"Mr. Raymond, I'd like to see you in my office."

"Yes, sir."

"I'll get right to the point, Raymond. The bank is short 25 million dollars."

"Short, sir? 25? Million? Dollars? I don't understand, sir."

"According to accounting, we're missing twenty-five million dollars. You have until the end of the business day to find out what happened, where the money went, and report to me."

"Yes, yes...sir. I'll get right on it, s..s...sir."

"By the end of the business day, Raymond. That's 5 PM SHARP!"

"Yes, sir!"

Returning to his desk, Josh Raymond divulged his dilemma to his co-worker and best friend, Darrel. "I don't know what I'm going to do. How am I going to find 25 million bucks?"

"Well, you could start by asking questions. I would start with the accounting department. Maybe it's a mistake."

"Yeah, it's a mistake, alright. Just a mere 25 million-dollar mistake."

"If it's okay, I can give you a hand."

"Well, Darrel, I'd rather you gave me 25 million bucks. But I guess a hand will do."

"At least you haven't lost your sense of humor. That's a good sign and a good attitude."

By 2 PM, Mr. Raymond had spoken with everyone in the office while Darrel plowed through hundreds or perhaps a thousand bank transactions in search of a clue, only to find nothing. Raymond was beyond worried. He was downright scared to death. Any sense of humor he had earlier in the day was long gone.

"Darrel," Raymond pleaded, "What am I going to do? This could mean my job."

"Take it easy, Josh. There has to be an explanation. And whatever it is, it's not your fault. The boss just asked you to look into it. He's not blaming you. Is he?"

"Maybe not. But he sure sounded like it. If I don't find that money, I'm screwed!"

3 PM and still no 25 million dollars. Josh had gone into full panic mode. "Darrel, HELP ME! I'm at the end of my rope! The boss is going to blame me for every penny of the missing money. I just know it. Not only will I lose my job, but I'll probably get arrested and thrown in jail!"

"Relax. I don't think he's going to make you the scapegoat."

"Then why did he ask ME to look into it? He must think I have a connection to the money. He probably thinks I stole it. Is that even possible?"

"I doubt it."

"I'm going to have to run away, desert my home, my wife and kids."

"That's crazy talk, Josh."

4:54 PM - An email from accounting:

Please disregard the previous memo concerning a $25 million deficit. There has been an error in decimal placement. There remains an unaccounted amount of twenty-five dollars.

"Hey, Darrel, how much did I spend for lunch from Door Dash yesterday?

"Uh, I think it was about $20."

"Uhh! I withdrew $25 from my own savings account and forgot to debit it in the system."

Story Copyright © 2024 by Michael DeFrancesco

Cover illustration - VectorStock Royalty Free Image