You know how you sometimes imagine that you’ll be indispensable to a firm because you’ve spent a decade there? Yeah. No. That didn’t happen to me. Here’s my story.
A Decade of Dedication
The Long Climb
I’ve worked at a company for ten years. Right after graduating, I joined as a marketing intern and gradually climbed the corporate ladder — with incrementally slow pay raises.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
Kenny’s Sudden Illness
One day, my five-year-old son, Kenny, became severely ill. His fever was alarmingly high, and he couldn’t stop vomiting. Any parent would be distressed, right?
Making the Tough Call
Leaving him with a babysitter was out of the question. I needed to be present, keeping an eye on him, ready to rush him to the doctor if necessary.
Requesting Time Off
Calling My Supervisor
So, I chose to call my supervisor and be honest. I hadn’t used my leave for the year, so I assumed it wouldn’t be a problem.
The Unexpected Reaction
“Hello, Mr. Williams,” I said when he picked up on the first ring. “My son is sick, and I need to care for him. I’m taking the week off to look after him. I haven’t used any of my leave yet.”
There was a pause before he erupted. “Are you kidding me, Annie?” he yelled. “We have our annual general meeting in two days, and you’re leaving me now? You know I need the marketing reports.”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” I replied. “But I just can’t come in. And the reports are finished. I emailed them to you yesterday morning.”
He didn’t respond — instead, he hung up.
A Week of Care
Focusing on Kenny
I didn’t give it much thought because my boss was known to be temperamental and often rude. I proceeded to make soup for Kenny, focusing all my energy on my child.
Returning to Work
Back to the Office
A week later, when Kenny had recovered and was back to school, I returned to the office.
A Chilling Welcome
My boss was sitting in my chair, clapping slowly, with an unsettling smile on his face. “Annie,” he said. “Welcome back. I have a surprise for you.”
The Shocking Arrest
The Unexpected Visitor
Before I could react, a uniformed officer entered the room, handcuffs out. “Annie Mills,” he commanded. “You have the right to remain silent…” He continued to read my rights while my heart pounded and I felt weak.
Accusations of Deceit
“What is happening?” I gasped, struggling to breathe. “Annie, it has come to my notice that you don’t have a child. And now, you’re going to face the consequences. Nice try, Annie, but you got caught in your deceit.”
Struggling to Understand
A Dizzying Situation
My head spun, trying to comprehend the situation. I couldn’t understand what my boss was talking about. Of course, I had a son. I was a single mother because my son’s father had left as soon as he found out I was pregnant.
A Desperate Plea
In the Police Car
While being led out of the office, I couldn’t stop wondering when things had gone so wrong. I sat in the police car, nervously pinching my wrist to ensure I wasn’t dreaming.
Denied Basic Rights
Upon arriving at the station, I was denied my phone call — the officer continued glaring at me intensely.
In the Holding Cell
A Terrifying Experience
The officer shoved me into a holding cell that smelled damp, with mold clearly visible on the walls. I was at a loss. If I was denied a call, how would anyone know I was here? My neighbor would take care of Kenny after school until I returned home. But apart from that, Kenny had only me.
A Glimmer of Hope
After what felt like an eternity, another officer walked past the holding cell. “Please,” I pleaded, rushing to the bars. “I need to make my phone call.” She agreed and led me to the pay phone. I called my best friend, Mia. She was a lawyer, and I knew I couldn’t afford her services, but she was my only hope.
Mia to the Rescue
Calling for Help
“Mia,” I said quickly, unaware of how much time I had. “I’ve been detained. I need you.”
Immediate Assistance
Mia came to the station, and they allowed her to see me immediately. Then, the story took a dramatic turn.
Uncovering the Truth
Mia’s Determination
Mia took on my case without a moment’s hesitation. “There’s something fishy going on here,” she said. She spoke with several officers — needless to say, a few arguments ensued.
Securing My Release
Eventually, she secured my release, and I went home to Kenny. Then, she started investigating.
The Manager’s Plot
Unveiling the Scheme
Turns out Mr. Williams orchestrated everything. He had bribed the officer to have me arrested. According to our company’s contracts, if an employee is detained, suspected, or involved in any criminal activity, the contract is terminated, and the company retrieves any outstanding money. In my case, it was my unpaid salary.
Evidence of Betrayal
“Are you sure?” I asked Mia when she visited and explained everything. She even had emails from Mr. Williams to the police officer. “Yes,” she said, as she helped herself to dinner. “It’s all settled now. Prison will be his residence for the foreseeable future.”
Seeking Justice
Gratitude and Relief
I smiled. This incredible woman had saved me from prison without charging me a dime. Kenny and I will always owe her our gratitude.
Company’s Compensation
To save face and avoid a lawsuit, the company offered me $40,000 as moral compensation and goodwill, claiming that Mr. Williams had acted on his own.
Moving Forward
A Secure Future
I was only in the holding cell for a few hours, but it was enough to terrify me. I’m thankful for Mia and her faith in the justice system because, without her, I would still be awaiting some form of explanation and justice.
A New Job
Now, I work with Mia, handling the marketing needs and PR for her firm whenever required. It’s a secure job, and I feel safe. Most importantly, I can support my son without worrying about my employer.
Conclusion
Has anything as outrageous happened to you at your workplace? Sometimes, the very people we trust in our professional lives can betray us in unimaginable ways. This experience taught me the importance of having allies, like Mia, who stand by you no matter what.
