Number 7

With four bright young individuals having lined up before him in his office, Alfonso couldn't help but to beam with pride.

For at least a moment, he was able to forget his troubles from the past week as he viewed the new recruits to his company.

"First and foremost, I would like to welcome all of you. I'm sure you've already been told, but I should introduce myself. I am Alfonso Touchette, founder and CEO of Touchette Industries."

Speaking with pride, the man looked down the line of new recruits as he analyzed each of their reactions.

Two men and two women, all of them young enough for this to have been their first real job.

"I don't know what you've heard or why you chose this company, but I can tell you one thing - I value my employees above all else."

Alfonso was met with a mix of reactions, however none of the new recruits said a word in response.

"Well, I'm sure that your individual managers will teach you quite a bit. But I do want you all to understand that if there are ever any issues, my door will always be open. I believe that discussion is necessary to resolve conflict, after all."

"Are you saying that you anticipate conflict, Sir?"

One calm young man raised this question as he raised an eyebrow, however Alfonso merely smiled gently at this interjection.

"Conflict isn't something that can be completely prevented. Anyone who enters a company thinking that there won't be any issues would be wrong. But it is the ability of both parties to come together and discuss the issues that will allow them to be resolved. By acknowledging that such conflicts may occur and preparing for them, we can ensure that they won't escalate into something uncontrollable."

"Sir, I'm here to work. If that's all, then could I please return to my position?"

However despite the kind words that his boss spoke, one particular man spoke up, rudely addressing his employer.

"Ahem... well, I suppose that's right. You all are free to return to your positions."

However Alfonso didn't take offense in the slightest.

The boy was young and didn't seem to have a sense of respect instilled into him, and perhaps if Alfonso had a shorter temper then this would have become much more of an ordeal, but something as insignificant as this could be brushed off.

For if every little detail was scrutinized in such a manner, then conflicts would truly be present all the time.

Creating conflict was a decision. Certain people would bring chaos along with them, always making small things into major issues. By brushing off those small things, Alfonso had managed to reduce the conflict in his office.

Of course, when major issues appeared, conflict was inevitable. But by being reasonable and promptly addressing small problems, even major issues could be resolved.

"I can see that the four of you are very young, and that you all are likely inexperienced. Be sure to learn from those around you. At this point, building yourselves up is the most important thing you can do."

With these words, the man waved the four off with a smile, making his way back to his desk as they were dismissed.

One by one, the recruits left the office, until eventually all had left.

All except one.

"Sir... do you truly believe that discussion can solve everything?"

It was a girl who carried a somber aura, and she spoke with disinterest as if the topic of her own words was something far off from herself.

"Of course not. However, if an issue is so great that discussion cannot solve it... then there is likely nothing we can do to prevent such an issue from causing us great harm."

----

"Ah..."

Running a business was indeed stressful.

No matter how well everything was going, anything that went wrong would eventually fall upon the owner. If his employees made mistakes, this would eventually fall to Alfonso to clean up.

"Finally... a break."

However, today was Friday.

If only for a short moment, he would be able to rest for the weekend, forgetting the troubles of the corporate world.

Alfonso sat down in a rocking chair by a fireplace, staring at the crackling flame with tired eyes.

He didn't pull out a computer or a book, but rather merely stared into the fireplace, his gaze becoming deeper as he was entranced.

"Father. What are you doing? You slip home without so much as informing me, and I find you in this place alone looking as if you have no reason to live anymore."

Looking up, the man put on a smile as his daughter entered his sight.

A high school girl of 15 years at the time, the girl's wavy brown hair fell down her sides as she approached one of the chairs nearby, taking her seat.

"Is something troubling you? You've been rather melancholic recently."

"Troubling... well, I suppose I am always concerned about something. The prosperity of the business, the retention rate of our clients, the lingering issues for each project, the treatment of my employees, tensions within the office that are overlooked by someone as high up as myself..."

"Father. You went on a vacation exactly to ease such tensions, no? You truly are worried about every detail. Why is it that you worry so often?"

The girl spoke her mind, her demeanor that of someone who was far more experienced in such counseling than a mere high schooler.

"I suppose you're right. To think that my daughter is counseling me on such things... haha..."

"Worry is not necessarily a bad thing, but only when it encourages you to take precautions. If there is nothing you can do to prevent something from going wrong, then worry is useless - isn't it?"

"You're exactly right - and you're repeating my own words to me. Which makes it all the more pathetic."

"I learned from the best. But father, I do think you need to be more careful about your business. If you continue to stick to such morals, don't you think that you'll eventually get consumed by someone who has no such honor?"

"You're quite cheeky to try and advise me on how to run my business. I'm going to do as I decide. Do you know how many of my employees have told me the same thing?"

"If you care so much about your employees, is there a reason why you haven't listened to them?"

"It is to their benefit - even if they do not understand it themselves. Business is a chaotic spiral, and once you give into the mass production mindset it consumes you. You become willing to sacrifice anything - and anyone - in order to meet goals and deadlines."

Looking up to the girl, the man waved off the topic.

"Enough about my work. What about your school? Are you doing well?"

"Did you think I could possibly get anything but an A? You would be mistaken. There have been no issues on my exams recently. All scores were perfect."

"Quite meticulous, as usual. I'm proud of you for that."

"If I didn't go into a test without preparing heavily, that would just be reckless. I have no intention to make mistakes that could have been avoided."

The girl spoke with a snarky tone, as if to say that it was only obvious to put forth such effort.

"Some students are just too shortsighted to consider such things. Even if they manage to survive later on, they'll someday regret not working hard from the beginning."

"You learned that from me as well. But don't be so arrogant, Melissa. Even if you are talented now, that talent might be outshined by someone else."

"And if that were the case, then I would work to ensure that I outpaced even such an excellent person."

Even as the father admonished the daughter, she seemed to have no sign of repentance.

"What about friends? Have you made any?"

"Do I need such things? I need only to prepare myself as the heir to your company."

"And learning how to deal with people is a large part of that. So for your homework, I want you to invite over a friend."

"Mmm... fine..."

Suddenly, the refined girl became grouchy as she pouted at the request of her father.

"I'll... do what I can..."

"So when it comes to a perfect score, it's obvious - but when it comes to making a friend it's only 'I'll do what I can?' Melissa, that's-"

"A failure's mindset. I know. I'll do it. Just... give me a month."

"Quite a ridiculous amount of time, don't you think? To bring home a single friend. Is it that great of a task for you?"

With a smirk, the man now took to the offensive as he pressed his daughter.

"You're worried about that mafia person, aren't you?"

"Hey, don't change the topic on me just because you don't like it."

"You're probably wondering if he's going to do something to me or your employees. Well, our home is very secure, and the school has no shortage of security. I doubt the mafia will be able to kidnap me in broad daylight, so I wouldn't worry on my end. I would be more worried about your precious employees."

"You think so as well? But even so, it's strange that he hasn't made a move. I thought something would have happened by now, but..."

"But nothing has. It's disconcerting, but it's enough to make you think his threat was empty."

The way she spoke was nothing like a 15 year old girl.

For this girl, from the moment of her birth, had been living under the weight that she would one day carry Touchette industries upon her back just as her father did.

Her mother had died giving birth to her, and her father never remarried, so she was the only possible heir to such a position.

'Remarriage will only cause division and grief. I don't want to ever be forced to choose between one family and the other. So I will choose my daughter now - and forever.'

This was what Alfonso had lived by, and the reason why he had stayed loyal to his wife even in death.

As the owner of a company, he didn't have much time to spend with his daughter, so he had often taught her the fundamentals of business - getting work done while at the same time teaching her.

Particularly during summers when she was out of school, he would once in a while take her to work and show her what it meant to run a business, so from a young age she was exposed to such things.

This was their strange form of bonding between father and daughter, yet it had resulted in a high schooler who didn't quite fit in with other people of a far lower maturity.

"His threat was most certainly not empty. I know that for certain. The only question is when and how he will carry it out."

"The police wouldn't help you, right? They claimed that it would be impossible to track down such a person without knowing anything about who they actually were. But in reality, it's likely something else - don't you think?"

"Heh... perhaps I've taught you too much. Without question. The name of the Stirling Family seemed to strike a chord with those officers. As soon as I mentioned it, their entire tune changed. They became extremely uncooperative, even to someone with as much influence as I have."

The man smiled bitterly, well aware of the situation he had found himself in.

"Do you have a plan?", the girl asked.

"No. Only to wait for his move."

"Do you need any help?"

"No."

While it may have seemed strange to anyone else, the man didn't find her proposal odd in the least, yet he immediately rejected such a thing.

"I'll take care of this issue myself. You don't get involved. Understood?"

"I see. I understand."

Standing up, the girl headed off with a scheming smile.

"Well, if you do find yourself in a bind, do let me know."

"If I rely on my daughter to save me, then I really am in deep shit."

"Don't use such vulgar language, father. It will only lower people's opinion of you. Isn't that-"

"What I taught you. I know."

With a bitter smile, the man chuckled to himself as he closed his eyes, the warmth of the fire surrounding him.

"Goodnight, Melissa."

"Goodnight, father."

----

"Sir... I've prepared the quarterly report for you..."

A couple of months passed.

A couple of quiet months.

"Ah... the quarterly report. Please let me see it, Herbert. But... why do you look so trodden all of a sudden?"

"Well... I suppose it's just that I'm a bit ashamed to view these numbers."

Raising an eyebrow at the executive's oddly humble response, Alfonso grabbed the report from his subordinate as he began to file through the pages.

"Ashamed? And why would that be? These numbers are excellent."

"Sir... the newcomers have all exceeded expectations beyond reason. Their team alone has reaped profits more than doubling that of the team second to them. It's enough to make me wonder if the ones you chose to be executives - myself included - are merely incompetent."

As the executive said this, he felt a hand placed upon his shoulder.

"Don't say such things. I know well how hard you and your teams have been working. But... it is certainly outstanding. Perhaps their youth is the deciding factor?"

"Well, I suppose young people are able to appeal to the clients better than most.", Herbert chuckled in a self-depreciating manner.

"Taking a look at this report, they're handling twice as many projects as the others... this is quite strange indeed. Have they been working overtime to get all this done?"

"Sir, as far as I am concerned that is not the case. Perhaps they are merely more efficient, or have found some tools and methods to do things better. With computers and technology improving all the time, the young people do have an advantage in that area."

Tapping his chin as Alfonso listened to Herbert's explanation, the man placed the report down.

"We will need to ensure that they aren't cutting any corners here, but if that isn't the case then I suppose they will be due for a promotion. All of them. Hubert. Please have their work investigated for quality, and if it is up to par please have them all assigned as managers with their own teams."

"I understand. I will have that done."

With a light bow, the man turned around as he headed off.

"And Herbert."

"Yes?"

"Please don't be anxious. So long as you continue to work diligently, your position and that of the other executives will not be at risk. Results are important, but I have no intention to create drama by replacing employees solely based on their results."

"Of course, Sir. I understand."

----

"Just what is going on?"

"It makes absolutely no sense at all."

"No matter which way you cut it, their profits are impossible."

"The number of projects they've taken on... the speed at which they've progressed... the sales that they've reached... the profits that they've managed... none of it seems real for the number of people they're working with."

"Much less for kids of their age, mind you. They don't have any prior job experience, which makes this even more strange! Even us veterans wouldn't be capable of doing what they are, so how is it possible!?"

Three more months had passed, and while there had been no sign of any external conflicts, Touchette Industries had no shortage of excitement internally.

From the moment the four new recruits had taken their positions as managers, they had been given their own teams - mostly composed of even more new recruits.

Currently, with the owner aside, all of the executives had gathered in a conference room for a private meeting.

The time was 6:00 PM on a Friday night. At this time, everyone had left the office for the weekend - leaving only the few men and women who had gathered in this room.

"It isn't that they're working overtime either. I've been checking to make sure that they aren't staying after everyone else leaves. Even if that were the case, they wouldn't be able to come up with this much of a difference."

The executives were panicking.

While their boss certainly had informed them that he wouldn't replace them just because of profits or productivity, the difference was so astounding that it would be strange if such a thing weren't to happen.

In any other company, this would have already happened at this point - and it was only a matter of time.

"There is no way we could possibly close such a gap. Even if we were to begin working our subordinates to death, which the owner would certainly prohibit, we wouldn't be able to compete. We wouldn't be able to win."

"That makes it all the more baffling. The fact of the matter is, there is no method that should allow for something like this. No matter how brutal or underhanded, there shouldn't be any way to achieve this."

"But they did."

The executives debated with one another, laying out their opinions as they all seemed to fall into agreement on the strangeness of the scenario.

"So what do we do?"

"What else can we do? We need to find out just how these kids are getting their results. It has to be something underhanded, but every time I've tried to watch over them, they seem to be working normally without any suspicious movements."

"No suspicious movements... normally working like any other person... they don't even appear to be excessively competent. But somehow the work they get done doesn't match their actions."

One man scratched his head with concern, unable to decipher the situation.

"It really doesn't make any sense. But should we really be wasting time trying to investigate them? Perhaps we should just focus on our own work."

"That's also a priority... well, I'll leave that up to each of you as an individual. Gather information if you have the chance. How involved you are in doing so is up to you."

The man who spoke as a sort of leader among the group was none other than Herbert, who pushed up his glasses as he stood up from the table.

"As for me... I'm going to get to the bottom of this."

"I'll assist you."

"Me as well."

"If we can't figure this out, it will certainly hurt us in the long run."

Having garnered the sympathy and cooperation of all the other executives, the man merely nodded.

"I see. One more thing. Make sure not to create any conflict."

"Understood."

----

"Another day..."

Business was booming.

Ever since having promoted those four new recruits to managers, everything seemed to be looking up for Touchette Industries.

The company was making record profits, and more and more clients seemed to be approaching them with contracts.

It was like a snowball effect. With one client satisfied, more and more became recommended to use their services. This company, which had been at the bottom of the large corporations for years, was now competing with even some of the bigger ones such as Marcel Incorporated.

Alfonso should have been pleased with this, but he was instead conflicted.

'I never wanted our riches to become this saturated. Well, I'm sure Melissa is happy. And I'm trying to disperse these earnings back to the employees as bonuses and pay raises. It's a good problem to have.'

Looking up to the clock, the man checked the time.

It was Monday afternoon.

'Ah... now that I think about it, the quarterly report is due this week. I wonder if the raise in profits really was due to those four? Well, I'm sure that the increase in clientele spread out the earnings to the others as well.'

Knock knock knock!

Suddenly, the man jerked up his head as his door was opened forcefully after some violent banging.

"Alfonso Touchette, place your hands where we can see them! Don't try anything funny! Turn around slowly and face the wall!"

Barging into the room, six police officers all pointed guns at the man, at which he immediately stood up, doing exactly as they ordered.

"Excuse me, but what is going on? I haven't done anything illegal-"

"Hey. No talking. And I said to the wall. NOW."

Pressing a firearm to the back of the man's head, one of the officers forcefully silenced Alfonso as he was pressed against the wall.

"Hah.... haven't done anything illegal, eh? Outsourcing child labor isn't illegal to you? Accepting funds from criminal organizations, directly promoting their interests and activities... the list goes on. We have evidence of all this."

Pressing the firearm against Alfonso's head with further pressure, the officer spoke with disgust in his tone as he spit out his next words.

"You're going to be locked up for the rest of your pathetic life, you corrupt bastard."

With that weapon pressed to his head, Alfonso couldn't even so much as deny the claims that were laid against them.

A single word could mean that his head would be blown off then and there, and he couldn't risk such a thing.

"Sir!"

However the officers all turned around to see a man at the door, who shouted out with surprise and horror.

This man was Herbert - and he could do nothing more than stand by and watch the horrible scene.

"Just what is going on here? Has the owner done something illegal!? I cannot imagine him doing anything that would warrant this level of-"

Bang!

In that instant, Alfonso's heart seemed to stop.

Pressed against that wall, he heard a gunshot from across the room, followed by the groaning sounds of the man who had appeared at the door.

"Ugh... you...."

Widening his eyes in horror while unable to move, shock couldn't even describe the emotions that ran through the mind of Alfonso, who merely whispered with a quivering voice.

"Did you... just... kill him?", he asked.

"Obstruction of justice. He attacked us first, so we used legitimate self defense to protect ourselves. Probably one of your executives who was assisting you in such affairs? Hah... you've got them all wrapped around your finger, don't you?"

Tears formed in the eyes of Alfonso, who realized the gravity of his situation all too late.

Right now, behind him, the body of Herbert was likely on the ground - bloodied and lifeless.

His groans had only lasted a moment before he was put out of his misery, and just like that a life had been taken.

"How... how could you?", he whispered.

"Are you talking back? Do you want your head to be filled with lead as well? Right now I have the power to choose whether you live or die right here in my hand, so are you sure you want to speak to me like that?"

The officer whispered a threat into Alfonso's ear as he uttered such a complaint, at which the tears dripped to the ground.

'He was... my best worker.'

'And now... and now...'

Alfonso was not an emotional man.

But faced with this reality, he could do nothing more than to cry.

"Ah, ah.... I didn't mean for there to be any bloodshed. How are we supposed to clean this up? Well, I suppose we have specialists with that type of thing. Good work, officers. I think this will make him a bit more compliant, actually."

Suddenly, the voice of a man spoke out in nonchalant fashion, and even though he could not see his face while he was pressed to the wall, Alfonso immediately knew exactly who it was.

"Donovan..."

And while nothing made sense, everything made sense in that moment.

"This... is what you were aiming for? This... is your something?"

"You did refuse my offer for nothing."

As the man said this with a chuckle, Alfonso heard the swiveling of a chair as someone sat at his very desk - clearly without a shred of respect for the one who it was for.

"So yes. This was the something that you bargained for."