"Incoming!" (blast!!!!) (screams) "Oh the humanity!"

I am now being attacked on all fronts. I was pulled into a meeting with the brass at the local M this afternoon. Indeed, it was my second intervention this week. The message: I need to spend more time in the office. Why? Because the staff is complaining to Corporate in Fargo. The staff. Yes, the staff. They tattle on me on a regular basis. They do not like that I spend time out of the office for things like court and client visits that are in other cities (as a result of my job change, some cases remain lingering in the Magic City).

I think it reached critical mass two days ago when I had to leave the office early to exercise my professional responsibility. I didn't feel it was appropriate, and, really, not ethical to tell them where I was going or why I was leaving, so I just said goodbye and scuttled out the door.

Corporate already hates me, so this is perfect. The local brass does not want it to escalate to a showdown with Corporate. They weren't upset, just very matter of fact. I am behind the eight-ball and I need to watch my step. Am I ever not behind the eight-ball?