Unwelcome Presents

Today was a good day for Alison. She woke to a sunny sky, the house wide speakers playing flawlessly, and a fresh made breakfast waiting for her. When she left her home she even let the house staff have the day off. She remembered smiling as the bowed low. Traffic was light as well, travel fast, and the office work was easy. She couldn’t remember a single day that went by so well.

“The big man wants to talk to you tomorrow.” She heard as she looked over a few documents just before leaving. Alison rose her head up to see Timothy, scowl ever present on his face. She scowled back. “After what happened to Travis, well guess you’re the next one up for the seat.” He said and walked away. Alison never liked Timothy; man didn’t know how business worked. Had the lowest profit margins, always said he wanted to treat people fair.

“Ha, the world isn’t fair. Better to make money while you can.” Alison thought. It was the way of their company, though no one was supposed to voice it. Indeed, she wasn’t sorrowful about Travis. That man was a pain in her very bones, always outperforming her just enough to keep her out of the board seats. But now, well now she was good. She was going to sleep well tonight, so when she got into her car and drove off she couldn’t stop smiling. Pulling up to her house was she was ready to order something exotic, a bottle of wine, and just relax. A stray thought of calling her staff back was dismissed. It would be inconvenient to hear them complain behind her back. Better to let them think she was a generous boss.

That thought died as soon as she reached her front door. A small box, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a peppermint twine string, was sitting there. Her eyes were fixed on it, she couldn’t move. Suddenly her thoughts went to Travis, to what happened.

Travis invested heavily in security, and when the recordings of his death were found they showed this. A box just on his porch, he takes it in, and dies not long after. Alison had not ordered anything, was not expecting anything. She rapidly turned her head around, looking for anyone. It was devoid of people, save her. Alison didn’t approach her door then, instead going to the garage and entering the house through there. Her first thought was to call the police, but she couldn’t do that.

“They’ll want to know why someone would leave a package. They have to open it, and if its dangerous they are going to want to know why someone wants to kill me.” She reasoned to herself. “A full investigation, the company will go up in flames. No, I have to figure this one out.” She concluded. Alison was used to a lifestyle, she would not go to prison, and even if she would avoid that she was going to be black listed for bringing her company down by calling the police. “First thing, don’t bring it in yet. Let’s find out who I would have a grudge. This will take a while.”

With that Alison went to her home office area. There were several file cabinets, as well as two computers. One was no connected to the internet at all, meaning anything she put on it would not be available to anyone else. Alison kept a large number of files on it that could be deleted at any time. She immediately got to work, opening every deal or decision she had a hand in making. Any outcome that was very unpleasant for others she read full. It didn’t help at all.

“The Jenkins sewing house, the small bakery here, the foster care home we wanted to buy because of the location. Everyone one of them has a reason.” She figured. “Let’s see, a few small donations here and there could do something. Not like I don’t have the money.”

With that idea Alison went to her other computer, connecting to her bank account online. One by one she found the names of people and business she had a hand in harming. Small amounts, one thousand dollars with the direct information saying she donated it. It took time, approving again and again, and making sure the receiver knew it was transferred. She had to do some digging otherwise, for some of them didn’t have the same accounts. Every few minutes, however, Alison would eye her front door. She knew the package was there, knew it was waiting. She has some odd hope that the one whoever left it would see her actions and take it back. Still she continued to donate. Another hour of her time, then she stopped. Even her accounts had limits, but she felt more secure. With a confident nod she walked to the front door, opening it as if to confirm the box was removed. It was still there, taunting her. She slammed the door shut and returned inside.

Now she had to redouble her efforts, so she went to the physical files. These could be shredded, burned, removed more permanently than digital copies. Some of these would not be on her computer, either. She grabbed a handful first, then a second, immediately dismissing any that matched the ones on her computer. She had to go back years to find ones that didn’t match, but still no luck at narrowing down who wanted her dead. In fact, those from longer before we not nearly as bad as more recent deals. They would have less reason.

“Most of these are gone, I cant even give them anything.” She complained. “I could just have my staff take the box, remove it. But if it kills them, there will be questions. I could call the board, I’m sure they will have people for this. But, most of them would probably be happy with me gone. Profits only protect you when you don’t threaten others positions. Damn it!” She yelled.

She was quickly running out of things, bar calling everyone in her files. I could be they wanted her to apologize, she reasoned. As if by magic her phone rang at that exact moment. She grabbed it, ready to scream at the one she was sure was tormenting her. It read Timothy.

“Alison?”

“How dare you!” She screamed. “Frist Travis, now me?” she continued.

“You got the package then? But what are you talking about with Travis?” he replied.

“So you did send it!” She accused.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow. Company policy say we have to get you something. Believe me I didn’t want to.” He argued back. Alison went quiet.

“Birthday?” she said, confused. She took her phone away and looked to the calendar. She laughed, almost insanely. Alison had forgotten her own birthday. She opened the door and picked p the package. There was a note on the side she didn’t notice.

“You all right You sound like you’re going nuts.” Timothy asked. Alison calmed down, laughing lighter this time.

“I’m fine, just saw a box and freaked out.” She explained.

“Ah, yeah. Tavis, makes sense. Sorry, should have probably just given it to you myself.” He admitted.

“That’s fine. Thanks Timothy, I don’t remember the last actual birthday gift I got. Don’t think anyone else follows the policy.” She said softly. Timothy was silent for a moment, Alison figured her kinder tone confused him.

“Yeah, well personal feelings aside its still your birthday. Have a happy one.” Timothy said. Alison thanked him again before hanging up. With a shake of her head she turned, feeling suddenly silly. Her mind wondered to the donations she made, and for a moment she was conflicted. Less than a day ago she would be enraged at giving that money away. Now, well she didn’t mind. It could help those people, at the very least it would be good PR. Fear of death does change a person. So she turned to go back in, ready to ponder that a while when a gust of wind followed by a small thump alerted her. She turned, looking down. Before her, a single package, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine string. This one, she knew, was not from Timothy. One heartbeat, a second, and on the third she screamed.