Chapter 53: Japes and Jibes

Andrew was, for once, NOT the most junior member of the crew, so he was looking forward to the workday. But first, he had to run the gauntlet.

“Hey, Drew, did those guys at the middle school take your lunch money again?”

“Maybe next time you should ASK her before you try poking her asshole.”

“You sparred with Clubber Lang? Apollo Creed? That Russian guy, what’s-his-name?”

“The other side looks fine. He dropped you with only one punch?”

Finally, Drew had enough.

“Lighten up, you clowns. There was this girl, she’s kind of like my brother’s girlfriend...”

“A GIRL did this to your face?”

“No, you shithead, she was being attacked and I got in the way, kind of on purpose. I’m twice as strong as my brother, and he didn’t stand a chance against this huge angry guy. So, I was trying to slow him down when he punched me out, then he got my brother in the face too, and only then did we get the taser on the guy and get him down.”

In the background, the supervising engineer was listening, and then he walked up into the group and looked Andrew over.

“Two things I want to know, Bailey. One, is this guy in jail? And two, does he know where you’re working? I need to know if we need more security.”

“Uh, sir, he’s not in jail, but the police were there, and there’s a peace bond on him now, so it will cost him six months and $12,000 if he makes any trouble. He was a lot calmer when he left after a settlement was negotiated with him. I’m sure he’s not a risk to you or this project.”

“In that case, Bailey, I’m sending you home for three days with pay. I don’t want you on the site with such obvious injuries, even though they have nothing to do with us. That one eye is almost swollen shut. Understand?”

“Yes, thank you, sir. Oh, yeah, thank you.”

The engineer extended a hand, and they shook. Then five of the other crew members shook his hand as well. Last was Iris, their networking expert. She grabbed his hand and pulled him close for a hug. In a quiet voice, she sent Drew home with some parting words.

“There aren’t enough guys who stand up when a girl is threatened. My husband has five friends who ride choppers, and, well, they inflict bruises much prettier than yours. If you need more help with this guy, you should call me. Got it?”

“Thank you, Iris. I think this guy is done, but I’ll remember your offer. I better let you get back to work, bye now.”

His smile was kind of lopsided at present. Iris laughed and strode off to the chase where the networking cables were being run between floors.

“Leah, I’m home.”

There was no response. He assumed his sister was off at class, so he walked down the hall toward their bedroom and bathroom suite. As he reached the door, a soft buzzing noise could be heard. He stuck the more functional side of his face around the jamb so he could see.