"let me explain"

"Please let me explain," I plead.

The woman does not calm down, but instead approaches me with the stun gun, shouting, "Get out!"

I am **** to exit the apartment as some next door neighbors start to eavesdrop on the unfolding scene.

However, as I am about to descend the stairs, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I turn and see a woman, about 40 years old, dressed in a gray woolen overcoat. Although her hair appears unkempt, her face shows the confidence of being always in command. "You're the third victim this week," she says softly. Seeing the confused expression on my face, she adds, "That's what Alina does to salesmen and delivery men. Even the plumber yesterday was no exception."

"Why?" I ask curiously.

"I'm no shrink, but I guess she needs to see one. She can't go on humiliating people and get away with it."

"She just called my boss," I add.

"Oh well, she might get you fired," she says sympathetically, reaching into an inner pocket. "Here, in case you lose your job, I may have ways to help you," she says, handing me her card.

I eye her with some suspicion. "Why are you so helpful. I really don't need any help in exacting **** the way I want."

She thrusts her card closer to me. "Here, you have to take it. She's my niece and I want to solve this peacefully."

I hesitantly receive her card and pocket it. Without saying a word, I leave her presence and head for the waiting truck.

"Call from the boss," Greta says as I near the delivery truck. There appeared to be a slight snicker in her voice.

The succeeding events become a blur as my mind tries to forget what has happened. I am informed by Linda that I'm permanently off the job for insulting a customer and attempting to obtain sexual favors from a customer. Also for not following the advise of a more experienced coworker-- which was Greta-- by insisting that I myself, an inexperienced asshole, deliver the discrete package myself. It didn't seem like the way I recall things had happened but who was I to question my fate.

After exiting Linda's building, I walk aimlessly down the street wondering what I should do next. The sign at the corner said "Immediate Hiring". The arrow pointed to what looked like a book publisher's office.

I stare at the people entering and leaving the office, not really sure what to do next. I weigh my options. There was that lady who had given me her card. Then, there was this publishing job.