A prompt a week - 47. Golden Voice - Prompt 589

“Who is singing that?” Ed ran out of his office and toward the hallway.

Ed looked down both directions, trying to find who the deep tenor voice belonged to. Listening carefully he headed toward the company’s kitchen area. Stepping in as quietly as he could, he found the janitor singing the role of Roger, the main character in his new musical. He listened as the janitor’s voice swelled and filled the kitchen. Ed noticed the small man wore a headset that connected to an iPod on his belt.

The janitor sang as he mopped the floor, his back to Ed. He’ d pause and lean on his mop when the song became especially sad.

Ed had heard enough. He walked over and tapped the janitor on the shoulder.

“Oh, shit!” The janitor dropped his mop and nearly fell when Ed’s hand hit his shoulder.

“Who the hell are you?” Ed stood, arms crossed, and eye brow cocked as he stared a the young man before him.

“Frank. Frank Turner. I’m the new janitor. I…I started here three weeks ago, Mr. Sanflipo.” Frank’s face was red as a fire hydrant, he quickly picked up his mop, and tried to move away from Ed.

“Where did you learn that song? We’ve only done it in rehearsal twice.” Ed stared at Frank.

Frank stood rooted to the spot. When he finally spoke it was barely a whisper. “I heard it the first time, sir, and I really liked it. So, when I heard Barry say he was going to practice Roger’s song again, I…ah…recorded it. I promise I’m the only one who has heard it, sir.”

Ed couldn’t believe it. Barry just couldn’t seem to get the emotion behind the song. He sang it nicely, but it never moved you. Yet, he had been listening to Frank, a janitor, sing with such passion that he wanted to cry.

“Where did you learn to sing, Frank?”

“Um, at church, sir. Mom is the choir director.” Frank’s hands shook and he stared at the floor.

Ed nodded. His mind began racing with a hundred new ways to present the play with Frank singing the role of Roger.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’ll finish up, delete the song, and hand in my keys, sir. I’m sorry.”

Ed focused on Frank. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Frank swallowed. “I’m really very sorry, Mr. Sanflipo. I’ll finish my job, delete the song from my iPod, and give you the key for the building before I leave.”

“Why would you give me the key or delete the song?”

“Aren’t…I mean don’t you…Am I fired?” Frank looked up at Ed, his face pale and his lower lip trembling.

“Who is firing you?”

“You. Aren’t you?” Tony walked over to the prep table and sat on it before he fell down.

“You learned that song,” Ed paused as he realized Barry had massacred the song two nights ago in front on the investors.

“In a few days, sir.”

Ed looked Frank over and smiled. “I see a job change in your future, Frank. Come with me. I think I’ve found a way to save the show.”

Frank nervously went with Ed, wondering what was going to happen.