#Chapter 69: Pranks Gone Wrong

“Esther,” Kimberly says. Unlike Lila, she’s actually come out of her office. Standing in front of my cubicle wall, she reaches over it to hand me a paper. On it is an idea for an honest to God legitimate article and a few bullet points she wants covered. “Get me this assignment ASAP.” “Yes, ma’am,” I say, unable to contain my excitement. This isn’t busying work. This is a real story with real leads. Something that could make the front page if I find the right angle. “I’ll do my best.” Kimberly rolls her eyes at me, but she’s smiling too, just a little. “Don’t try. Just get it done.” “Yes, ma’am,” I say again, no less enthused. For the first time since I started this new job, I feel like I’m actually a part of something. The good feeling lasts for a full thirty minutes before Amber saunters up to the opening of my cubicle. I expect the usual sarcasm and combativeness. Though her face twists like she wants to say something nasty, instead she says, “Hugo wants to see you in Meet