Chapter 3

I awakened when the kids came in from school. Of course, they could not comprehend the concept “work nights, sleep days”, and therefore tore into and across the house like a thundering herd. I rolled out of bed, creaked my way through some stretches, and beelined for the coffeepot, there to await the steamy mug o’ wakefulness. Chaos roiled around me.

I managed to settle the boys down, and get them changed into jeans and out of school clothes. I directed them to pick up their rooms, and then they were out the door, to tear around the neighborhood and our yard.

I powered up my computer, and entered the screenshot of “Lance” into a reverse image lookup program. Unsurprisingly, his face turned up on Facebook. I reviewed his life, and was unhappy, but not surprised, to learn that he was Annie’s boss. He lived in the next town over, and had been employed at the company for a dozen years, holding several managerial positions. He was married, and, seeing the flattering picture of his wife, I was puzzled at him stepping out. Her smiling cute face seemed open and happy. Dressed modestly, she nonetheless appeared to be trim and feminine. Strictly as a man-pig, I didn’t see cheating on her. Unless, she was a manikin in bed.

I saved the results of my reconnaissance, packed up my laptop, and started dinner. I packed my lunch, got showered and dressed, and summoned the kids. By the time Annie whirled through the door, I had dinner on the table, kids washed up and waiting, and we were ready to go.

We adults exchanged casual conversation, and Annie brought me up to date on the latest office intrigues. Dinner finished, I pecked her on the cheek, gathered my stuff, and set off for another night of Fighting Disease And Saving Lives.