Write a Book in a Day 2017

him. Swallowing down nerves, he entered through the hall, agitatedly picking at the edge of the cartoon's page and hesitantly walking towards the main office, staring in wonder at the amazing antique artwork displayed in the striking walk way. Zach cautiously knocked on the majestic door.

"Come in," demanded a deep voice, full of authority.

Zach anxiously opened the door, stepping into the colossal room of which they called an office. The intimidating trophies, medals and certificates hung from all walls. A distinguished looking man sat behind the massive desk, reading the daily paper.

"Yes," he said, not looking up.

"Um, hello sir," stuttered Zach. "I'm here to present the drawing of your deceased horse, Jackie." He gingerly stepped forward, anxious to not disrupt or do the incorrect thing in front of the noble man. Producing his picture now, Zach gained a sliver of confidence as he gazed adoringly at his sketch. The man peered up. "No, do it again," he simply stated as he went back to reading the paper. The man merely stared at him. "It did not grasp my attention straight away. Hence, it is not worthy to be hung up with all the other artwork. In fact, it looks like it was created by a five- year-old! The caliber of work here is much higher than what you have produced and we do not accept artwork made by amateur artists. Therefore, Mr Balthazar, I suggest you complete this drawing again if you wish to be paid." Zach stared at him stunned. With those word, his confidence in his abilities plunged faster than a cheetah can run. Simultaneously, the pride of his work vanished and his shoulders sagged. His belief in his picture and himself disappeared. Self-doubt crept into his mind. What if he wasn't capable of working in Leo's job? Anxiety surged through his veins. The unsatisfying feeling of failure nudged his mind. "Yes sir. Thank you," was all he managed to say. And he limped out of the room, as if there were no meaning to life. The antique paintings that hung in the hallways no longer held the same wonder as they did before, the breathtaking view seemed ordinary now. Zach had given up. However, he began to see the positive side to his job. He had a reliable income. His job always held his interest. Maybe he perceived Leo's and his job all wrong. But he missed his old job. The thrill of uncovering clues, the intrigue and motivation of looking and uncovering why and how the individual's death occurred. He missed the excitement of finally resolving the mystery and finding out the motives behind the murder. Maybe he was crazy but he missed that. As he came to the resolution of finding out where Leo was, he bumped straight into him. "But sir..." Zach objected, "It took me two hours to do this glorious picture!"