Mike walked into my office, a sullen look on his face and a PC repair tool bag slung over his narrow shoulders. “What do you want? I’m on lunch!”

“Come in. I won’t keep you long,” I said.

“I’ll stand,” Mike said.

The look on Mike’s face said he hated me more than anyone he’d ever spoken to. On the exterior he was the quintessential computer geek – slight frame, pale skin, quiet and intelligent. Inside he was vulnerable, afraid of my authority, certain I was out to get him.

“Let’s talk,” I said.

He gave a sarcastic grin. “What’s there to talk about. I’m doing my job. Why did you call me here?

“Your attitude, Mike. You’ve had a bad attitude lately and I just wanted to make sure it’s in check. After all, I’m the Technical Manager here and it’s my responsibility to insure things are running smoothly.”

“Why are you doing this?!”

“Doing what?” I asked.

“This! Why are you always watching me?”

He picked up a chair and threw it against my window. It shattered into a spider-web pattern.