“What the fuck is this?”


The words were enough to startle every single employee who had the unfortunate pleasure of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.


“Seriously, what in the mother fucking fuck is this?”




While Theo’s penchant for colorful language should not come as a shock to anyone, Theo being on the ground floor of Pryce Industries is and so those poor souls trying their hardest to avoid eye contact with the CEO of the company are left with no choice but to stand there like statues and take in what is shaping up to be a rather scary if not entertaining morning.


“Is anyone going to answer me? I pay all of your fucking salaries, the least you could do is not let me stand here with my cock in my hand wondering why there is a statue of a blue balloon dog. Someone, anyone have a fucking clue why this is here?”


More silence.


“You’re all fired. Seriously. Every one of you grab your shit, and get the fuck out of my building.”


Theo grabs his cell phone out of his pocket and dials his sister’s cell phone hoping to get some answers out of her. The phone rings the standard 4 times and goes right into Voicemail.


“Erica, it’s Theo. Two things, first thing. Why the fuck is there a giant statue of a blue balloon dog in the lobby? And two, answer your mother fucking phone when I call you. That’s the point of cell phones.”


Theo hits the red “End Call” button and then dials Jimmy Durance. Two rings and this time someone picks up.


“Good Morning Mr. Pryce.”

“That remains to be seen Jimmy. Do you know where Erica is?”

“No I don’t. She was here earlier but then she left with that NAZI friend of yours. Not sure where she was going or if she will be back.”

“Oh really? Well that’s just lovely. Next question, do you have any idea what the deal is with the statue now taking up residency in my lobby?”

“The big blue balloon dog?”

“Are there any other statues currently in my lobby?"

“Not that I know of sir.”

“Then why the fuck would you ask me if we were talking about the same statue? You know what, don’t even bother thinking of an answer for that. How about answering the original question, do you know what is going on with the statue?”

“No sir I don’t.”

“God Fucking Damn it. I don’t have time for this. I need to get the fuck out of here and get on a plane to San Diego. I have a match tonight. I only came in to grab a few things and yet, here I am in the lobby, looking at a ridiculous statue and firing staff.”


“I can try to reach Ms. Rayner if…”


Theo’s phone begins vibrating. He removes it from his ear and looks at the screen to see that Erica is calling him back. “I’ll call you back. Maybe.” Theo hangs up the call with Jimmy and starts the call with Erica.


“You called?”

“Did you listen to the voicemail I left you?”

“Yes I did.”

“Great, then can you tell me what this statue is about?”

"Which statue are you referring to?"

"Why the fuck does everyone ask me that? Which one do you think I am referring to. The big blue one in the lobby."

“You bought it last night at the Art Auction for $135,000.”

“What? $135,000? Not that I have a problem spending money, as you know I do it rather liberally. But why in God’s name would I buy this thing? And even more to the point, why the hell would I have it brought here, to my place of business?”

“I have no idea.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“That’s fine.”

“Erica, are you pre occupied by chance?”

“No, why would you ask me that?”

“Because you didn’t answer the phone when I called, I thought perhaps you were busy in a meeting or something of that nature.”

“Nope, I’m good. I just didn’t hear my phone ringing.”

“Oh ok. That makes sense. Anyway back to the point, you were with me last night, so please explain to my why you would let me buy this statue?”

“Since when could I ever control you from doing anything Theo?”

“Fair point. But something doesn’t add up. I do not remember anything about last night. I remember going to the auction. I remember rubbing elbows with some people I hope to never see again. I ordered a scotch and then bam, I woke up at my place.”

"That's a bit odd."

“You think? I know I wasn’t high, I haven’t touched a drug in 4 days now and one drink certainly isn’t going to knock me out. So tell me Erica, did you happen to have anything to do with my sudden bout of amnesia?”

“Why would you ask me such a question?”

“Because you are dating a guy who works at a free clinic and thus has access to the necessary drugs to say I don’t know, knock me out.”

“Are you accusing me of purposefully drugging you? Is that what you are saying?”

Theo can hear the tension in his sister’s voice. “You seem upset Erica, perhaps angry. It’s been my experience that people who quickly get defensive often have something to hide. Are you hiding something from me Erica?”

“I’m hanging up now Theo.”

“Wait…before you go. Could you tell your boyfriend that my plane is leaving at 3:00 from our airfield if he wants a ride to San Diego. Otherwise he can fly coach on American Airlines.”

“Why don’t you just call him yourself and tell him?”

“Because I know you are with him. Also, please remind him that boxers are advised against engaging in any sexual activity the day of their fights. As a Doctor he should probably know this already but in case he doesn’t, do me a favor and keep your legs closed for the day. Maybe he didn’t tell you but we have a bit of an important match tonight and I am not going to lose to Sebastian Duke and Mystica because you had to get your freak on.”


Theo hangs up the phone and slips it back into his jacket pocket. Still standing in front of the statue he looks around the rest of the lobby and still sees many of the same faces he saw 10 minutes ago.

“What the fuck are you all still doing here? I thought I fired you all 10 minutes ago?