The Unexpected Candidate
1081 Words
“He doesn’t have genuine connections,” Thomas murmured to himself, a flicker of disappointment on his face. “Someone’s helping him… riding coattails. But whose?”
He signed heavily, as he angrily gazed at the message again.
“ Howard," he called. "Get me the interview schedule for the upcoming round of civil service examinations at the State Health Department," he requested, his right hand standing against the tabletop.
“I believe it’s here,” Howard said, setting the files in his hand carefully on the table. After a few moments of searching, he retrieved a file and placed it before Thomas.
“It's this one, sir,” he said, his hands gesturing at the file. Glancing through the file, Thomas let out a quiet sigh.
“Get me the state health department on the line”.
“Okay… okay,” Howard replied, hurrying to the telephone. He dialed the number. Once the call connected, he quickly placed the telephone against Thomas’s ear.
Thomas leaned back a little before speaking. “Hello, this is Thomas,” he began. “I’d like to serve as the chief examiner for the upcoming interview at the state health department.”
There was a brief pause on the other end. “Sir… that’s handled by Deputy Director Wen and the personnel committee.”
“I’m aware,” Thomas snapped. “Tell them I’ll be personally sitting in as chief examiner this time.”
“Alright, Director Thomas. I’ll inform them right away.”
“ Thanks," Thomas replied, a gentle smile crisped on his lips, as he cut the call.
Meanwhile, Robert, the state prosecutor, was playing chess with his son, both facing each other..
Robert moved his bishop across the board with an ease, capturing one of Daniel’s pawns. A satisfied smile touched his lips as he leaned back in his chair.
“You see, Daniel,” Robert muttered “this is where you always falter. Too eager to protect the middle, and not paying attention to the flanks.”
“I swear you’ve been beating me at this game the same way since I was twelve.”Daniel said, scratching the back of his head.
Robert chuckled. “That’s because you haven’t corrected your habits. That Lucas kid… has a real chess sense. Sharp, patient, never revealing his next move until it’s too late.”
At the mention of Lucas, Daniel lifted his eyes and stared at Robert for a moment.
“Dad,” Daniel began.“About Lucas… are you sure about him? I mean, you’ve only played a couple of games, had a few conversations.”
“You think I’ve been deceived?”
“I just think it’s too convenient,” Daniel said, leaning back a little. “The timing of that recruitment, the way he appeared out of nowhere. People are already talking. What if this is some act? What if someone’s using him?”
“Do you think I got to where I am today by trusting appearances, Daniel?” Robert asked, pointing at the board between them. “In chess, like in life, it’s never the obvious pieces that decide the match — it’s the ones no one watches closely.”
“I’ve concealed my identity from him. He doesn’t know who I am or what position I hold beyond what I’ve chosen to show. And believe me,” Robert added, moving his queen decisively, “his skill is genuine. The boy isn’t pretending.”
“Even if he’s good, Dad… the department’s a tough place. People like Thomas won’t let this slide easily. He might push Lucas into a corner. I don’t want him walking into a trap.”
“You worry too much, son,” Robert said. “I anticipated Thomas would move against him the moment the special recruitment went through. That’s why I’ve already arranged for a… referee of sorts.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve invited Henry to oversee the situation.”
“Henry? You mean Deputy Minister Henry of the State Organization Department?”
Robert nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Yes. He’ll be at the interview session, acting as an observer.”
At the interview site, the large hall of the State Health Department was filled with candidates.
After a few minutes, Lucas's name was called.
“Mr. Lucas Ross, please step into the hall”
Lucas rose and made his way into the chamber where the panel of interviewers sat behind a long table. As Lucas stepped in, he was surprised to see Thomas seated at the center, smiling mockingly as the chief examiner.
Lucas offered a polite nod and took his seat.
“Lucas,” Thomas began. I'm sure you are aware that we take recruitment integrity very seriously here.”
“Of course, Director Thomas,” Lucas replied, gently placing his right hand over his left.
“And yet, I find it curious… how a candidate who failed his re-examination is suddenly granted a police department special recruitment. Care to explain how that happened?”
“Well". Lucas replied. “As for the recruitment, I believe the State Police Department handled it according to regulations. If there are any irregularities, perhaps you should consult them directly.”
“I’m asking you,” Thomas shot back, leaning back a little. “Who recommended you?”
“I’ve always believed that hard work speaks for itself, Director. I’m sure the department made their decision after reviewing my performance records. It’s not my place to question their judgment.”
Thomas’s fingers drummed once on the table, and just as he was about to speak, the doors to the hall swung open. In walked Henry — Deputy Minister Henry of the State Organization Department.
“Minister Henry… I didn’t know you would be attending the interview.”
“Certain candidates have drawn my attention.”
"Robert... Robert," Lucas murmured to himself twice, then a soft smile tugged at his lips.
Henry took a seat at the end of the table.
Thomas gathered his papers and, under the pretense of another engagement, excused himself from the room.
Just as he was about to get out of the hall, Henry spoke again.
“Lucas, I’ve heard a bit about you.”
Thomas froze. He turned back slowly, his face pale.
Lucas offered a respectful nod. “Thank you, Minister.”
Thomas held the door handle for a moment before forcing himself out of the room, his heart racing.
- Writer
