JOE SAILS
A Story In Progress

Heck, I even got a new D&B profile for them and within two days had a meeting with Paul. The meeting went well and I've been back with Tom (the local system support engineer) to look at specific needs. It certainly isn't a closed deal, as a matter of fact; I would say that this is really not a demonstration, but rather an Acme overview with some equipment thrown in. Look, Joe I've really got to go. Have fun in Happy Valley."
"Yeah, right. Let me know how your demo goes. Good luck," Joe replies. Joe watches Bills hurry out the door. Joe can't help but think that Bills is one of the luckiest guys he knows. Joe finally enters the break room and notices that the coffeepot is empty.

He decides it isn't that important and heads back to his desk where his briefcase has fallen to the floor. He didn't have time earlier to zip the pocket and his papers are scattered on his chair and the carpet.

He moans, "Another Monday," and gathers his papers and planner.
He picks up his black leather case and retrieves his laptop from the middle compartment. He had actually won this briefcase three or four years ago? He was the top copier salesperson on the team for the quarter and he won this black, Acme embroidered briefcase. It was either the briefcase or a brown satchel. The briefcase is OK, but not as nice as the new ones with the compartment for your PDA. Joe tries to think if it is the last prize he won. He realizes that his mind is wandering and decides to get down to business. It's 8:49 and he picks his phone up to see if there are any messages.

He is relieved to find only two messages from Friday afternoon and one from today. He hits his message button and starts listening to the first one. After just a few seconds his knuckles turn white and he moans again before he slams the phone down.