Simmons Found Dead Erika Hoopes Second Place Sudden Fiction Winner

SECOND PLACE SUDDEN FICTION “SIMMONS FOUND EMPLOYEE OF THE DEAD, BY MACKENZIE MCDONALD”

BY ERIKA HOOPES

Simmons found employee of the dead By Mackenzie McDonald

Paul Simmons, with his tall, Paul Simmons lives in the lanky build and glasses, is the suburbs of an empty creek his top-notch auto salesperson at hometown, Detroit, MichiGrifon Motors and has recently gan, with his wife and their two been recognized for his impreschildren. He fell in love with sive work in the auto industry over the auto industry at a young age. the last several years. Simmons’ Simmons graduated from success in his career and his lovGreenville Technical University ing family make him the man in 1992, with the desire on the everyone wants to be. corner of Stanton Rd. and

Named 2008 Employee of the Winsheimer Blvd. to work with cars, Year, Simmons has been an unand he has made impressive contriidentifed man found dead one of butions to the industry ever since. the dealership’s top employees ever Simmons’ boss, Randy since he began working at the comJenkins, said a few words as he pany sixteen years ago. He began as presented Paul with the traditionan auto mechanic at the repair shop al “Employee of the Year” plaque at Grifon but worked his way up at the annual recognition party to a salesperson afer two years of on January 17, 2009: “Paul has alreplacing damaged parts and fxways been one of my best employing old cars. Simmons now holds ees. He is a hard worker and very the company’s annual sales record. dedicated to his body

discovered at 6:45 am job, but what sets him aside from most employees is his generous and intelligent character. Paul is very clever, and his knowledge of automobiles helps him sell numerous cars a day. He is friendly to customers and always persuades them to buy cars from our dealership instead of anywhere else.” At the recognition party, Simmons’ wife mentioned that this terrible tragedy Paul “makes the family very proud, and has always been a supportive husband and father. He works long hours on occasion, but he always comes home smiling and ready to help his kids with their homework.” “No wonder he sells so many cars,” his wife added, “I can’t imagine what appears to be suicide anyone not trusting a sincere man like him.” Simmons’ seven-year-old son, Ben, also had a few words to express his respect for his father: “Daddy is the best salesperson there is, and when I grow up, I want to be just like him!” Although Paul Simmons has increased the business for Griffon Motors tremendously, he is discovered by a woman on a morning jog mostly recognized for his overall contribution to the atmosphere of the company. Customers comment on his helpful advice and information, and they say his love for the cars he sells is very contagious. Paul is the most convincing salesperson in the city.

Simmons’ was found holding a gun coworkers have plenty to say about him as well: “Paul is a great worker, and he seems to have a bullet in his head the perfect life. Everyone in the company enjoys working with him, even those who are a bit envious of his success.” Te man was lying on his back in the creek, and a pair of glasses was found close by. No witnesses have been located—it is likely “people want to be just like him” nobody was there at the scene. Te police report claims that the man has killed himself. He “really knows what he is doing in life” was tall and thin, and had curly brown hair. His pockets were empty, and no identifcation has been found. He was wearing a jacket with a Grifon Motors logo on the upper right. If you have any information regarding this unidentifed man, please report it to your local police department immediately.