Employment

'Hey, Tony. Welcome home.'

'Hey. How's it going?'

'Not bad. Just got off the phone with Isai. There's nothing new on that end.'

'Ah. Well, maybe in this case, no news is good news.'

'I guess it means that prick isn't doing anything dodgy right now. Or rather, we don't know about it yet. How was work for you anyway?'

'It was okay. Saw something interesting today, though... it looks like Hazel and Wednesday are together now.'

'Oh wow, that's awkward. I bet Indigo's super thrilled over that.'

'Yeah. I haven't seen her yet, but I can imagine how she feels.'

'I wouldn't be happy about it, that's for certain. Hey, what's that look for?'

'...I just don't want to see anything bad happen to Hazel, you know, when things finally do escalate. I've come to like her. She apologised to Edward, you know. I think she's really making the effort to be a better person.'

'Yeah, well, I still think you should keep your distance.'

'I'm not gonna neglect my duties as a teacher.'

'Then just teach, and let that be it. You don't need to do any more than that.'

'There's more to it than just teaching. If she needs support and advice, I'm giving it. Maybe I shouldn't get emotionally invested, but it's hard not to. I can't just switch that off.'

'Because you're a good person. Better than me. But you know the risks when it comes to Hazel. You need to be careful about what you say around her, because for both our safeties, I'd really rather Miles didn't know who I am.'

'How's she going to find that out?'

'If you've been talking about me at all, very easily.'

'Who says I've been talking about you? Bit narcissistic, that.'

'Heh, you can't help but talk about me. I'm on your mind often enough.'

'Is that so.'

'Yeah, it is.'

'But in all seriousness, be careful?'

'I will. Don't worry, I'm not gonna go running my mouth.'

'Good. Sorry to go all serious on you.'

'No, I get it. You're right.'

'Uh, hey... Can I have a word with you?'

'What, in private?'

'Yeah, it's a bit loud in here.'

'Is it important? 'Cause to be honest, it's the end of a long week and I just wanna enjoy a pint.'

'Please? I won't take up too much of your time.'

'Go on, Seth. Go talk to her. I'll still be here when you get back.'

'Oh, alright. Could use a fag anyway.'

'Heh, you don't need to leave for that.'

'Yeah, yeah.'

'What you want?'

'You're the one who does the fights, right?'

'Yeah, I am. What about it?'

'I want in. I'm pretty hard up right now and I need a way to make some money.'

'How old are you?'

'18.'

'...You sure?'

'Yeah, I am! Honest.'

'So what, are you 18 turning 19 soon, or 18 and still in school?'

'Still in school. I need to get through the rest of this year so I can hopefully go to uni next year. But I need money to live on, and I don't really have any other options, outside of selling my body, and that's a path I'd really rather avoid going down.'

'Fucking hell. I'm guessing your parents are out of the picture.'

'Yeah... definitely burned my bridges there. Even if I hadn't, I'm not going back to that.'

'Alright... you got any experience fighting?'

'I've done some martial arts and wrestling training. I can hold my own.'

'Fine. I'll give you a trial. You've gotta prove yourself to me before I'll let you sign up properly. I ain't gonna hang anyone out to dry in front of an audience, alright? If you get the shit beat outta you, I can't take you on.'

'Okay, understood. Thanks for this. I really appreciate it.'

'Don't mention it. What's your name?'

'Jude. Jude Landry.'

'So what, are you Susannah Landry's kid?'

'Yeah.'

'Makes sense. You look like her and all. This ain't gonna step on her toes, is it?'

'Nah, safe to say she doesn't give a shit any more.'

'Alright then. I'm Seth Masters, but I'm guessing you already knew that. It's Boss to you from now on. Tell you what, I'll meet you here same time tomorrow, and I'll find you an opponent.'

'Sure thing, Boss. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your friend now.'