Co-workers

It’s after supper. Mick wanders from the mess hall, taking in a deep breath of the evening air. What else could go wrong? Would things ever settle down? Would they really ever be able to end this thing? It seemed things were going wrong one after the other.
He shakes his head and ambles towards the barn, looking for nothing in particular. Entering, he spots Rosetta. Stopping briefly, he wonders if she wants to be left alone, and is unsure whether he should stay or leave.



Jason swings his way down the center aisle of the cubicles, aiming for the very back where there were several doors.

“Yo, Jason!” A young man stops his own route, with paperwork in his hands. “What are you doing around here? I heard you were laid up.”

Jason pauses for a moment. “Just checking in, Drake. Nothing that these crutches can’t cure.”

Drake lifts an eyebrow at Jason’s serious tone, and doesn’t bother asking who Katie is. “Alright….Catch you later then, I guess.”

Jason nods and starts forward again. People look up from what they’re doing, and pause in their own work as they pass. By their body language, it’s obvious that Jason is very well-known and respected. Few dare to get in his way, as his lifted chin implies he’s not to be toyed with this evening.

Halfway to the back, a young woman meets them in the aisle, flashing a smile at Jason. “Hey, Hotshot!”

“Laura.” Jason nods, keeping his tone at a friendly but cool level.

Laura puts a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Didn’t expect to see you back in this neck of the woods yet.”

“I’m not.”

“Oh?” Laura looks at him with question.

Jason shakes his head, remaining collected. “I won’t be here long enough to even go to the office.”

Laura doesn’t ask what he means, but refocuses her attention to Katie. “Who’s your friend?”

Jason allows a grin to sneak out. “My bodyguard.”

Laura is taken aback for just a moment, but then senses the humor in Jason’s voice, and extends her hand to Katie. “Well, Bodyguard, welcome to TJY.”

Jason throws her a warning glance. “No questions, Laura.”

She takes the hint, and backs off with nod. “As you wish.” She cocks her head at Jason. “How’s the leg? Heard you had a close call.”

“Let’s just say I don’t care to do it again.” Jason nods to the back of the floor. “Who’s in tonight?”

“Everyone.”

“Good. See you later.”

“Okay.” Laura gives a brief wave, and turns her attention back to what she’d been doing.

Jason starts forward again, but stops and turns back to her. “Hey, Laura…”

“Yes?”

“Take care of the phones, will ya?”

Laura thinks for only a moment before nodding knowingly, proving her own respect for him. “Good as done.”

“Thanks.” Once again, Jason takes route, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Katie is still with him. He ignores the looks of question and curiosity that are thrown his way, staying focused on his purpose.