57. Infamous Act 9

57. Infamous Act 9
The Canteen
George and the managers were sitting and chatting at their usual table. Capt. Abrams, one of the managers who was at the fight scene the previous day complimented George, “Your decision is apt. We warned her, but she would not listen.”
“Did you witness the fight, Capt. Abrams?” Capt. Bruce asked.
“Yes. I was there with the Personnel Manager.”
“I see,” Capt. Bruce stated.
To their consternation, Stephanie walked in and they gave George a questioning look. He understood the look and smiled softly.
“She reported herself and apologized,” he informed them.
Capt. Bolton pretended not to know what they were talking about and the other managers heaped praises on her.
“That is good to hear.”
“She must be well-trained.”
“That is the hallmark of a respectful staff.”
“Before I forget. How is the registration for the auction going?” George faced the General Manager and asked.
“It is going on well. The buyer is happy with us for our help.”
“I like that.”
Soon, the waiter served their food.
The Junior Staff Canteen.
The staff members were celebrating Laura's imprisonment. It was obvious that she had more enemies than friends. Alice could not look up or comment for fear of being locked up too.
“I wish she would remain there for a week.”
“She is full of herself.”
“If I may ask, who did she fight with?”
“Can you imagine the guts? She fought with the General Manager's secretary. Who does she think she is?"
“Her senior at that?”
Stephanie's passengers were just silently listening. It was obvious that the buses would be filled with words.
Meanwhile, Collins and Jerry heard all that they said but did not know whom they were referring to. Howbeit, it was obvious that the person must be a terrible person.
Nevertheless, they made their inferences when they did not see the irksome Laura.
“I hope they are not referring to George's secretary,” Collins pointed out.
“Why do you say so?” Jerry asked and looked around.
“She is not here. I suspect that she is the one.”
“That is serious.”
Meanwhile, George was happy with himself when he returned to the office and met only Gilbert standing and waiting for him.
“Have you had your lunch, Gilbert?”
“Yes, President.”
“That's good. You can return to your waiting room.”
“Okay. Is there no other thing that I will do for you again?”
“None for now. I will send for you when I need you.”
“I got it.”
He walked into his office and reversed what he learned from the Brigadier for a while. Afterward, he closed for the day.
Tim's House
George and his team members arrived and met him driving out of the house with his clunker. He halted and waited for them to park.
“Kindly let me get down, Collins,” he requested when he recalled that he promised to bring his brothers back home that day and Collins parked. He got out swiftly and walked up to him.
“Good evening, Boss,” he saluted.
“Good evening, George. Welcome back.”
“Thank you, Boss. Are you going to pick up your brothers from school?”
“Yes.”
“I can come with you if you don't mind.”
“It's all right. Go and change into simple wear.”
“I got it,” he said and walked away quickly.
Shortly, he returned with a pair of shorts and a T-shirt but refused to get into the car.
“I propose that we use another car,” he said with a grimace.
“No. We don't need such cars for a trip like this,” he explained, and George agreed with him.
He got into the car and they left.
“If you use your car, you will not move freely and you won't get the information you need about the city and your drivers.”
“I got it. I will be able to detect the ones driving recklessly.”
“You got it,” he said and they moved on. They drove silently until Tim broke it.
“How was your visit to the Brigadier?”
George was excited to hear that and answered, “Splendid, Boss.”
“That is good to hear. We will join them on Saturday at the shooting range for practicals.”
“Wow! I can't wait for Saturday to come.”
The Canterbury Defense Academy
They arrived and parked at the car park.
“I hope they are ready?” Tim asked and called the Housemaster.
While he was waiting for the call to connect, he asked, “How far have you gone with the refurbishing of …?”
He stopped when the Housemaster picked up the call and greeted him, “Hello, Tim. Are you around?”
“Yes, Housemaster. Are they ready for me?”
“Yes, but the Commandant wished to see you.”
“That is good. I will be with him shortly,” he responded and the call ended.
He looked at George and requested, “Let's see the Commandant.”
“It's all right,” he answered and opened the door.
They got out of the car and walked towards the Commandant's office. Meanwhile, George was lucky to have changed to simple wear; otherwise, he would have been recognized as the President's representative. They greeted and answered the greetings of as many people as they met on the way before they got to the office. George, who left the school two years ago, hid himself from those who would have recognized him.
“Good afternoon, Commandant,” they greeted him like civilians simultaneously and remained standing.
He gave them a searching look before he answered, “Good afternoon, Tim. How are you?”
“I'm fine, Commandant. Meet my brother, George.”
“That is nice. I am happy to meet you, George.”
“Thank you, Commandant.”
“Kindly take your seats,” he offered and directed them to the chairs.
“Thank you, Commandant, for this." They appreciated him accordingly, sat down, and focused on him.
“The Housemaster said you wished to see me, Commandant,” Tim said.
“Yes. A man was here yesterday and introduced himself as the father of your brothers. …”
“Ha!” Tim interrupted him and exclaimed.
The Commandant paused and looked at him for some seconds before he continued, “Are you aware of that?”
“Not at all. They don't have any relation apart from me or the Head of State,” Tim straightened out.
“I thought as much. That is why I sent for you for clarification.”
“You did very well by protecting them from an abductor.”
“It is all right. Be careful with the boys too. Evil men and women will not rest until they achieve their aims.”
“You are right. Thank you for your interest in them.”
“You are welcome.”
“They are set,” the Housemaster who had been listening quietly to their discussions, announced.
“It is okay,” Tim said and stood up. George stood up too and followed him.
“See you later,” the Commandant wished them.
“Thank you, Commandant, for your time.” They appreciated him and followed the Housemaster.
Nevertheless, the boys were waiting outside for them. They were happy to see Tim but were thrilled to see George. They hugged him accordingly and he led them to the car while Tim and the Housemaster strode behind them.
“A lady called two days ago and introduced herself as Miss Dickson and the boys' sister,” the Housemaster informed Tim.
He did not waste time refuting the information.
“It's all lies. They are just a syndicate using their last names to get them.”
“I thought as much.”
“Don't provide her with any information about them if she calls again.”
“She will not,” he stated confidently.
Tim pretended not to know that he had blocked her line and looked askance at him.
To clarify, he explained, “Yes. I have blocked her line. She can't call me again.”
“I got it. Thank you for that,” he appreciated him and joined the joyous boys in the car.
“Thank you, for coming, Brother-in-law,” Gerald appreciated him again.
Tim turned on his car engine and teased, “I hope you are well and don't need to see the doctor?”
Gerald laughed shyly and explained, “We were missing you and …”
“You have to cook up stories,” George completed it for him and they laughed happily.