I nearly dropped my screwdriver.
Here were two people living in a mansion worth millions, plotting to cheat an old electrician out of a hundred dollars.
Still, I said nothing. I finished replacing the damaged outlet, restored the power, and tested every downstairs socket twice.
Everything worked perfectly.
I stepped closer.
“All done,” I announced.
Daniel barely glanced up from his phone.
I unplugged my tester and started packing my tools. But as I turned toward the hallway, something on a shelf in the living room caught my eye.
I stopped dead in my tracks.
On the bookshelf stood an old photograph in a wooden frame.
I noticed one face.
It looked completely out of place among the expensive decorations.
I stepped closer.
The picture showed several young people standing outside a small building. Judging by their clothes, it must have been taken forty years ago.
Then I noticed one particular face.
A smile slowly spread.
“Well, haven’t seen you in a while,” I whispered.
I carefully picked up the frame and brought it closer to my eyes.
There was no mistake. I hadn’t seen that face in years.
A smile slowly spread across my face.
I put the photograph back exactly where I’d found it.
I checked the display.
That was when I noticed something else.
Beside the bookshelf was a small security-system control panel. A yellow warning light was blinking.
Interesting.
I’d already noticed on the electrical diagram that the alarm equipment shared the circuit I’d just repaired. Apparently, the power interruption had left a fault notification.
I saw a countdown appear.
I checked the display and found the system’s built-in sound test.
Perfectly ordinary maintenance.
I selected the test and saw a short countdown appear.
I knew exactly what would happen when it reached zero. Then I calmly returned to my toolbox.
For the first time that afternoon, I was actually looking forward to speaking with my customers.
You did a lousy job.
I picked up my toolbox and walked into the kitchen, where Daniel and his wife were drinking coffee.
“All finished,” I announced. “Every outlet downstairs is working perfectly.”
Daniel put his cup down and folded his arms.
“Bad news. You did a lousy job. We’re not paying you $100 for that.”
“You should be grateful.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. The work wasn’t satisfactory.”
Anna gave me a condescending smile.
“Frankly, you should be grateful we even hired you. Do you know how many people would love to work in a house like ours?”
“Some are still broken.”
I glanced at the diamond bracelet on her wrist.
“Ma’am, I repaired the damaged connection and tested every outlet twice. Everything works.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Some of them are still broken.”
“Which ones?”
He hesitated.
“I’ll leave a review.”
“The ones in the hallway. Maybe the dining room.”
“I’d be happy to show you they’re working.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Anna interrupted.
Daniel leaned against the counter.
“And if you keep arguing, I’ll leave a review that’ll make sure nobody in this neighborhood hires you again.”
“He finally understands.”
I looked from one smug face to the other.
Then I smiled.
“Of course. I understand.”
They exchanged surprised glances.
Daniel chuckled.
A deafening siren erupted.
“See, honey? He finally understands his place.”
