“You can think back today, seeing the greasy part of his pitch black hair, and realize that it was one of several tell-tale signs about his character. He put thought into always neatly combing his hair, but never seemed to realize people would focus not on the precision of the part, but on the greasy sheen. He never projected the swaggering confidence he imagined and it was the first of many issues I had with him that ultimately led me to freeze him out. No, it wasn’t because of the way he groomed himself. Don’t misunderstand me. It was because this man, a supposed leader and deep thinker, was not actually in touch with himself and that meant he could potentially compromise all of us. I couldn’t allow it, even if a few of you loved him wholeheartedly. I wish that we were all able to enjoy the payoff from this job, I truly do, but you must admit that shedding one person- one anchor dragging us all down-has now opened up the chance for a bigger take for you all. It’s simple math. So count your money and smile. You’re welcome.”
© 2021 Jeff E. Brown. All rights reserved.
Writing and Photography by Jeff E. Brown 