Chapter 5: Deborah Norrell

Words : 1689 Updated : Sep 11th, 2025

Alex Hayde sat up straight, stiff as a board, when an attractive woman in her early thirties named Deborah Norrell walked into the room. She let out a low chuckle. "You must be Alex, right? Thanks for waiting. Let me introduce myself-I'm Deborah Norrell from the Township Administration Office." As she spoke, she offered him her hand. Alex was stunned. What on earth was this? He'd expected to be handed over to the police, but instead, an office beauty had shown up. Deborah looked to be right around thirty, at the height of her allure. She wore a white blouse and a black skirt, with the top two buttons deliberately undone to reveal a pale sweep of cleavage. Open-toed sandals showed off her toes, lacquered a striking crimson. She dressed like this every day for work. Those small, calculated touches made work at Hasson Township Government a breeze for her-she knew how to use her advantages. A flicker of excitement ran through Alex as he shook her hand. She might seem cool, but she oozed sex appeal. "No wonder you're a top student from the University of Political Science and Law," she purred. "Not only well-mannered, but so handsome. The more I look, the more I like what I see. Alex, Hasson may be a bit behind the times, but it's the place that raised you. If you've made something of yourself, you should give back to your hometown. If you join us here, with your education and ability, you'll go far." After Deborah's smooth, honey-tongued pitch, Alex was left with three firm impressions: 1) This alluring older woman seemed to have a soft spot for him. 2) If he didn't work in Hasson, he'd feel like he was betraying his hometown. 3) Hell, so they weren't hauling him off to jail after all. Those two lunkheads with their deadly serious faces had nearly scared him to death. Unsurprisingly, Alex agreed. He signed on and became a staffer at Hasson Township Government. Deborah whisked him through all the paperwork in no time. She chuckled again. "Alex, you should start at the Township Government tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. Oh, and there's an unwritten rule I should mention. New hires usually introduce themselves to the township head first. I won't walk you over-just look for the nameplate on the door. You'll find it easily." By then, Alex understood. Ms. Yoppe had clearly arranged all this. He racked his brain but couldn't guess what Kimberly Yoppe really wanted. He could only brace himself and find her office. The door stood open. Ms. Yoppe was bent over a file, making notes, a loose strand of black hair lying across the desk. Seeing her like that, Alex felt his heart skip. "Ms. Yoppe, I'm the new hire. I'm here to report for duty." Kimberly looked up and gave him a professional smile. "Alex, checking in? Welcome to Hasson. Come in and sit. Oh, close the door for me." She was remarkably composed, as if they had never met. The calm left Alex a little dazed. Had last night been only a dream? His eyes drifted to the swell of her chest, the outline of an extra-large bra showing through her blouse. She could play innocent with a straight face. He went in, shut the door, and sat stiffly on the simple sofa in front of her desk, waiting for her questions. "Want some water?" "No-no, thank you." "Anything you'd like to say?" "I'm not sure… oh, yes. I wanted to tell you I'll work hard and live up to the kindness you and Deborah have shown me. I truly want to do something for the people of Hasson under your guidance." Hearing this, Kimberly blinked slowly, then deliberately smoothed her blouse over her chest, as if her bra were a size too small. "That's a good sentiment. What else?" "What else? I think that's it. I'll work hard." "So that's it for your report? Fine. You can go. Remember what you said-work hard." Alex rose to leave. He reached for the handle, and he felt a sharp kick to the butt. His body pitched forward into the door. Thud! Quick reflexes kept him from sprawling on the floor. He steadied himself, spun around, and couldn't help scowling. "Why did you kick me?" Kimberly looked at him with a squinting smile. "What? You think I went too far?" "No. As long as you're happy, Ms. Yoppe. If there's nothing else, I'll head back." "Go. Be on time tomorrow. Act like a new hire. If you're late by even a minute, I'll deal with you." Alex agreed at once. He felt he had stepped into this woman's trap. Kimberly would put him through the wringer until she felt satisfied. At first light the next day, Alex didn't dare dawdle. He was the first to arrive at the Township Government. Ms. Yoppe assigned him to the Party Office. His immediate supervisor was Ricardo Shirvinton. "Alex, so early. Let's get breakfast," Ricardo said with a sunny grin, tugging him toward the canteen out back. The Township Government's canteen was crowded. Because it was a communal kitchen, nearly everyone ate there. Warm to a fault, Ricardo fetched a tray of food for Alex first, then served himself. "Thanks, Ricardo." "No need for formality. From now on, we're on the same team-friends, really." "Ricardo, just say the word if you need anything." "No problem. Eat up." As he urged Alex to eat, Ricardo kept glancing at the doorway. Suddenly, a stocky, dark-complexioned man strode in, and Ricardo hurried over, all eagerness. "Mr. Showyer, have a seat. I'll get your meal." Quick on his feet, he cut ahead of several people in line, calling back to the clerks behind him, "Make way-this is for Mr. Showyer. Thanks, everyone!" Evan Showyer sat at a table not far from Alex. His eyes were cold, and his fingers drummed on the tabletop. People kept greeting him. Alex did not dare look up. He focused on his food. Ricardo returned with the tray and nudged Alex. "Alex, let me introduce you. This is Evan Showyer, our township head." Alex hurried to his feet and stepped forward to greet him. Mouth full of a bun and vegetables, Mr. Showyer grunted coldly. "Mm. Got it. Go finish your meal." "Yes, sir." Alex felt that Mr. Showyer was not friendly. His face was downright off-putting.

Chapter 5: Deborah Norrell

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