He Was Such a Nice Man

You know those usual newspaper quotes about serial killers? You know, the ones the neighbors of said madmen always offer up to the newspapers? They usually read, "He was quiet, kept to himself and always put his garbage out on time." Those are the people you never suspect of misdeeds...which is maybe why you should be suspicious of them.

Tonight when I rolled in from work, there was a notice from our co-op's Board of Directors. We get these flimsy missives on sheets of white paper shoved under our door all the time. Sometimes they are from The Board; sometimes they are from the disgruntled tenants in the building who have nothing better to do than shill some worthy cause (say, the indulgence of a bulletin board in the laundry room). The information wedged under my doorstop tonight made me gasp (no simple feat).

As I read it, I had to stop and re-read it. The information was simply not sinking in. This memo told the shareholders that one of our beloved doorman, a warm and affable chap named Raymond, had been fired. I couldn't imagine the reason why this effusive and charming man, one of my favorites, could possibly be released. As I continued reading the answer became clear. He was a registered sex offender and had done time in the pokey for the offense in the late 90s. WTF?

When confronted by The Board, Raymond admitted the offense but refused to resign. The memo went on to state "..in the interest of the safety and welfare of the residents of the building, we saw fit to terminate his employment."

Yikes.

I can't think about this too much (and his specific crime) but I have to admit I'll miss Raymond. He was such a nice man.

At least the gorgeous Juan is still on staff.