The Clerical Error

The mob wants him dead. The government insists he is safe. Norbert Pilch would like both statements corrected in writing.

For seventeen years, Norbert has reconciled invoices at Wolverine Drywall Supply with the conviction that civilization depends on matching purchase orders to receiving reports. He takes lunch at 12:10. He leaves at five. His stapler has a label. His life has procedures, and the procedures work.

Then two U.S. marshals arrive at his desk and inform him that he is a protected...