TPO, 2020
Christos looked at the locker carefully as if he expected a miracle to happen. They say miracles happen every day. Every person is a miracle. Every moment is a miracle. If only we can open our eyes, we'll see God's love everywhere. Christos opened his eyes several times. Same result. The locker was empty. He loosened his necktie and unbuttoned his double breast suit jacket.
“Zander, what the hell is happening?” Christos said.
“I’m perplexed too, sir.” Zander said.
“The files were supposed to be here.”
Zander looked at the security cameras at the corner of the roof. “Maybe we should look at the security footage.”
“If they have the files, Zander, I’m destroyed.”
“We will get the files.”
“We just have one month and several days to the general election.”
“I promise we’ll get the files.”
“If those files are exposed in public, I’ll lose control of this country that I’ve spent more than 40 years building. Not to mention my reputation.”
“Tides don’t last forever Christos, and when they go, they leave behind beautiful seashells.”
“Those files can’t be released till the man I’m preparing to be a president is elected.”
“Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing the best you can, Christos.”
Christos chuckled. He picked his cane stick and walked out of the locker room. He heard Zander’s footsteps trailing him. He walked to the reception. The receptionist gave him a healthy smile. He returned none.
“Something has been stolen from my locker. I thought this place was secure?” Christos said.
The receptionist’s forehead puckered. “Sorry, sir?”
“Something important has been stolen in my locker. I need you to look into every resource. It’s very imperative.”
“Which locker, sir…?”
“Locker 103…”
The receptionist stared at Christos with cow eyes.
“Stop staring at me. I really need what’s stolen back.”
“Did you say locker 103?”
“Hey lady, you’re not deaf, are you?”
She sighed. “An old woman opened it last week.”
Christos gritted his teeth. “What?”
“I’m sure of it.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I’m the one who helped her...”
Muscles of his face tightened. “Did you say an old lady?”
“Very old, walking with a cane… A kind of woman anyone would help in the street.”