Chapter Four
An hour later Abby was in the locker room with Emily and Jess. They were giggling and stuffing mounds of chocolate bars Lester had ordered and had super express delivered.
"I have never seen so much chocolate," said Emily.
Abby smirked. "You really must have scared him Jess."
Jess blushed. "I may have been slightly out of control."
Emily pushed on a door, trying to close the chocolate stuffed locker. "Slightly?"
Jess laughed. "I hope he charged it to the commission. They owe us all."
"They do," said Abby. She sighed. "Connor and I have been talking. We're going to postpone the wedding."
"What?"
"You cannot."
'Guys, it's a really bad time," Abby said.
"Which is why you should get married now," said Jess.
"Yes, we all need a happy occasion," agreed Emily.
"It isn't so happy anymore," said Abby. "Becker can't bring you, Jess. Lieutenant Vale can't ask, well, anyone," she said, laughing at the ARC's ladies' man, "and Epstein and Sara can't come together, either."
"No, they don't count," said Jess. "They put the date together before Lester made the announcement."
"Doesn't matter," said Sara, entering the room. "Lester just spoke to me and Joshua."
"Who is Joshua?" asked Emily.
"Epstein," said Jess.
"Yes, and Lester just 'asked' us not go to the wedding together"
Abby stood up. "That's it! I've had it. Commission or no commission This is my wedding, damn it!"
She stormed out.
"Uh-oh," said Jess. "I don't know how Lester's going to appease her. More creatures maybe?"
"That is bad. I do not think they will fit into lockers."
Jess giggled. "You've been hanging around us too long, haven't you Em?"
Emily smiled.
Abby barged into Lester's office.
"Oh, jolly good. Is it your turn now, Miss Maitland?"
"It's my wedding! Connor and I make the guest list, and if we invite them, they can come with whoever they want!"
Lester frowned. "Yes, about that. It may be better to not invite ARC personnel."
"Excuse me? You can't tell me who to invite!"
"I don't wish to, believe me."
"Then don't!"
"Miss Maitland, Abby...I'm sorry. I truly am, but I am in a very bad situation."
"Which shouldn't have anything to do with my wedding!"
"No, I agree. I am trying to keep this place together, and running the way it does. Sometimes I must make bloody awful deals in order to do so. Please, until I get the commission under control, cooperate with me."
"And uninvite ARC staff," said Abby.
"Or ask them to find other escorts besides co-workers."
Abby sighed and stared at Lester. He had red eyes, with black marks under them. He looked weak and tired. She felt pity for him then.
"OK."
Lester sighed with relief. "Thank you."
She nodded. "Do something for me. Get some rest. Take care of yourself. I don't want to compromise my wedding just to have another guy sit in that chair."
Lester smiled. "I won't let that happen. I appreciate your concern."
Within thirty minutes, Lester was invaded again, but this time by Jess. She brought blankets, pillows, a sleeping mask, and relaxation CDs.
"I've canceled all your calls and meetings for the next two hours, and if anyone asks me, I will inform them you are out," she said, pulling Lester from his seat.
"Miss Parker, I can't just..."
"You can, and will. We've all put a lot of faith in you and made sacrifices. You are not losing this place to someone because you're sleepy!"
Lester had to laugh. "Very well."
She dimmed the lights, and pulled down the shades, and smiled.
Lester was snoring before she left the room.
The main team was gathered around the ADD.
"Poor thing," said Jess. "Thanks for telling me, Abby."
She nodded. "We've been so angry and occupied by this fraternization nonsense, that we didn't see the toll it's taking on him. I bet he hasn't eaten either."
"Taken care of," said Jess, "Bernie's whipping up Lester's favorite as we speak."
Connor shook his head. "I hate that commission."
The others grunted in agreement.
"We have to keep them out of the ARC," said Becker.
"Which means getting back our focus," said Matt.
The others all nodded.
Abby looked at Connor, and he nodded.
"We're postponing the wedding," said Abby.
"For the good of the ARC," said Connor.
"No," said Jess.
"Don't worry," said Connor. "We are getting married."
"We are," said Abby. "Just not yet."
"I suppose, it gives us more time to plan," suggested Jess.
"That's the spirit," said Connor. "You know, we could have a Star Wars wedding."
The others scoffed and shook their heads.
"Just saying," said Connor.
The next morning, Lester walked into a buzzing Ops. Everyone was in top form, professionally performing their duties.
"Good morning, Director," said Jess, smiling brightly.
"Good morning. You seem happy."
"I am. All is well and right with the ARC," said Jess.
"Good glad to hear it," said Lester. Jess smiled and went back to work.
"Lester," called Matt, jogging up. "I've got the specs you asked for on upgrading the EMDs."
"Thank you, Anderson. Very productive and timely of you."
Matt smiled.
Lester had been in his office not ten minutes when Jess buzzed him. "Abby has the menagerie reports and a proposal for expansion."
"That's good, Miss Parker."
"And Connor has the lab requisition forms and ADD research notes ready as well."
"Excellent, Miss Parker. Everyone is really on their toes today."
"Oh, Lester, don't be silly. We are every day."
"Not like this," said Lester, seeing Becker run in. He tossed some folders on Lester's desk on walked out. "Miss Parker, do ask everyone to slow down a bit. Give me a chance to catch up."
He heard her laughing through the phone.
Lester looked at the paperwork. He felt immensely proud.
A knock was at his door. "Come."
Sara walked in. "I was getting coffee for everyone, and I brought you a cup as well."
"Thank you Miss Dreyberg, I appreciate it."
She smiled and left.
Lester stirred his coffee. "They're too good for this policy nonsense," he mumbled. He sipped the drink. "Damn it. I'm director. I will not allow my people to be used."
He drilled his fingers on his desk. "Think, James, think. You of all people should know how to fight bureaucracy."
End of Chapter Four
