The day my daughter caught me fiddling the books was a turning point in my life. It changed everything. One day I was an ordinary dad, the next I was my daughter’s slave. It was my own fault, of course. Firstly because I shouldn’t have been ripping my boss off but secondly because I’d taught my little girl too well.
I’d had to work on a Saturday and I’d given Sally a ride into town with me. She’d gone off shopping while I let myself into the office. I put in a few good hours on my own, switching cash from one account to another, the usual bit for me, and bigger bits for the boss. I was very pleased with myself. Almost a million bucks! Why wouldn’t I be pleased?
There was a ring at the door. My daughter.
“I’m sick of shopping, dad. Can I hang here with you for a bit?” She asked, dropping into the armchair in my office.
“Sure, hun, whatever you like,” I smiled, going back to work on my ‘special’ ledger.
I’d engrossed myself and hadn’t heard her get up and walk behind me. I jumped when she spoke.
“You’re cheating! Dad? Those figures. Dad?”
“No, I’m not, cheating, exactly. More like balancing the books creatively.” I tried to laugh it off but she wasn’t happy.
“I can’t believe you’d do that, dad. You’ve always taught me to be honest. I’m going to have to think about this.” And she went back over to the armchair and sat down, her face a frown, her eyes on me.
“But look, hun, it’s for all of us. I’m ensuring your future.”
She sat in silence as I continued to cover my tracks, now feeling guilty and ashamed of myself. I wanted to reverse everything but, of course, I couldn’t without making it obvious I’d already cheated the company. Eventually my daughter stood up and looked at me.
“If I tell anyone about this, you’ll be ruined, won’t you, dad?”
“Yes. Totally. No-one would ever give me a job handling money again. I could maybe get a job as a gardener,” I tried to make light of her question.
“So basically, we could say I own you, dad.” She stared at me.
“What?”
“If you don’t do as I say, forever, you can try gardening, because I own you.”
“But hun, look, honestly, if –“
“Honestly? I don’t think much of your honesty dad. But I would like to see you grovel. Why don’t you get on your knees and beg me.”
I looked at her. She stood with steely eyes, her body rigid, daring me to laugh at her. She was serious. I knew my life was in her hands. I suppose I thought she’d give it up eventually and I’d be able to beg forgiveness. I decided to do as she said. I stood up, walked around to her side of the desk and fell to my knees.
“Sally, I’m very, very sorry for this and I promise I’ll never do it again. Can you ever forgive me?” She lifted her foot, put it against my shoulder and pushed me over. “Wha-“
“Firstly, that didn’t sound very convincing, dad! And secondly, I’d rather you called me Miss.” I started to laugh but she kicked me in the side, hard.