Audrey

Christmas was fast approaching and, unusually, Audrey had yet to start present shopping. She hadn’t even managed to get the tree up yet, let alone find the decorations and lights. Social media was plagued with “look at my tree’ posts, brags about present hauls and matching family pyjamas. Audrey wasn’t the “bah humbug” type but being surrounded by Hallmark Channel Christmas romanticism was starting to piss her off.

Everyone was spending too much, boasting too much and most of all: being too much. Audrey needed to get away from it. The couples wrapped up in matching scarves, window shopping for shiny things; happy families with rosy-cheeked kids queuing to see Santa; the bloody carol singers that were on every corner.

Most of all, she needed to get away from her boss, who followed her around the office with mistletoe in his back pocket and a slimy grin etched on his face. He was the reason she hadn’t prepared for Christmas – every time she made plans to nip to the shops after work, there was some “emergency” that needed sorting out. Files deleted from the server, broken photocopier, missing paperwork, last-minute meeting with a new client – and he seemed to think she was the only one that could fix any of it, even though Audrey was the receptionist. Not the IT guy, not the maintenance man, not even an admin assistant.

The receptionist.

Which is why, on a rainy Monday morning, Audrey found herself shivering outside the office contemplating getting back on the bus and going home. Her boss could be seen through the rain-splattered window leaning nonchalantly against the reception desk. Her reception desk. She knew he was waiting for her, waiting to “accidentally” brush up against her as she made her way behind the counter, waiting to “help” her take off her sodden coat just to try and cop a feel.

Audrey shivered again, but not from the cold. Marvin Nicholls was a creep.

“You’ll catch your death out here, Auds.”

Audrey turned and attempted a half-smile at Sally, the older second receptionist, who furrowed her brow, inclined her head, and gently said: “Is he at it again?”

Wide-eyed, Audrey looked back at the reception area, where Marvin was now fiddling with things behind the desk, then back to Sally. “What do you mea…”

Cutting her off, Sally placed a hand on her shoulder. “You think I haven’t noticed that he’s asked you to stay late every night?” She nodded her head toward the window. “You think I’ve not seen that every time he’s near you, he has to find an excuse to touch you?”

Audrey tried to speak, but nothing came out. Shoulders slumped, she stood there with her mouth open before shaking her head. She hadn’t realised that anyone had seen what she was going through, she hadn’t told anyone at all. Tears pricked at her eyes, and she took a deep breath.

“I’ve told him to stop, I’ve told him that I won’t work late anymore, I’ve told him I feel uncomfortable when he’s that close to me, but he doesn’t care. Said I’d lose my job if I didn’t work late, and that everyone would think I was making it up, and I need this job!” Exhaling after her outburst, Audrey forced herself to relax and faced Sally. “Has he done this to you?”

“Me?” Sally snickered, “No, my love, I’m far too old for his tastes. Girl before you lasted all of a week, you’re doing well to still be here after three months.” Gesturing to the door at a suited man with a briefcase, Sally continued. “That’s his first meeting. It’s freezing out here, Audrey. Let’s get you in. I’ll make the coffees. Nicholls will be out of the way for at least an hour.” She winked and whispered: “Gives us time to come up with a plan!”

“A plan?” Audrey called after Sally hoping for an explanation, but all she received was another wink. Sighing, she followed Sally into the building, pleased to see that Marvin was already gone. Well, almost all of him – his aftershave lingered in the air as only a cheap copy can do, leaving traces of Bergamot, Orange, and Patchouli everywhere he’d been. Audrey was pretty sure the only reason he’d not been able to sneak up on her was because she could smell him coming.

Removing her soaked jacket, Audrey sunk into her chair, turned the computer on and sorted through the appointments for the day. This morning’s meeting was due to finish in three hours, not the one Sally had suggested. Which meant that Marvin would be out of the way for three glorious hours.

“Here you are, my love.” Sally handed her a steaming mug of coffee and took her place at the desk, then said ever-so-casually; “You know this whole office is covered in CCTV?”

Audrey tilted her head and pursed her lips. “CCTV?” Why on earth was Sally talking about cameras?

“Yeah. They’re everywhere.” Sally leant forward slightly and dropped her voice a notch. “They see everything.” She spread her arms wide and dramatically repeated: “EVERYTHING.” Followed by a wink and the offer of a custard cream.

Taking the proffered biscuit, something clicked in Audrey’s head, and she smiled. On one of the occasions she’d been made to work late, Marvin had instructed her to make a backup of the security recordings in the camera room. He told her he was certain someone had been stealing office supplies and she was the only one he trusted. Of course, he was lying – he just wanted to get her alone in a small space.

Suppressing a shudder, Audrey placed her cup down and stood up. “Sal? Can you cover for me please? Just fifteen minutes, maybe?”

“Women’s problems?” Winked Sally. “Of course I can. Take your time.”

Christmas was fast approaching, and Audrey had her tree up, beautifully decorated, adorned with twinkling lights and shiny decorations. The Hallmark Channel Christmas romanticism had infected her completely and she found herself smiling at couples, families, and carol singers.

She was almost finished with her present shopping too, just one more to buy. But first, coffee with Sally. Audrey had bought her a very special present. After all, if she hadn’t mentioned the cameras, Marvin Nicholls would still be creeping her out her at work.

Remembering the look on his face when the bigwigs from head office descended on the building and informed him that he was being investigated for sexual harassment brought a massive smile to her face. He’d tried to deny it, but they had a nice little movie to show him. Three months’ worth of footage showing him following Audrey, rubbing against her, feeling her up and whispering in her ear. He claimed she wanted it; she had no problem with it.

They then played the movie again for him. This time with sound. Audrey could be heard clearly telling him to leave her alone. Nicholls could be heard threatening to sack her. His face had lost all colour at that point, and he somehow became smaller. The bigwigs had brought their lawyer with them, as a precaution, and he so very helpfully pointed out a clip of Nicholls touching Audrey’s breasts while she protested and squirmed away.

Nicholls had been fired straight away. Mr Lawson, the owner of the company, had offered Audrey a very substantial compensation package by way of an apology for having to put up with Marvin. He urged her to remain in his employ, and she negotiated a pay raise for both her, and Sally.

Speaking of Sally, “Hey you!” Audrey waved and made her way over to the café, where Sally was seated outside.

“Auds! Hope you don’t mind but I’ve ordered us deluxe hot chocolates.”

“Not at all.” Fishing the package from her bag, Audrey passed it to Sally. “This is for you.”

“Aw, you didn’t have to do that!” Sally leant her elbows on the table. “And I have something for you.” She lowered her voice and continued “You know Mr Travis? The company lawyer.”

Audrey nodded and smiled at the waitress who had placed steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of them.

“Well, he decided to speak with other girls that have quit the company unexpectedly.” Sally swirled some whipped cream onto her finger and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm… sorry! Anyway, Nicholls is in BIG trouble – turns out all but one of the girls left because of his advances. They’re talking about prosecuting. Providing you’re ok to talk to the police?”

“Of course I will.” Audrey slurped her drink and then looked at Sally with a smile. “Thank you. For everything. I’d still be hiding from him if you hadn’t helped me. I wasn’t strong enough to do anything.”

“Don’t be daft, Auds.” Sally placed her hand on top of Audrey’s. “All I did was point out a few cameras. You did the rest. You had the strength within you the whole time.”