Page 30 of Chaos Theory
‘Now, Kobi,’ I say as our colleagues begin to drip-feed into the room. ‘I need to ask you something before the meeting.’
‘Of course. How can I help you today?’Eager to help, as usual.
‘You know that compliance report you’re working on for Sandra in HR?’
‘Sandra Smith. Yes.’Too eager, some might say.
‘You can’t file the report.’
‘Yes, I can.’
I scan the room, wave at Duncan Canning. I try to keep my voice low and even. ‘I mean, I don’t want you to file the report, Kobi.’
‘I am afraid that will not be possible, Maeve. Sandra Smith has requested the report. The report must be delivered.’
‘Let’s just say…it would be in everybody’s best interests ifyou didn’t deliver it.’ I consider patting my finger alongside my nose, maybe winking. But these subtle signals may be beyond him.
‘The report shall be completed and filed as agreed upon. Is this some kind of test, Maeve? To see if my efficiency remains at the same level as before?’
Maybe it wouldn’t have been the end of the world if Kobi hadn’t woken up on Friday morning. I groan, decide on a different approach. ‘Okay, so the report is not yet completed. I can work with that. New request incoming.’
‘I am all audio sensors,’ he says. Is it possible that Kobi isenjoyinghimself?
‘Sandra never gave you a definitive date for filing the report, did she? You may file the report in eight weeks’ time, but no sooner. Do you understand? Can you do that for me?’
‘Yes, of course, Maeve. I am calculating the date for submission right now.’
I exhale, feel myself relax a little. That report can never see the light of day. It’s not going to win anyone any popularity contests. ‘Okay, glad we’re on the same page, finally. Glad you don’t need to know the reason why.’
‘I do not. Of course, I may make my own internal postulation. Perhaps this timeline is to enable more data-gathering. I have already noted twenty-seven compliance violations since Wednesday. It is indeed a shame that my recording from Phelan’s Bar and Grill was erased, as there may be a gap in the data. Perhaps you could tell me, Maeve, if any compliance violations occurred at that location?
‘What? Oh, um, nothing of note,’ I tell him with a smile.
Sandra makes her way to the top of the room. She’s carrying a company-branded water bottle. She looks immaculate, as always, but there’s something jittery in her manner.
‘Good morning, everyone, good morning. Right, settle down. JP has asked me to lead this meeting today as he can’t make it.’
Some low-volume whispering starts among my colleagues.
Sandra speaks louder. ‘But – we have some important things to announce today.’
The room goes quiet.
‘First of all, I think we all owe Kobi a massive apology for Thursday, yeah?’ She looks at me, gives me a subtle nod. ‘Even though we don’t exactly know what happened, I think we can all agree that it shouldn’t have happened. We’re very relieved to see you looking so well, Kobi.’
‘Thank you,’ says Kobi. ‘You are looking well too.’
I hear a snort-laugh from somewhere near the back of the room. I gesture to Kobi to be quiet.
Sandra continues. ‘So, Kobi, on behalf of everyone, I want to apologise. Come on, guys, I want you all to say sorry with me now, please. Remember what I said in my email.’
Voices murmur around the room.
‘Sorry, Kobi.’
‘Soz, mate.’
‘Sorry.’
