Ghost-Writer

A haunting experience teaching the benefits of having appropriate resources assigned to the correct project.

While working late one evening, a glimmer of light shot across my computer screen. It instantly caught my attention as the light started to change into letters. It read, 'Budget Review - misplaced'!

The 'Budget Review' was a confidential research file I had been diligently working on for over a month. The present owners of the company had taken me in confidence on a possible merger with two alternate corporations. There was only two days left until the merger !

The frightening part was the fact that my computer was off! I froze in disbelief as the message began to slowly dissipate into tiny particles until only the black, blank screen remained. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head thinking all the while, I'm losing it. Too much overtime I thought tiredly, though the pit of my stomach was telling me something different. I quickly turned on the computer to check my 'Budget Review' file. At the same time ensuring myself that the computer had been turned off. My file wasn't there! I couldn't believe it, scanning every resource possible to find it was to no avail. I gave up around 11 pm. and decided that tomorrow will shed light on everything, hopefully....

Though exhausted after all the hours I had put in lately, sleep just wouldn't descend. The play of the evenings events went over and over in my mind. Was I seeing things? Who sent the message and how? Did anyone else know of the merger and where the heck was my file? I have to find that file even if it kills me I said to myself, as if saying it would somehow make it appear. The heart wrenching feeling of all the extra hours to complete it weighed heavily upon my shoulders, as the early morning hours fell upon the clock.

The alarm went off jolting me. I felt like a puzzle with pieces missing, unable to function. I regained my bearings and headed to my office. Once arriving I went straight to the coffee machine with the largest mug I could find, then to my computer I charged.

I once again went through every resource available. Nothing! Not a trace! That's impossible I told myself. There has to be something ; At least on my hard drive somewhere..... Finally out of frustration I switched the computer off and took a break. I walked out into the fresh air briskly walking around the building a few times to my clear my thoughts. One day left and nothing accomplished and worse nothing to show for the last months research either. I was doomed, I thought tearfully.

Upon returning to my office, it felt as though the temperature had dropped a couple of degrees. I turned my eyes slowly towards the computer screen dreading the outcome. There again was another message! It read 'RESEARCH' and below it an old news article. The article was on a scam artist by the name of 'Macs Stsitra' . A picture of him was also shown. My heart leaped at the photo, I had seen this man before but where?! The message dissipated once more, leaving me staring at the blank computer screen.

Through my research I realized that this person was indeed one of the corporate possibilities for the merger. I remembered seeing the present owners leave with him for dinner a few months back. He was never introduced to me, but I do know that the alias 'Macs Stsitra' was not the name he was using now.

Now with new research ammunition in hand I was ready for presentation. I re-opened my files to prepare everything all over and there in front of me was my 'Budget Review' file. Could it have been there all along? I didn't have time to contemplate any longer there was work to be done, and powerful research to be added to the file; Thanks to my Ghost-Writer.

The next day, the merger was halted thanks to my research. The alias 'Macs Stsitra' disappeared once more, at least until some other unsuspecting company shares its' wealth with him.

I never believed in the paranormal until this happened to me. I do know that the man who originally started this company passed away suddenly over ten years ago. Some say they've seen him and that he walks the halls and offices. Others say he protects and oversees the companies interests. Whatever the truth, I believe in my heart that it was 'He' who had sent the messages through my computer screen. I have taken it upon myself, in his memory, to hang his picture in the foyer for all to see. He did after all start this company and I believe save it. Underneath his photo the words Founder/Ghost-Writer are inscribed.

Editors Note: 'Macs Stsitra' is an anagram of 'Scam Artists'. Ghost-Writer: To write for and in the name of another, (another who is presumed author). Such as speeches, also in research.

C. Dawson, media department

DOVICO Software - Time management software
P.O. Box 27058
Dieppe NB
Canada E1A 6V3

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