As I was led out of the office in handcuffs, I wondered where everything had gone so terribly wrong.
In the police car, I pinched my wrist to make sure I was awake.
At the station, I was denied a phone call, and the officer gave me menacing glares.
Thrown into a dank holding cell with mold-darkened walls, I was desperate. My neighbor was supposed to look after Kenny after school, but beyond that, he only had me.
After what felt like hours, another officer walked past my cell.
“Please,” I begged, running to the bars. “I need to make a phone call.”
She agreed and led me to the pay phone. I called my best friend Mia, an attorney. I knew I couldn’t afford her services, but she was my only hope.
“Mia,” I said urgently, “I’ve been arrested. I need your help.”
Mia arrived at the station and was allowed to see me immediately.
Here’s where things took a turn.
Mia took on my case without hesitation.
“There’s something fishy going on here,” she said after speaking with a few officers—some voices were raised in the process.
Eventually, she secured my release, and I went home to Kenny. Then Mia began her investigation.
It turned out that Mr. Williams had orchestrated the entire ordeal. He had bribed the officer to arrest me. According to our company contracts, if an employee is arrested or suspected of criminal activity, their contract is terminated, and the company claims any outstanding salary.
In my case, that meant my unpaid wages.
“Are you sure?” I asked Mia when she came over, explaining everything, including emails from Mr. Williams to the officer.
“Yes,” she confirmed, helping herself to some dinner. “It’s all sorted. Mr. Williams will be facing consequences.”
I smiled with relief.
Mia had selflessly saved me from prison without charging me a cent, and Kenny and I were forever grateful.
To avoid a lawsuit and to salvage their reputation, the company gave me $40,000 as compensation, admitting that Mr. Williams had acted alone.
Though I spent only a few hours in the holding cell, it was more than enough to terrify me. I’m thankful for Mia’s faith in justice, as I would still be waiting for an explanation and justice without her help.
Now, I work with Mia, handling her firm’s marketing and PR needs whenever required. It’s a stable job where I feel secure, and most importantly, I can provide for my son without worrying about my employer.
Has anything equally outrageous ever happened to you at work?
