There I was, sitting in the lobby of this bank, preparing people's income taxes, a service the bank provided during tax season, to draw in more customers. It seemed an easy enough job, I figured, just sit here --as different people came to have their income taxes done. To be honest I was thinking--that his sure was piece-of-cake work, but the day was just starting--and boy...what a day!
This man comes in and sits in front of my desk, hands over his tax paperwork, and as I start gathering information from him, I noticed that he had won 10 thousand dollars in the lottery. When I pointed this out-- he smiled and said that yes---he could now pay off some debts, etc.
I was in a bind-- because I had to inform this man that he had to pay taxes on that, --eh? what!? was his reaction initially, then he though it over and next thing I know, this man jumps up from his seat hysterical---what do you mean!!!Taxes? I have to pay tax on my own money?!
Now let me pause here to note that this man was a big, stocky man, he looked like a football player, and he looked quite menacing. His face was a vivid red, his eyes were burning, and if it could have been possible--smoke would be coming out his ears, and he was raging at me!
Now the bank was full with the lunch crowds, people coming and going, then as they see this drama play out they all look at what's going on. Meanwhile, in the calmest voice I could manage (while dealing with my thumping heart and having my legs turn to jelly) I try to soothe him by explaining that --well this is the law and...he just screams at me--the hell with the law! you people -- all of you are a bunch of thieves out to take my money! but sir--I tried to explain...it's not us --it's the government........he wasn't listening to me.
Thank goodness, that as I'm talking to this lunatic, the police is creeping up behind him, while signalling me to keep talking to him, to keep him distracted--as they begin closing in on him. Those minutes were the longest of my life. Finally---they tackled him down and quickly handcuffed him. Then they came to me to congratulate me on keeping my nerves steady and not panicking. I did not have the heart to tell them, that the reason I stayed sitting down and seemingly calm--was that I was petrified! I could not move if had wanted to!
