On Friday evening, Miles was watching the highway traffic from his apartment window. 20 minutes ago he was coming along that same stretch to the exit adjacent to his neighborhood. He cracks open a sparkling water and watches as he changes his clothes.

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He had a long day at work., but he completed eight hours in six. His sales funnel was on fire. He closed enough business to secure a monthly bonus with a week to spare. He’s lucky as hell to have this job because there aren’t a lot of them to go around anymore. He’s really waiting for the other shoe to drop. That’s why he’s been pushing so hard. The only reason he left early is that his supervisor told him to go home after his really good day. He doesn’t see that as a good sign.

He’s not sure if it means that shoe is coming, or if his supervisor feels threatened by his productivity, or if it was a genuine gesture of rewarding him. He knows how these corporate gigs go. It’s not exactly a merit based system. To be safe, he peruses the job search engines to see what’s out there. He’s a very cautious guy. He has no illusions. Generally, one would think that if a guy is on fire like that, you want to let him keep slaying.

He sees one thing that really perks his interest. It’s a little odd. Not something he would think is in his wheelhouse, necessarily. The headline of the ad reads, Research Analyst: Sales Experience a Plus. The rest of the ad is, Data driven associate wanted for new transportation surveys. Complete interviews with potential customers for the cutting edge in personal transport. Must be comfortable with high-end clientele. There’s no company name, and no more details. Only a phone number, and a very specific call window. Call between 8:00-8:05 Monday.

That is very specific, and his curiosity is appropriately peaked. The problem is that Mondays at 8AM is the beginning of his workday, and Mondays are department required meetings. He’s going to have to make that call, he’s too curious, so he’ll have to find a way to do both.

It’s after business hours now. He can’t contain his curiosity, so he calls the number to see if he can get some insight into the company. There is a not-in-service recording. Now, he’s more curious than ever.

Miles is at work on Monday, he’s early, as usual. At precisely 8AM while everyone is filing into the department meeting, he calls the number. At the tone, please state your first and last name, then wait for further instructions. Hearing the tone, Miles speaks, Miles Travers. There is a digital series of clicks and static, then another recorded message. Your location has been logged. Please await your follow-up interview. Then, the call disconnects. Miles is perplexed.

The department meeting is typical, and over in less than ten minutes. As Miles leaves the conference room, he sees two men in fine business attire. One of the men is holding out his phone, as if scanning. They approach Miles.

“Hello Mr. Travers, thanks for responding to our opportunity. Please give us ten minutes of your time.”

537 Words.

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