer to Jerry, the shorter he looked, rising only up to his shoulder. Jerry was directed to take a seat, when both gentlemen discussed in length what was expected of him. Before leaving, his boss handed him an envelope for moving cost and an advancement of his first payroll check to help cover expenses. He humbly thanked him for the opportunity and did not dare to open it until he was far from sight.

Jerry turned the corner when he pulled it from his pocket and discovered at least twenty thousand dollars was enclosed. He could not believe his eyes, he never seen so much money at one time before. Without a second to waste he opened a bank account and called the young lady from the other night to see if she would accompany him for dinner, other than pizza that is. After a night on the town, he returned home to ready himself for day two at the new job.

As he went through the front doors, he was directed back to the head office once more. This time he was greeted by his employer's personal assistant, who handed him another envelope with specific instructions as to how he was to complete his task. Again, waiting to be out of sight before viewing the contents of the envelope. This is when he discovered, a little black book which contained names and addresses along with amounts next to the names.

Unsure what it all meant, he reviewed again what he was told to do with the list. He was to approach each of the individuals and request the amounts listed in the book as they have done in the past. It was never explained as to why he was to do so and without wanting to come off noisy, he did not ask. Jerry went straight to work on the list and after a few encounters with no one objecting to or having any hesitations to handing over the money. He was confident that everything was on the up and up.

It was coming to the end of his work day and as he was instructed to do, Jerry returned back to the office to leave the money in an envelope and place it in the drop box. He left straight for home with an uneasy feeling as if something was wrong, had he forgotten a step, was the envelope secure where he had left it or was it just nerves. This time sleep would allude him for good reason.

The next day he continued with the list, the further he went down the list the bigger the amounts went. He did not understand what type of list this was but again no objections and no one hesitated. During a break he skimmed the list over, when a name stood out to him. It so happened to be the same as that of his companion from the other night. After some digging, he discovered it was her uncle's name who owned the Pizzeria.

Jerry requested a meeting with her uncle and after a few phone calls, it was set up. He inquired what it was all about and to his dismay it was for a campaign contribution for someone he despised. Jerry could not see himself voting for this criminal let alone financially supporting him. The candidate represented all that is wrong with the world and if he would have known this is who he really would have been working for, he would have turned down the job the moment they mentioned his name.

He was beside himself, what to do, he left everything behind for this fresh start and now he would have to comprise his morals for a job he was being very well compensated. Maybe he was missing something; he decided to go home and think it over before he went any further with this person. No sooner did he slipped his shoes off, got comfy on the couch and turned on the television. When one of the candidates political commercials came on, which made his mind up for him once and for all.

The very next day he went bright and early into the office to return not only the little black book but the advancement the boss had given him. He told him thanks but no thanks and that he decided to work for the candidates running mate instead.