A Rumor's Power

[Johan's POV]

Gossips had an overwhelming power to bring chaos and shift people's attention from one topic to another. The fight he had at the smoking area and his confrontation with Quinn at the pantry became history as a new rumor emerged: there's a Black Lady in their company, particularly at the Internal Archive Department.

He could barely contain his amusement upon seeing Thesa, Irene, and Jacqueline chatting among themselves at the locker area. Their eyes lit up in relief and Johan sent them an innocent smile. "Why are you all still here? It's already past nine-forty-five."

"Have you not heard the rumor?" Jacqueline asked with a shudder. "There's a Black Lady in our Department."

"I've heard." Johan crouched down and opened his locker. "But isn't that just an urban legend? I haven't seen one myself."