COMING BACK UNPREDICTABLE

Chapter 5

Justin couldn't help pacing about by the door. Perhaps, Duncan might really be connected to Mr. Thompson seeing that he had specifically asked for him.

How did they know each other?

What tricks were that arrogant boy playing?

Mr. Thompson was not someone who could be played about easily, he wasn't someone who you come walk into on the streets, so how on earth did Duncan find him? Had he already secured the deputy's favour?

That smirk on Duncan's face as he hurried out bothered him, it had irked him to no ends making him feel as though the younger man was provoking him to lose his composure. He was getting under his skin.

That rat, who does he think he was? Just because he happens to be acquitted with the deputy minister doesn't give him the right to act arrogant.

He was going to teach him a lesson, for some reasons, he just couldn't let Duncan be, he wanted nothing more than to ruin him.

Justin wasn't going to give up, he was going to teach that arrogant bastard a lifelong lesson that he wouldn't forget in a hurry.

He reached for his phone, he sent a message to the other examiners.

Do your best to make things difficult for him, let's see how he handles real pressure.

He released a satisfied grunt as those who got his message sent him a nod. Justin stood by the door watching, thankfully the room was not soundproof so he could hear everything that was going on inside the office.

When the panel was finally settled in, the interview began immediately. The deputy sat directly opposite Duncan who was seating facing the center of the panel.

The other members, a mixture of professors and seasoned professionals in the field, Duncan felt a little intimidated.

The deputy began, "Mr. Stone, your credential are quite impressive, but what are we set to gain from you?" He asked.

Duncan took him a deep breath, his smile still plastered on his face, "I can confidently say that I will be an asset to the organisation, I have delivered results under pressure and through my innovative, problem solving and leadership skills, I'm sure I can do the same here."

Mr. Thompson nodded obviously satisfied with his answer.

A professor with glasses resting on his nose turned to him, "But I can see that you have zero to no experience, how then can you confidently say you have innovative and leadership skills?" He asked.

Justin almost jumped in joy, this was what he was expecting, something to throw Duncan off his feet.

Duncan smiled, "I may not have experience in this field, but I have worked menial jobs where I received awards of recognition from all the organisation I rendered my services to. But I am a fast learner and I'm willing to learn from wise men such as yourselves to improve my skills and give me an in depth experience."

The examiners exchanged looks, Duncan sure knew how to play his cards, Mr

Thompson had a satisfied smile on his face.

This didn't go unnoticed by Justin whose scrowl deepened with disapproval.

"So tell me Mr. Stone, I see that your preference is individual work, but this corporation deals with teamwork, how to you intend to thrive with your new environment if you are hired?" Another asked trying to wipe out his smile and make him lose composure before Mr. Thompson.

"Thank you for asking that sir." Duncan began.

Justin's frown deepened, this wasn't going as expected. These questions were tough so how was Duncan able to answer every one of them and what's even worse, he did them with a smile on his face as though he had expected them before now. Mr Thompson kept smiling at him in approval, he was getting the deputy's favour.

"I worked independently because it taught me self reliance, but I'm willing to try something new, working in a team will teach me how to rely on others since communication, respect and shared goals are needed criteria for a successful team, I'm delighted to contribute my strength to aid a successful project and hopefully, it will give room to collaboration with great minds like mine to produce the perfect results."

Mr. Thompson clapped shocking the other examiners, "That is brillant!" He said with a nod of approval.

"Thank you very much sir." Duncan did a small bow to deputy minister.

The other examiners nodded in satisfaction, they were equally impressed by his replies.

"This isn't how it should be going." Justin muttered pacing to and fro the entrance. "When did he get so good?" Justin muttered.

He was slowly losing his composure, he was tempted to run into the interview room and scream that Duncan be sent out but he couldn't, he couldn't bear to lose face before the deputy minister, however, he could feel his composure wearing out. He brought out his phone and began to type.

Why does he keep passing? Increase your pressure on him.

The professor turned to Duncan, "Every organisation at one point or the other face crisis, how can you as an individual curb a crisis that the organisation is faced with knowing that the two options provided holds severe consequences?"

Duncan smile didn't waver, "Crisis is inevitable in an organisation, it is better to prevent it than to seek solution later. However, when faced with crisis, it is important that the organisation be transparent with the publics to ease the impact of the crisis." Duncan took a deep breath, "When faced with two options, I would weigh their impact, which one has a longer and more positive impact? Then I will prioritize the one that best suits the company's image. It is important to note that when deciding on a solution during crisis, none is perfect, but a well informed decison is very important."

The room was quiet as Duncan spoke, they were marvelled at his response.

Justin couldn't help but drove his fists into the wall, why the hell was everything going wrong?

Don't forget our deal.

The examiners exchanged glances as they nodded ready to flatter Justin.

"Mr. Stone, we believe you did so well today, however, I am disappointed to inform you that you didn't meet to our required score." The professor said as he scribbled aggressively on a paper before him.

Duncan's heart stopped for a while, he had done his best and he was quite aure that thing would finally play out in his favour today so why was he hearing he failed? He had prepared thoroughly.

"Yes, Mr. Stone, your answers were quite impressive but as the professor had said, you didn't get to the required score, I'd say we need someone a little more experienced in the field." The only lady among the examiners said.

Duncan nodded his disappointment masked with a smile.

That's was it, that was what Justin wanted to hear the entire time, a smile crawled to his lips. Even with the deputy minister present, even after he showed his support for Duncan, he wanted him to fail. He didn't care what the minister thought, all he wanted to do was ruin Duncan.

The deputy minister who had been scribbling on a paper suddenly got up.

"I believe this is the end of the interview, Mr. Stone, I must say that I am quite impressed by your replies, you know what you want to say and how to say it, not everyone sits before men with such calibre as this, who has no intention but to intimidate you and yet keeps a smile plastered on."

Justin's fists folded into a ball.

It was obvious, Thompson was in support of Duncan and not even all the examiners combined could go against him.

He picked up his bag turning to the others, "I believe we are done here."

On his way out, he placed an hand on Duncan's shoulder supportively, "well done young man."

Duncan smile widened leaving Justin stunned.

The deputy minister only came here for him!