Phase 11 : "Good Morning, can I have a word.......in private?"

Coincidences happen, I believe, and always have. The moment you think of a friend or relative, and at that same instant the phone rings, with them speaking as you answer. The moment you have a song in your mind as you switch on the radio, to be met with the sound of that song echoing through the speakers. Some people say its more than coincidence. that its some divine, or supernatural, event. However, some people like to use the excuse of coincidence, to hide another reason. I was that person, and looking back, coincidence played no part in the following....
....."Half an hour early for work today", I think, as I settle behind my desk at 8:00am. Have still got 30 minutes till Monday really starts. Could've spent a bit longer in bed, but had to get up anyway. I foolishly left the Vodka in the kitchen last night, so needed to get up in order to "cure" the shakes this morning. Didnt seem much point in returning back to bed after finishing the glassful. The "warming" fluid succeeded in keeping the cold at bay, as well as taking its customary 30 seconds to settle the quake that developed in both arms this morning. "It really is magical", I think, "that my morning "sip" works so quickly... My mind snaps back to work, and I get my bits ready for a days work. My boss walks past at 8:15 and looks over to me, almost directly AT me. I nod, and we exchange 'hello, morning..'. This seems to be becoming a habit, I think. He seems to be almost 'noting' the time I'm in every morning. Almost mentally checking out whether I am "ok". Almost checking that I look smart, clean and respectable, as the Senior Position I currently hold, demands. Maybe its coincidence that as I think he`s doing it, he does it. Oh well. Others are arriving with tales on their how their weekend invovled "getting hammered", and only just recovering. I dont go out drinking like they do. In fact I dont go out. Except to the bottle bank. ".I wish they did withdrawls rather than just deposits", I think, and lightly chuckle to myself. Another coincidence. Me thinking about withdrawls.Withdrawls would take on a whole new meaning later on...I just didnt know it at the time.
Throughout that morning, I continue to do what I have been doing habitually recently. Popping out to the car park on a regular basis. Peering around as I settle into the seat, quickly glancing around to check if I'm being viewed. Slide it out from under the seat, 3 quick gulps from the glass Vodka bottle, cap back on, and slide it back. All over in 2 minutes, and no-one knows. Quick wipe of the lips with the back of my hand. Others nip out for a fag break, I nip out for "my" drink break. They smoke maybe 5 a day, and I count the same. I'm back to my desk before anyone knows I`m gone.
I continue to type on my computer. Some boring report, or something, when my email tone beeps. Incoming mail from the IT department, it seems. Oh well, need a break from this boring text, so I'll read their mail now. "Update to Companies Terms & Conditions. Addendum to Health & Safety Procedure....". I feel like deleting it straight away, but accidentally press "open". Possibly an accident, possibly something made me do it.
It outlines the addition to the policy regarding "Drugs & Alcohol at Work". I read on and it outlines how the company will discipline employees under influences of alcohol. (Discipline!!). That any form of alcohol, is not permitted on the premises. (None at all!!) That breath-testing, either random or enforced, is now to be used. (Breath testing!!) That individuals are able to disclose admitted conditions, for sympathetic treatment.  (yeah, right!!) Where did all this come from? This cant be legal? What if I refuse? Why does my boss look at me every morning?. As I read on I sense someone behind me. Whoever they are, they know I`m reading this intently. Without turning round, I know its my boss.

"Glad to see you're reading that.... have you got a minute? In my office..."