Prologue
'Whoa man, slow down. That's your fourth tonight already. What's up man?' Tyrone looked concerned for his friend.
'Shit day. The new boss is turning out to be a real hard ass.' Jason looked downbeat. His shoulders were slumped and he was trying to drown his sorrows.
'Awww, fuck him man. Don't let him get to you. What's the worst that can happen?'
'I suppose. It's just that my job got so much harder suddenly. I have to fire another five people tomorrow. He is a real hatchet man and unluckily for me I am his hatchet. Makes me feel like shit. All of those people looking at me with hate in their eyes. People I have known and respected for years.'
'That is shit man but you gotta try and leave it at work. Try not to let him affect who you are out of work.' Jason loved Tyrone for trying to make him feel better. He had been a good friend and confidant since they started work at the same time on the production line. Tyrone had even celebrated almost as hard as Jason himself when Jason got promoted to foreman; even though it meant that Jason was then Tyrone's boss. Tyrone did not care that Jason was always one step ahead of him on the career ladder. He always supported his friend.
'You gotta look on the bright side Jason.' Tyrone had wicked little smile on his face.
'Is there one?'
'Hell yeah. You get to spend all day in the office with his hot wife.' This was true. The new boss had what could best be described as a trophy wife. She was an ex model and she was stunning. She was also his PA and so was in the same open plan office as Jason and the rest of the lead team.
'Man, I could tap that...if only I had a few hundred grand more in the bank.' This finally raised a laugh from Jason. 'Anyway man. On a happier subject, how's the baby making going. You know I am always interested in your sex life.' Tyrone had that wicked smile again and despite the hollow feeling deep inside Jason could not help smiling at Tyrone's cheek. He had never hidden his opinion that Angela, Jason's wife, was an attractive woman. Although Tyrone thought that almost anyone in a skirt was an attractive woman. Tyrone's opinion never threatened Jason; he knew his friend was just being cheeky and Tyrone got way more action than Jason had ever had; Tyrone was a serious player.
Jason's smile faded quickly and he took another long gulp of his beer and shook his head.
'Aww shit man. Not another dry patch? I thought she wanted a baby.' Tyrone was well aware of the many dry patches in Jason and Angela's sex life. Jason and Tyrone had always been very open with each other. The lack of sex was the one thing in Jason's life that got him down; that was until his new boss started of course.
'Man. You would think that she never wanted kids the way she acts. It has been almost three months now. There is never a right time with Ange. I don't know what to do.' Jason and Angela had never had an explosive sex life. They had been together for thirteen years now and they had never had sex more than twenty times in any one year. Jason had reluctantly got used to it and accepted it but he did not like it. His acceptance was bearable because the rest of his life was, generally, great.
'Have you tried taking control?'
'Nah man. Really not her thing.'
Tyrone quickly changed the subject, not wanting his friend to get into a deeper funk. They spent the next hour or so drinking and chatting about sport.
~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 1
A week later Jason was called into his new boss's office. Jason was a slight man. He was in good shape, with well toned muscles and an expensive hair cut but he had always had a small five foot seven frame. He felt dwarfed next to the six foot six frame of his new boss.
'Sit down Jason.' He ordered. 'I have been digging further and have found the next set of dead wood we need to get rid of.' He handed Jason a small piece of paper. 'Once these last five are gone we can start to rebuild on a solid foundation of hard working talent. You have until the end of the day.'
Jason looked at the list and he felt an instant knot in his stomach. The first name on it was Tyrone's. 'Err, Sir. I think there must be some mistake. Surely we are not letting Tyrone go. He has been with the company as long as me and he works really hard.'
'No mistake. You have until the end of the day. Make it happen.'
'But Sir...'
His boss raised his voice menacingly. 'Jason. Make it happen or add your name to the list. The choice is yours.'
Jason left with his head hanging down. How could he break it to Tyrone? Would it be better to quit? He knew he could not; his mortgage was large and at thirty eight Angela and Jason certainly did not want to downsize; they enjoyed the benefits that Jason's senior role brought them.
He decided to do it early; give himself chance to recover during the rest of the day Tyrone had always been supportive and a good friend; surely he would at least understand Jason's predicament. The feeling in Jason's stomach suggested otherwise.
Ten minutes later Tyrone walked into the little meeting room Jason had booked. 'Hey what's up man?'
'Tyrone. I have just been in to see the boss.'
Tyrone was all smiles. 'Did you check out missus boss's legs? I bet you did.'
'Tyrone, please. Your name was on the last list.'
Tyrone's demeanour changed instantly. He was a big black man; Jason's only black friend; but he seemed to grow another six inches as he leaned a little close to Jason with rage in his eyes. 'YOU CANNOT FUCKING FIRE ME.'
