Modern Sample

"Close the door."

In the past 5 years at the agency, Carl's door only closed for two reasons: either a confidential conversation was about to be had with other VIPs, or someone was about to lose their job. As John shut the door he knew which one it would be. He didn't consider himself a poor performer, but he was far from important, and its not unheard of for a decent agent to be cut for reasons beyond their control.

"Sit down."

John heeded the command and took a chair across from Carl's desk. If this had happened earlier in his career, his legs might have shook from his nerves; but John was ready. He knew what was coming and was prepared to accept it. Not that he was happy with losing his job - who would be? Rather, he understood there was nothing he could do except accepting the outcome.

"As of today, you no longer work for the Agency." Carl spoke unsurprising words. "You no longer report to me, or any other government official. When you leave this room, you will be escorted by security off the premise, and you won't return."

Still no surprise to John. This was standard procedure. After he left, someone else would pack up his desk, and return a box of his things to his residence some days later. John had seen this happen a dozen or so times before - there was no surprise.

"Tomorrow, you'll have an accident and be pronounced dead at 11:32am."

"Wh-" This was the first John had heard that caught his attention, and it left him breathless. Of course he couldn't respond to a sudden statement like that. It was highly unreasonable. A few moments later, once John had regained his composure, he spoke again. "And what happens after that?"

"You will be transported to a London safehouse where you will receive your new identity. From here on, you're a ghost."