The elevator doors closed and Sam began to tremble with fear as he realized that was standing next to him was Buffalo Jake, the notorious clown/pharmacist. Today Buffalo Jake was dressed in his clown outfit. Sam just stood in the corner of the elevator car clutching his briefcase and pressed it against his own legs. The elevator started to move and the humming sound made Sam begin to sweat bayonets.

After they passed the third floor, Buffalo Jake turned to Sam and asked him if he wanted to smell his flower. Sam turned to face the man and Buffalo Jake looked back at him smiling. Sam stood in his spot trembling, neglecting to answer Jake’s question. Buffalo repeated his question, this time with the sound of rechargeable batteries in his voice.

“I, I,” was all Sam was able to mutter. Buffalo Jake sneered at his inaction and then shoved the flower that was located on his lapel straight into Sam’s face.

“Here, smell it!” Buffalo Jake commanded. Sam began to sob. “Hush,” was Buffalo’s response. He then squeezed a plastic bulb in his jacket pocket, which made the flower squirt water. The liquid drenched Sam. He recoiled back against the mirrored wall of the elevator. Sam looked up at the ceiling and noticed a video camera in the corner and slid down to the floor. Buffalo Jake extended his hand out to help Sam up. Sam reluctantly accepted the help and grabbed Buffalo Jake’s hand. Upon making contact with the joybuzzer, Sam flew off of the floor. Buffalo Jake began laughing uncontrollably. Sam just lay on the floor.

When the elevator slowed to a stop at the 52nd floor, Buffalo Jake stowed his laughter and said to Sam. “Thanks for the laugh, here’s a present”. Buffalo Jake tossed a Canadian hundred dollar bill onto Sam’s leg. Buffalo Jake walked out of the elevator and into the board room. Sam continued riding the elevator and arrived at the penthouse and was greeted by an irritated flamingo.

(C) 2006, Marty Finestone