orchestra@wingedharper.com

Level: Beginner

Assignment # 7

Due Sunday, 25 July, 1999

Word Count 337

1. Beginning
2. Joe Bartlett took the file folder from Miss Smith and scanned the pages, frowning, as the young man before him fidgeted, avoiding Joe's gaze.
3. "Ed, you've been here three months, and in that time, four reports have contained gross errors. We'll come up fifty thousand dollars short on this latest one because you didn't account for price increases in raw materials." Joe slapped the top page of the file.
4. The young accountant slumped in his chair, eyes down. "I can explain. My wife's sick and I took the papers to the hospital to work on. I lost one of the pages. I caught the mistake after I handed in the report, but Miss Smith said it was too late. You'd already signed the contract. If you'll give me a little more time, I'll make it up on the next contract." Ed's eyes almost met Joe's and Joe read the terror.
5. "I"m sorry, Ed. We hired you on probationary status, and you haven't fulfilled our faith in you. Clean out your desk and give Miss Smith your key before you leave today. She'll have your paycheck for you then."
6. Ed's jumped up, pounding on Joe's desk, his mouth twisted into a snarl. "You'll regret this, Bartlett! I have friends! You'll be sorry!" He stomped out of the room, slamming the door.
7. 1/4
8. Six weeks later, when Joe completes the company audit, fifty thousand dollars are missing. The next day when his bank statement comes, Joe discovers an unaccounted similar amount in his savings account. That afternoon he is arrested for embezzlement.
9. Middle
10. Joe is convicted and sent to prison. Everything he has worked for is gone, including his accounting license. He vows to clear his name.
11. 3/4
12. Joe and his friends set out to trace every move made by Ed, and shoot holes in his alibi.
13. End
14. Joe ties Ed conclusively to the mole in his old company, and Ed and friend are convicted, Joe's name cleared. Joe tells the company to shove it when it offers him his job back, and takes a job with the company's leading competitor -- at a raise.

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