The Lesson

Description

“This is likely the last you’ll hear from me. Things certainly did not go the way I planned. I should have known there was more to the story, but she seemed so real.”
It was just a week ago Sunday that Jack was having coffee at his local shop, as he did everyday. Day after day he made the rounds looking for work, a job of some kind, anything that would keep him from getting booted from his apartment. It was not going well.
It was there that he met Maggie for the first time, though she seemed so familiar to him it was a bit disconcerting. She asked to join him at his table even though there were other tables available, which seemed odd as well. Against he initial judgement he invited her to sit.
She spoke casually with him about the weather, people going by and more.
Jack said,” pardon me but have we met? Who are you?”
“In a matter of fashion, you can call me Maggie,” she said.
“And what fashion would that be?” he asked.
“I understand you have been looking for work,” she replied, “I believe I can help.”
“Oh, did I apply to your firm?” he said, “odd that you would seek me out here and not through regular means.”
“No, not us, but with one of our partner firms. You filled out a personality profile that we’re interested in,” she said, “Here’s my card and address, be there at 8 am sharp tomorrow if interested in immediate employment.”
She stood and left quickly as he looked at the card. ‘Homeward Inc. A Family Company.’ She was gone before he could ask what the job was. Very strange. And why did she seem so familiar.
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Jack struggled to sleep, unsure of the coming day and his meeting with Maggie. He repeatedly considered not going, but he was desperate, it was worth a shot. The address Maggie gave him was close enough to walk, saving him the bus or train fare. He had very little left for that as it was.
He headed out a bit early to ensure a timely arrival and to scope out and other workers coming or going. It was in a strange area, mostly a warehouse and shop district. As he turned onto the last street he noticed no public presence or activity and the area was quite run down. The building was dark stone with just a number, no name. He climbed the somewhat rickety steps to the entrance and checked the door, it opened.
As he moved inside it took a moment to see, it was very poorly lit. As he adjusted to the lighting, he saw a person at one end of the room at a desk, sort of. It looked more like the hotel checking counter in an old movie from the 50’s.
As he approached the counter the man turned around. “And where are we headed today, sir,” said the man.
“Uh, what .. I have an appointment with Maggie. I might be a few minutes early,” Jack said.
“Very well,” the man said, “just have a seat over there.” He pointed to a small room off the side of the main hall and disappeared through a small door behind the counter.
Jack headed to the seating area looking around the big hall as he went. It was sparse. Very little adorned the walls.