Too Late For Regret, Mr. Carlson

The office was quiet. Most people had gone for lunch.

Kimberly, Alexia's assistant, jumped when Alexia walked in. "Ms. Pierce! You're back? You look…"

Like I'm dying? Alexia asked.

Kimberly nodded.

Type this up, Alexia said. She dictated a resignation letter. Short. Professional. Effective immediately.

Kimberly's eyes widened. "You're leaving? But the automation project…"

Is the new lead's problem now, Alexia said.

She went into her office. She didn't have much. A photo of her parents. A cactus. A few awards.

Alexia picked up the framed photo of Jensen and her from their wedding day. They looked happy. Or rather, she looked happy. He looked satisfied.

She dropped it into the trash can. The glass shattered.

Alexia sat at her computer. She initiated the encryption sequence on her private drive. The algorithms she had written. The patents that were in her name, not the company's.

Access Denied.

She smiled.

At 6:00 PM, her phone rang. Eleanor.

Jensen is picking you up. Don't be late for dinner.

Alexia didn't answer.

At 6:15 PM, she saw the Maybach pull up downstairs.

Alexia put her things in a cardboard box.

She walked out to the elevator. Kimberly was crying.

Alexia hugged her. "Keep learning, Kimberly," she whispered. "You're smarter than they give you credit for. Make sure they know it."

Alexia walked out of the building. The wind was biting.

Jensen was leaning against the car. He looked furious.

What is that? he asked, pointing to the box. "Put it in the trunk. We're late."

Alexia stopped five feet away from him.

No, she said.