The Corporation

         I stood in his office, shifting on my feet. He hadn't moved, hadn't said a word since I arrived. I was new, a rookie, this was my chance. And the case was too close.
         "Sir?" I tried to break the silence.
         "What did I tell you?" he shook his head, disappointed. "I need that book."
         "She got away as I was about to close the operation, took off on a bike." I explained. He had to understand.
         "I said no excuses."
         "I know but…"
         "She's a woman!" he roared. "You could have stopped her!"
         I found myself thinking two things, that his remark was sexist and that he had failed to register that I was a woman. I realised that pointing such a thing out would only serve to infuriate the lieutenant.
         "I just wasn't ready." I held up my hands defensively. Bad things happened when Tony got angry. Or so I'd heard.
         "Do you know how important that book is?" he questioned.
         I nodded. I knew exactly what it was.
         "It is the key to uncovering the sordid truth in that Corporation. Do you understand what that means?" he didn't wait for an answer. "It means we will finally have the evidence to lock them up for years."
         I nodded. I knew this. The Corporation was responsible for the torture and abuse of many innocent people. Including my partner. She was kidnapped four months ago, her body found just two weeks ago. The pain was still raw.
         "This is your last chance, bring me that book by tonight or I'll have your job. Oh and officer,"
         I looked up.
         "Don't come back without it."
         Gritting my teeth I left his office knowing that I would get that book or die trying. The Corporation would pay, one way or another.