Many workplaces have a Deborah. Her currency is lies and innuendo. She’s a lunchtime gossip, a whisperer in corridors. She exploits minor jealousies and foments discontent. Hers is a realm built on divide and rule where her subjects eye each other with learned mistrust.
She’s not intelligent, but she’s sharp; quick to recognise opportunity. Her smiles are as false as her vaunted honesty. She targets her victims and coddles her favourites.
I worked with her for years. She could be amusing, with wit sharpened by spite and dipped in malice, but it made my tongue tingle with words self-preservation and cowardice forbade me from saying.
This is in response to Julia’s latest challenge. For information and more entries, click here.
Thanks Julia.
Isobel (and Cat)'s Blog 
Excellent Isobel. Not sure I would like her at all. Great to see your work again on 100WCGU!
I’m sure you wouldn’t Julia. Though the Deborahs of this world are pretty skilled at getting management on their side, especially when the managers also use divide and rule.
I recognise Deborah!
Oh dear. I hope you recognise her froma past job, and she isn’t lurking around your current place of work.
Beautifully written.
Thanks Octavia.
I particularly like “learned mistrust” and “her vaunted honesty”
Don’t you often find that the people who boast most about their down-to-earthness and honesty are the sneakiest?
Excellent character description. You’re right, there is always a Deborah.
Alas!
I have known several. They aren’t fun to work with.
Something of an understatement!
I recognize Deborah, too. There were one or two every place I worked.
Nice to see you doing this challenge again!
They are widespread!
Brilliant – love this take on the prompt! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
That would be such an unpleasant place to work. I like how you connected to the prompt with this story.