June 2023 Flash Lit 3 - Step by Step

Ana’s phone buzzed in her pocket.  Another text from Elle, probably.  She knew Ana was at work and couldn’t answer.  “And here,” Ana continued, using her laser pointer to indicate the appropriate row in the spreadsheet projected on the conference room wall, “you can see how this new sales push has impacted our profits.”

Ana needed this presentation to go well.  Her management chain had been very clear on the fact that there were going to be layoffs and only the best of the best would get to keep their jobs.

 

Then Ana’s phone actually rang.  That was only supposed to happen in a dire emergency.  She looked at the grimace on her boss’s face and shut the phone up.  “Sorry about that,” she said.  “As I was saying…”

 

The phone buzzed almost continuously through the rest of the meeting.  Ana’s blood pressure inched upward with every tap of the haptic.  Even so, she kept her voice calm and professional.  By the time she concluded her talk, heads were nodding around the table and several of the managers asked her to send them more information.  Her own boss even told her she had done well on the way out the door.

 

Flushed with the praise, Ana collected up her things.  She didn’t see the officers gather in the doorway until she turned to leave.  “Anastasia Tremaine, you are under arrest on suspicion of child abuse.  You have the right to remain silent…”

 

“What?” she cried.

 

The next few hours were difficult, to say the least.  Finally, she found herself in a holding cell, reunited with her sister Elle.  “I tried to warn you,” Elle said.

 

“What is this about, anyway?” Ana asked.

 

“It’s Cyn,” Elle replied.  “She went to the police about how we treated her.”

 

Ana paled.  “That was years ago.”

 

“Not long enough,” Elle said.

 

At the trial, Cyn smiled at her therapist when she heard the verdict.  “Step by step,” she said to herself.