I followed a few friends to a downtown bar last night after work. We talked. We drank. When all was said and done and it was time to walk back to my car, I decided to save time by taking a few back allies to the parking garage. Of course not being familiar with Indianapolis – I ended up lost. It was dark, I was alone and I don’t mind saying… a little scared. I couldn’t find anyone. It was almost like the city was deserted. I couldn’t even find my way back to the streets. I just kept wandering the endless array of narrow, dark passages behind the dilapidated rear facades of buildings and warehouses. The stars above seemed to fade out of existence as I pulled my jacket tight and pushed on through the cold, northern gusts. Where was I? What inner depth of the city had I fallen into?
Just as I was about to give up and start searching for a cardboard box to call home, salvation presented itself in the form of a flicker of light sneaking out from a partially closed, rust covered steel door. The promise of heat led me to the back of an old, abandoned warehouse; the sound of voices pulled me inside. I crept down a long, dark hallway to a pair of old, worn, swinging doors. From there I heard several voices – voices of a meeting – voices not meant to be heard by outsiders. Now I wanted to get warm, but I’m no fool. So instead of bursting through and crying out for help, I dropped down to my knees and pulled the door open just far enough to crawl through. What I found inside will not only scare you, it will astonish you.
I snuck over to watch from behind a stack of old wooden pallets. There was a group of men dressed in black or purple robes (I couldn’t tell for sure). I counted 13 but I could have missed one or two. There was no electricity – the flickering light was coming from a central hub of candles and a ring of torches that encircled the group. Even though they were wearing robes, I could make out suits and expensive loafers underneath. Some were standing, but the majority were sitting in expensive leather wingback chairs – certainly chairs that they must have brought in just for this meeting. Then I noticed the briefcases. At about the same time I started to recognize some of the faces. The mayor was there. So too, were some of the faces that frequent the front page of the business section out of the Star. They were smoking cigars and I couldn’t miss the savory aroma of single-malt scotch. Secret… yes, ominous… a little, threatening… I didn’t think so at the time. Just as I was about to expose myself, two of them walked over close enough for me to clearly hear their conversation. Here’s the jest of what they said.
They were discussing applicants that had interviewed for a director’s level marketing position at a local firm. In particular, they were talking about the infamous interview question – ‘What would you consider to be your greatest strength?’ The one guy started laughing as he described a man who focused on his education (MBA from the University of Chicago) and about his experience as the VP of Sales at Eli Lilly. They both started laughing as the guy recounted the numerous “success” stories the applicant gave him as evidence of his competency for the open position. Then the other man asked who the guy chose for the position. The guy slapped him on the back and said, “Why Evan of course. He drives a 7-series and has a handy cap two better than me. Besides, he showed me a picture of his wife…” Then he nudged the man in the side and said, “She’ll be a welcome addition at our exchanges.” The man smiled, draped his arm over the guy’s shoulders and walked him back over to the others.
What had I stumbled into? I didn’t know, but I sure as hell wasn’t about to leave. The meeting finally broke up a little after midnight. It ended with everyone gathering in a circle, lowering their heads and whispering some chant that I couldn’t quite make out. But believe me, I heard plenty last night. Things that you won’t believe. Things that are too big to keep to myself. So over the next couple of weeks – I’m going to tell you. If enough of us know, they won’t be able to sweep it under the rug.
Until next time, take what I have found as a lesson. Sometimes the most good can be gained by keeping your mouth shut and listening from the shadows. J/W
