Gemotions

The cold sweat on his palms made the steel railing feel slick. Richard couldn't understand why the emergency button wouldn't work. It was supposed to be a direct line to someone! He glanced at Carol, the HR rep, who sat calmly, almost serene, at the opposite end of the elevator.

"Are you even trying the button?" He blurted, the question a little rougher than he planned.

She simply smiled, a polite, closed-mouth gesture. Richard clenched his jaw. This was ridiculous. He had a meeting with the board in the morning. His career relied on this. He fought to control his breathing.