E-Man felt strange sitting there. Jordan’s desk was always something he looked on from the opposite side, not seated in its chair. But the founder and leader of the UrbanKnights Investigations and Security Services was not here. And the needs of the business did not stop. As a final service to the organization he helped start, E-Man stepped in.
Jordan Noble had done it again. Overnight, he had, without exaggeration, saved the city. The term ‘fate worse than death’ was appropriate. If the Ebola virus had been loosened on the city, well, this day would have been a very bad day. Instead, E-Man was in the Jefferson Avenue office helping with paperwork. Mrs. Steed had called the former employee and informed him of Jordan Noble’s fate and subsequent absence. E-Man agreed to help, given the dire circumstances. This was, however, a one-time deal.
After about three hours of steady work, E-Man had brought the company’s affairs in order. They were now in a position they’d be all right until a permanent solution could be found. One that did not include E-Man.
He rose and scanned the desk - the stacks of paperwork, signed documents, reports. He nodded, satisfied he completed everything he could. He came around the desk and put on his coat. He looked around as if this could be the last time he would be in this room. A real possibility indeed. He wasn’t made of stone. Even though he did not leave the company under the best of conditions, he would still miss it. His friends were here, including a man he once thought his best friend. He sighed heavily. He wanted to hate Jordan.
He was going to have to start over. Not fun and not something he was necessarily looking forward to. Yeah, he wanted to hate Jordan. Hate him for making him leave all this. But given all that happened in the last few days…
The door to the office opened. E-Man turned to see Mrs. Steed enter. She was wearing a dark blue suit with a skirt below the knee. She approached the former detective. For a few moments, the pair stood not speaking…not sure what to say.
“So.” E-Man broke the ice.
“Yes, well,” Mrs. Steed said, “I suppose everything is in order?”
“Yeah, yeah. You should be good for a month or so. The next issue will be payroll. But I’m sure you got it.”
Mrs. Steed didn’t reply. Motherly, she reached and pulled an almost invisible piece of lint off of his brown leather coat. A lump formed in her throat. “Yes, well,” she repeated, “you know, you don’t have to leave.”
“Mrs. Steed…”
“This might be an opportunity to take a breather. To reevaluate. With everything that happened…with Mr. Noble…” Her resolve was gone and warm tears fell.
E-Man felt the crush of emotion weight on his heart. “Mrs. Steed, please. This is for the best. Now or later. I gotta make that move.”
He encircled his arms around the secretary. Mrs. Steed took the moment to allow her tear to run their course. Thirty seconds later, she was once again, the model of professionalism. She stepped away then extended her hand to E-Man.
“It was a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Manning,” she said formally, “I wish you all the luck in your future.”
“You too.”
She smiled and left the room. As she got to the door, Malcolm and Don occupied its frame. They entered as the secretary left.
“You two?” E-Man sighed.
Don merely nodded while Malcolm added, “You know we ain’t gonna just let you walk up outta here. We family, dog.”
E-Man couldn’t help but agree. “Families grow apart, too. Don’t make this harder than it is.” He saw Don’s mouth open but then close. The decision had been made. It was over. Don came forward and hugged his departing friend. Next it was Malcolm’s turn.
“Man,” E-Man said, “I’m gonna miss you guys.”
“Jordan too?” Malcolm said.
“Don’t be an asshole, Scooter.”
Malcolm had a protest on his lips but submitted. “Today, you’ll get one Scooter.” E-Man smiled then without another word, headed to the door and left.