Who'll Kill Agnes? by Lea Chan Page B

it’s very difficult to lose your job, no matter how incompetent you may be. Besides, Agnes Henley is a big deal in this community. She puts on gigantic shows for the Garden Club and various charities, attends Mass regularly, although I don’t think she’s Catholic. It’s all an act, but it works so well because she believes it herself. But, you know, I wonder about her family. She’s always bragging about how wonderful they are and how much they adore her and depend on her. Somehow she overplays the domestic heaven routine just like she overplays everything else. I’ll bet you anything they feel the same way we do, only stronger. Can you imagine living with that woman?”
    “But there’s something else I don’t get.”
    “What?”
    “I’ve heard rumors that she’s rich. I mean, look at Henley House. It’s gorgeous. Why does she work here?”
    Shirley laughed again. “Yes, she is independently wealthy, or so she tells me all the time. But Agnes is one of those people who is impressed with anyone connected with education. She thinks her position entitles her to respect as an academic and elevates her even more in the public eye and esteem.”
    “That’s the goofiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
    “There are people who feel that way. However, they usually refer to teachers, not the people who plan school lunches.” Both women laughed, then Shirley said, “Can you feature Agnes in a classroom, controlling today’s students? Shhh, here she comes now,” she whispered as Agnes entered the outer office.
    “Agnes dear, do come in,” warbled Shirley.
    “Shirley, Annie,” Agnes said as she nodded to each one. Not wasting any time, she asked about the reason for the meeting. “What’s going on, Shirley? I’ve heard rumors that you are going back to your newspaper.”
    Shirley and Annie exchanged glances.
    “Is that a fact? No, Agnes, that’s not it at all.” Shirley was taking her time, hoping to aggravate Agnes.
    “What?” gasped Agnes.
    “I’m not going back to newspaper work. I’ve been offered a TV position in the capital.” She leaned back in her chair and reveled in the conflicting expressions that crept across Agnes’ face. First jealousy, because Shirley was offered a more prestigious job, then relief, because she would now get her coveted directorship.
    “Oh, that’s wonderful!” gushed Agnes after a long pause. “Congratulations. When will you be leaving?”
    “Oh,” replied Shirley slowly as she enjoyed bringing Agnes down a notch, “I’m not leaving. I intend to stay here and fulfill my duties. I can tape my segments for the TV show and send them in.” She hesitated, relishing the hatred that flashed in Agnes’ eyes that was quickly replaced by disappointment. She could see that Agnes was finding it difficult to control her feelings. Shirley continued happily, pretending to be oblivious to Agnes’ discomfort. “I owe my decision to you, dear Agnes.”
    Annie stifled a choking sound.
    “Wha-what do you mean?” stammered Agnes.
    “I owe all my knowledge to you and I know how much you fear all the responsibility that would go to you if you took over my job. Remember? You said something like that five years ago when I first came here.”
    Annie was having difficulty remaining quiet. Watching Shirley give Agnes even false flattery made her just a little sick, yet the whole scene played out wildly comical.
    “Oh, but I wouldn’t want to stand in your way of progressing to new horizons,” protested Agnes haughtily. “I-I have twenty-five years of experience here.”
    Shirley cut her short, “I know, I know. And that’s why I must stay on with you. We make such a good team, and I have so much to learn.”
    After Agnes had left, Annie asked, “Was that little scene designed to get Agnes to resign?”
    “Oh, Agnes will never resign. She loves the prestige of coming to work here, even if she has to play second fiddle to me.”
    “Then how are you going to get rid of