Pass Me On

Marcus James Attonburgh.

By anyone'e evaluation, a successful man. He held a high-paying position with one of the world's largest software firms, wore nice clothes, owned a large house, drove a fancy car. In terms of property, he had nearly everything a man could want.

One thing, however, eluded Marcus - he couldn't find happiness.

In the middle of a normal workday he received an email.

Marcus, could you please come to my office? Thank you.

It was from the CEO, Darren. Marcus sighed, stood up, drained the last of his coffee, and left his office. He passed by his secretary, a pretty woman in her early 30's. "Marissa," he said, "I'm headed to Darren's office. Don't know how long I'll be." He threw the empty Starbucks cup in her trash can and left without waiting for a response.

At his knock moments later, a cheery voice sounded from the other side of the door. "Do come in!"

Marcus sighed again and opened the door. It wasn't fair. Maybe, if someday, he could be the CEO he could find the same happiness his boss showed. Maybe that was the key.

"I see my secretary let you in, hmm, Marcus?" Darren asked, snapping Marcus back to the moment.

"No, sir, she wasn't at her desk."

Darren laughed, shaking his head. "I'll lay you eight to five she's taking a long lunch again. Crazy kid."

"What did you need from me, sir?" Marcus spoke abruptly, impatiently.

"Come now! I didn't ask you in here to fire you!" Darren chuckled again. "Please, dispense with the formality. Just call me Darren. Have a seat."

Marcus sat. "What did you need from me, sir?" He hated repeating himself.

Darren sighed. "Marcus, you're a good employee. Sharp as a tack. Hard worker. But you're too morose. Too stiff. You need to look at things from a brighter perspective. I called you in here because you're getting a promotion. You'll be taking my place when I leave the firm."

A pause. Darren leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together, waiting for a response.

"But, sir. What about Armin? He's been here longer, and he... he's been performing well, and--"

Darren cut him off, leaning forward again. "Listen, Marcus. Yes, you're right. Armin has been here longer, and he does exceptional work. He's a genius with the computer. But, honestly, that's all he's good for. He doesn't have the same skillset that you do, the same potential. He'll never be able to run this company as efficiently as you could." Marcus started to speak again, started to say something, anything, but Darren didn't give him the chance. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. Look at me. I'm getting old. My 68th birthday is in two weeks. I fear my mind isn't what it once is. I've spoken at length with the owner, as well as several other prominent individuals within the company infrastructure. They all think you are the best candidate for the position. I happen to agree. You've worked hard to get where you are. I believe you are ready for the next step."

Marcus bit his lip. Darren still didn't know.

He opened his mouth to tell him. "Sir, honestly, I appreciate the gesture. But.... I don't deserve this. Armin... well, Armin's pretty much been doing my share of the work for the past six years. I can't do it. Even if I could I can't focus. I email him my projects and he does them for me. I pay him to do it."

It wasn't until Darren smiled at him that Marcus realized that it was all in his head, that all that came out was a quiet "Thank you."

"Excellent! I'm so glad you'll take the position. Now mind you, I don't plan on abdicating my throne just yet." Darren laughed again, back to his usual joyful disposition.