The Kleptomaniac

A search of the woman’s desk revealed previously unknown details about her dark past. The office manager, Steve, stood up, an uneasy look on his face.

Darcy said, “I told you so! Look! That’s Peggy’s dolphin figurine and Julie’s stress ball!”

“And there’s my missing candy bars!” cried Matt, pointing.

“Oh my, how did this get in here?” Steve asked, pulling his family photo out of her drawer. “I didn’t even know this was missing from my desk!”

Darcy’s hand darted into the drawer and she held up her prize. “She took my retainer! I looked high and low for this. I even had to pay for a replacement! This woman is a kleptomaniac!”

“Now, calm down,” Steve said, “except for Darcy’s retainer, she hasn’t really taken anything of value. I’m sure we can figure this out. Maybe she should see a therapist or something.”

They all stood around the desk, looking at all the stolen items. She had taken strange things, gross things, personal things, but Steve had a point. She had not stolen anything valuable. There was Kim’s fingernail clippers and nail file, Matt’s disposable razor for quick touch ups on long days, Julie’s fuzzy socks she wore when her feet got cold, and a few of Peggy’s knick-knacks and other small items. Without a word, everyone began retrieving their stolen goods. When the drawer was empty, Steve thought there was something strange about the dimensions. With a flick of his finger, he pulled out a false bottom, and everyone peered into the depths.

They all gasped. The drawer was filled with money, jewelry, and credit cards. Steve picked up a credit card and read the name, ‘Mark Black.’

“Who is that?” Steve asked.

Darcy said, “Well I have heard her talking about the office she worked at before she came here. She said her boss’s name was Mark. Could it be his?”

They all started talking at once. “Okay!” Steve said, a little loudly, “I think it’s time we called the police.”

Copyright ©2025 Lisa Paul

This week’s Story Starter teaser is:

A search of the woman’s desk revealed previously unknown details about her dark past.

Fandango’s Story Starter #220