Comment from Cindy Warren

Excellent

Michael seems to have dodged a bullet, but it seems there's another one with his name on it. Can he make Jose disappear without a paper trail? I think he'll get caught eventually, and probably end up with an ulcer first. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Cindy; yes, Michael did eventually get caught. I imagine it was difficult to live with the guilt and gnawing sensation he could be found out at any time.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, and I appreciate your good wishes for the contest,

~patty~

Comment from country ranch writer

Exceptional

Things aren't going to be hunky Dorsey when th new hires begin so uHe better watch his step or he will be in.a world of hurt. You can fool some of the people so time but not all the time the ax will fall

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

thank you so much for the lovely review. The shining sixth star humbles me. I enjoyed writing the story of Michael and his dilemma,

~patty~

reply by country ranch writer on 15-Aug-2017

Smiles

Comment from His Grayness

Excellent

Lots of drama here in a very well written and somewhat complex situation wrapped around a very believable storyline that strongly grips and holds the reader's interest. I enjoyed it and cannot recommend anything to improve this work! HIS GRAYNESS

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Vance; thank you for the lovely review. This was a fun character study to write,

~patty~

reply by His Grayness on 14-Aug-2017

My pleasure as always! Vance

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Exceptional

This character contest entry is super good. I enjoyed reading. You have it all, great characters, plot, problem and an interesting solutions. I wish you the best of the luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Barbara; thank you so much for the exceptional rating of this piece. I worked especially hard on this one, and I hope it's good enough to catch the eye of the committee - reviews like yours give me faith,

~patty~

reply by barbara.wilkey on 14-Aug-2017

I think it will.

Comment from Mrs Happy Poet

Exceptional

Hello my friend your character contest entry is very well written Michael may not have been caught but the net is closing in as Cindy and Janet are fired this could be continued my friend good luck in the contest regards Jill

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Jill; thank you so much for the exceptional rating on this story. I loved developing the character along with the story line, and I'm glad it is getting so many positive reviews. I appreciate your well wishes in the contest,

~patty~

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I guess Michael will not be feeling very comfortable with the person who has written on his resume, "skilled in forensic accounting". He might have a different location to do his writing from. Excellent story and plotting Patty, I guess there was always going to be a touch of irony in the story. Great characters and the plot was quite absorbing, the characters were well cast and Janet got hers! Well done. My friend, great read. Blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Roy; thank you so much for your thoughtful and concise review. Writing the dismissal of Janet was part of the fun,

~patty~

reply by royowen on 14-Aug-2017

Well done Patty

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

If you are honest
You don't have to waste time
Covering your tracks
The proof of your dishonesty
Topples the Apple cart.
***
This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Charlie; thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Michael will eventually get caught - I'm sure of it,

~patty~

reply by c_lucas on 15-Aug-2017

That's the fun of creating new characters. Sometimes,you hit the Jackpot. Keep up the good work.

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

Oh wow, yes it was long but it gave us an excellent look at all the players and put us right there listening and waiting to see the end. And the twist was excellently played.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi Barb; thank you so much for reading, reviewing and hanging on for the twist. I'm glad you enjoyed,

~patty~

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Oh, so it wasn't just Michael that was embezzling or were Janet and Cindy just really bad at their jobs? Saw your use of "al desko." Thanks for making use of the new vocabulary.

The story is engaging and realistic. I know for this length, you have to do a lot of straight scene setting in prose but thought maybe more places could be done in dialog. Too bad that this kind of thing is all too real.

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

Hi there; thank you so much for the review. I know there is a great deal of straight prose, but since Michael couldn't talk to anyone about his problem, I needed to lay it out in 'story form.'

I'm glad you enjoyed it - no Janet and Cindy weren't stealing - just really bad at their jobs,

~patty~

Comment from Sankey

Excellent

This was a great read. I wish you well in the contest. Kept my interest right through the story. Now for a couple of possible spags. A list of character(s) The downsizing trend in most compan[y'](ies')

 Comment Written 14-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Aug-2017

hi there; thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and catching my nits. I took care of them as soon as you called my attention to them.

~patty~