Value

American Gothic-SPLATTERPUNK - You attend a job interview - but something isn't right.

(716 words)



Rhonda did not want to go.  Job interviews for her were always the same.  The interviewer always loved her resume. Her education was exemplary. Her recommendations were glowing.  However, her appearance always killed the deal.  No one wanted a club footed, albino dwarf for the job. 

She prepared anyway, because that new administrator at the employment agency said this job was perfect for her.  “I think they will love what you can do for them,” he said.

“Odd Cures,” the admin told her, “is outside of town.”

“More like in the boonies,” muttered Rhonda as she parked. 

The walk and steps were made of porous red brick and reminded Rhonda of a tongue.  She carefully hobbled her way to the door.

There was a buzzer, Rhonda pressed it and the door opened. 

“Good morning,” said the clean-shaven, well-dressed, middle-aged man. “I’m Rick Slavery -- Come in!”

He offered her refreshment and a seat in an office off the entry hall. Then after some conversation over tea, he surprised her by saying, “So when can you start? We have an immediate opening in inventory control.”

Experienced in interview protocol, Rhonda decided to ask, “Why me?” which seemed to cover all her questions.

“Why because you are what you are, is why.  My company supplies rare organic medicines and I select a group of rare people to accomplish that.  People with many values, so far untapped, much like you. Would you like a tour?”

  “Are there any stairs involved? I’m clumsy on stairs.”

“No, my dear, we employ the most modern transport.” He led her into an elevator and pressed the down button.

“Does it always smell like bleach?” Rhonda asked about the spotless, stainless steel elevator.

“Not always.”

The elevator door opened and Rhonda got a quick look at a clean, surprisingly bare room.  Only a table in the center and freezer furnished it. “What the hell?” A tremor of fear ran down her spine. Fear became terror when a smelly cloth covered her face.

Rhonda woke up to find she was strapped to the table.  She couldn’t move.

“Did you enjoy your nap?” Slavery moved into view wearing a butcher’s apron. Rhonda’s gut clenched so bad she couldn’t scream because her mouth was full of vomit.  It choked her but she couldn’t turn her head.  She coughed it into the air.  Bile came down in her eyes.

“Damn!” she heard, and then she felt the bindings loosen. She turned on her side gasping for air.

Her hair was grabbed and pulled so that her head hung back.  A flood of water poured into her eyes for what seemed forever.  When it stopped, a bright light was directed to her eyes.

“I think they will be okay,” she heard Slavery say, “but we must collect in a sanitary manner.” Then the cold water was directed at her body, which was naked.  The freezing cold water pelted her skin.  Already chilled by the eyewash Rhonda began to shiver violently.  Her body convulsed from fear and cold. She fell off the table.

There was a loud snapping sound when Rhonda hit the floor.  Pain from her broken leg was immediate and heightened by the continued convulsions and pounding water.  Time expanded then disappeared before her body gave up and quieted.  The water stopped.

Rhonda heard machine noises, and then she was rolled over onto straps.  Her leg made this excruciating as it was left to flop. Then the machine noises again, and Rhonda found the strength to scream her pain as the broken bone pierced her skin and blood sprayed.  She was returned to the table.

“It’s a shame about the leg,” Slavery commented as he strapped her back down. “I prefer live stock and only wanted the eyes today, but that’s too hard once the mobility is gone.

“Please! Let me go,” Rhonda pled.  “I won’t tell anyone.”

“I can’t do that, darling, there’s a gentleman from Burundi who would be very upset.  He’s paying top dollar for your eyes. He thinks albino eyes will restore his vision.  Let’s start there, shall we?”

Slavery produced what looked like an ice-cream scoop. 

Its first touch was cold as he placed it at outside of her right eye.  The pain was a descent into hell as he scooped it out.