Teaching Them A Lesson Part 5
By Angievette
Later that afternoon, Face was wandering through the school when Amy passed him on route to the library.
"Hannibal needs to see you. Says it's urgent," she hissed as she walked passed him.
"Thanks," Face whispered back. He hurried towards Hannibal's office, wondering what was so important. As he hurried through the Reception Hall, Peter Holmeswood, the young lad who had scammed the Porsche, ran up to him.
"Mr Peck, there's a mechanic to collect your car."
"What, now? Damn, I'm busy."
"I could give him the keys for you," said Peter.
"Erm, okay. Tell him not to scratch the paint work and to keep his feet off the leather."
"No problem, sir."
The lad ran off and Face knocked on Hannibal's office door. After he entered, Hannibal turned to him.
"You should check your pigeonhole more often. This was in it."
He threw a sheet of paper at Face.
"Tarrance's list. Great."
"Get to work, Lieutenant. I want a report on the situation, first thing on Monday morning. Study that list over the weekend and work out which kid to trust. I want to see them too but make it low-key, don't want Tarrance to suspect anything."
"Got it, Hannibal."
"I want to close Tarrance down and quickly. Any ideas how we can do this?"
"I'll work out which kid to help us and then speak to them after their class. I'll make it one of the older ones, they're probably better. Then, I'll make an excuse to drag them to see you."
"Fine. By Monday afternoon, I want an accomplice."
"Done."
Monday morning arrived and the students made their way to the first lesson of the day. Face headed towards the Drama Hall, eager to speak to his students. They were all becoming great little con artists. However, Sheryl would take the lesson today. He was looking forward to taking it easy.
"Don't forget what we talked about on Friday."
Face looked round and saw Hannibal walking towards him.
"I won't."
Face entered the Drama Hall and greeted everyone.
"Morning everyone," he said, turning to the students. "Now, Miss Farmer will be taking the lesson today but just before I hand over to her, I want to quickly go over your last assignment."
There were collective groans from the class. Face grinned.
"I know that you didn't get away with it. I did warn you it would be hard. I think I caught most of you out. However, I'm missing one piece of work. Peter Holmeswood."
Peter looked up.
"Yes sir?"
"I don't seem to have received your assignment."
"I've done the work, sir, I just haven't written it up yet."
"Why not?"
"Well, I only finished it this morning."
"Nice try. You're not conning me that way. Either you've done the work and forgotten to hand it in or you haven't bothered doing the work. Now which is it?"
"Neither, sir, I mean I've just finished the assignment now."
"What?" Face looked confused. Peter took something out of his pocket and threw it to Face. Face looked what it was. It was the keys to his Corvette.
"Lovely car, sir, and I kept my feet off the leather."
Face stared at Peter in amazement.
"You mean, it was you?"
"Yeah."
"See me after class," said Face, a thought forming inside his head. Peter looked disappointed that Face wasn't impressed with his scam. Face handed the lesson over to Sheryl and sat back, watching Peter and thinking.
At the end of the lesson, Peter walked over to Face, gloomily.
"Right, Peter. I want you to come with me to see the headmaster."
"Am I in that much trouble?" asked Peter. "I didn't drive it round, you can ask my mum. It was parked in our garage all weekend."
"Relax," said Face, smiling. "That impressed me, it's not about that."
"Then what is it?" asked Peter, brightening up.
"You'll see when we get there."
"Mr Peck? Could I have a quick word?" called Sheryl.
"I've just got to go and see the headmaster but I'll only be a minute. Can you wait here?"
"Sure."
Face and Peter walked towards the headmaster's office. After knocking, Hannibal called them in and Face pointed Peter at an empty chair.
"Do you need me?" asked Face. "I've got someone waiting to see me."
"No, you go and thank you, Mr Peck," said Hannibal. Face grinned and left the office. Hannibal turned to Peter.
"Do you know why you're here?"
Peter shook his head.
"I need your help. I asked your teacher to help me find someone we can trust. He seems to think we can trust you."
"I hope so, sir."
"I'll be honest with you. I'm not really a headmaster, I'm undercover."
"You're a cop?"
"Kind of. Mr Mason asked me to help him. He has a problem in this school and he wants me to help him get rid of it."
"What kind of problem?"
"I'd rather not tell you all the details, just what you need to know."
"What do you want me to do, sir?"
Hannibal sat back and looked at the boy.
"All I want from you is to act."
"Act?"
"Yep. If any of the teachers ask you about Mr Peck, I want you to act scared or worried."
"Scared? But no one's scared of Mr Peck. He's cool."
Hannibal tried to hide his smile.
"I know he's popular but I need you to do this for me. Make it seem like he scares you for some reason. Don't give a reason if anyone asks make an excuse to go. And when I say any teacher, I mean any teacher, even me. I may ask you if I see you, I don't know who might be listening. I'll send for you if I need to see you or if you need to speak to me in private, slip a note in your homework for Mr Peck, he'll help me."
"Okay, sir."
"Thank you, Peter."
Hannibal dismissed the boy and sat back. This was getting to be more fun than he thought.
Face headed back towards the drama hall where Sheryl was sitting on the stage, swinging her legs over the side. When she saw him enter, she started to jump down, but Face stopped her and sat down next to her.
"What did you want to see me about?"
"It's kind of embarrassing," said Sheryl, blushing.
"You can tell me," said Face. "I don't embarrass easily."
"I wanted to ask you about something. Well, someone, actually."
"Who?"
"I know you get on well with this person and I was just curious about them."
"Miss Lynch?"
"No. I know that there's something between you two, I can spot that."
This time, Face blushed. Sheryl laughed.
"I thought you didn't embarrass easily."
Face laughed too.
"Only about some things. So if it's not about Miss Lynch, who is it?"
"I was curious about Mr Smith."
Face's eyebrows shot up.
"Really?"
Sheryl started to stammer.
"I-I-I just wanted to know a bit more about him, he seems very complex."
"Oh, he's that all right," grinned Face. "You like him?"
Sheryl blushed and nodded.
"I just think he seems really nice. Is he married?"
"Not that I know of," said Face. "But isn't he a bit old for you? You can't be more than 25, at the most."
Sheryl smiled.
"Flatterer. I'm 29."
"But on your first day, I thought you were one of the students."
"I'm a mature student," explained Sheryl. "And Mr Smith can't be that old."
Face chuckled.
"You'd be surprised. What else did you want to know?"
"Well, anything you can tell me."
"Instead of me telling you about him, why don't I put a good word in for you?"
"No! Don't do that. I'd never be able to look him in the eye again."
"I meant, discreetly. Look, I can read him like a book. If he's interested, I can tell. I'll see what I can do. If he's interested, I'll let you know and you can make your move from there."
"Thank you," said Sheryl, smiling at him. "You're fantastic."
She threw her arms round him and gave him a big hug. Face was surprised but returned the hug. Sheryl gave him a peck on the cheek.
"I owe you one," she said.
"Let me guess, you suffer from weak lips as well as weak ankles," said Jo-Jo, coming into the hall just in time to see Sheryl kiss Face.
"No, it's not what you think," said Sheryl, starting to explain but Face stopped her. Jo-Jo glared at him. Sheryl picked up her things. "I think I'll go and get a coffee," she said, hurrying out of the room. "Bye Miss Lynch."
"Jo-Jo," said Face. "It really isn't what you think."
"How do you know what I'm thinking? Since when did you become a mind reader as well as a cheat?"
"I'm not a cheat," said Face. "You're the only girl for me, you know that."
Jo-Jo looked at him. He stared back at her, hurt filling his eyes and she softened.
"I'd better be," she said, smiling at him. He smiled back and brushed her cheek with his hand.
"Face," hissed a voice from by the door. It was Murdock. "Sorry to interrupt but Hannibal wants you."
"Okay, Murdock." Face gave Jo-Jo a quick kiss and hurried off to Hannibal's office. He knocked on the door and went in. Hannibal quickly filled him in on his conversation with Peter.
"So, how's everything else going, Face," he asked.
"Fine," replied Face. "The kids are great, especially that Peter. Do you know he conned the 'Vette out of me for the weekend."
"I thought you said it had gone for a service?"
"I also said I didn't remember booking it in. That's because I didn't. It was Peter all along, conning me."
"Seems like you're teaching them all to be crooks?"
"Oh, don't you start," said face. "Sheryl's said that already.""
"How are you getting on with her?" asked Hannibal.
"Really well," said Face. "She's gonna make a great teacher."
"I think we may be able to use her."
"How?"
"I need someone to make a play for Adams."
"And you think Sheryl would be good."
"No, I think Jo-Jo would be perfect."
"Jo-Jo? Are you having a laugh? You think I'm gonna let you put my girlfriend in danger like that? You do remember what happened last time you did that?"
Hannibal glared at him.
"That wasn't my fault."
"It was your plan but it wasn't your fault." Face laughed. "Oh, I like that. She gets kidnapped, I have to go to prison in disguise and then the plan nearly goes wrong because you lose the signal from my tracking device. That plan couldn't have gone more wrong if you'd tried."
"Quiet, Lieutenant," shouted Hannibal.
Face shut up and stared at Hannibal. Hannibal lowered his voice.
"I'd send Amy in but she's already on the edge over Tarrance. For some reason, he's left Jo-Jo alone."
"Except that time in the staff room."
"Apart from that one time, yes. But he's never gone after her again, so I want her to hit on Adams, get close to him. See if she can get any information out of him. He seems to be the weakest link in this circle."
"So why do you need Sheryl?"
"I need you to take her out for dinner," said Hannibal. "Nothing too difficult."
"You are joking, of course. Jo-Jo will kill me."
"I need to create the impression that you and Jo-Jo aren't an item."
"If I take Sheryl out to dinner, we won't be anymore," said Face. "She already thinks there's something going on between me and Sheryl."
"You and Jo-Jo have been spending too much time together during school hours," said Hannibal. "Someone's gonna get suspicious and with the position you're in, I don't think that would be too healthy for Jo-Jo."
"Point taken," said Face. "But I've got a good idea."
"Oh yes?"
"What if I ask her out, make it look like I'm taking her out but when she gets there, you can take her to dinner?"
"Me?"
"Oh come on, Hannibal. I've seen the way you're eyes sparkle when I mention her name. You like her."
"You think?"
"Tell me you don't then. I bet you can't."
"You're right, I can't. She's a nice kid."
"She likes you."
"She does?"
Face nodded, enjoying watching Hannibal turn pink.
"So, what do you think?"
"I tell you what, " said Hannibal. "You just have a very public argument with Jo-Jo in the staff room, that should take care of you two being a couple."
"What about Sheryl?"
"I'll sort something out about Sheryl," said Hannibal, grinning. Face grinned back.
"I knew you liked her all along."
Face was sat in the staff room, talking to BA when Adams and Prisner walked in. Prisner walked over and got himself a drink and sat down next to Face. BA stood up and walked over to the door, glancing at Face before he left. Face gave him a brief nod to indicate he was okay for him to leave. Adams sat down opposite Face and grinned at him.
"Hey Peck, how's it going?"
"Fine thanks."
"Got something for us then?" asked Prisner.
Face pulled out a small envelope and tossed it over to Prisner. Prisner opened it and smiled.
"Nice work, Peck. Glad to see you've not bottled out on us."
"I never bottle out," said Face. "Look, I've been working scams like this for years now and right under Smith's nose, I'll have you know. If anyone's going to bottle out, it's you lot."
"I doubt it," said Adams. "So, if you've any ideas about setting up on your own again, forget them."
"Wouldn't dream of it," smiled Face. Just then, the door opened and Jo-Jo and Amy came into the room. Jo-Jo glared at Face and sat down over the opposite side of the room and opened a book. He glared back at her. Adams and Prisner watched the two of them with interest.
"Fallen out, have you?" Prisner called over Jo-Jo.
"Don't know what you mean," replied Jo-Jo, sending a second glare at Face. He rolled his eyes and pulled out a newspaper and retreated behind it. "That's right, you hide behind your paper. Don't mind me," she called to Face.
"Don't worry, love, I won't," he called back, turning the page of the paper. "Especially as I'm still waiting for an apology."
"You're waiting for an apology, that's charming that is, especially since it was you who insulted me."
"I insulted you? When?" Face threw down the paper in disgust and stared at Jo-Jo.
"Try first thing this morning, when I got here."
"That wasn't an insult."
"Okay, an accusation then."
"It wasn't an accusation either, it was merely a question."
"Which you had no right to ask."
"I had every right, especially if you're off with someone else."
This time, it was Jo-Jo who looked disgusted.
"You know full well that I wasn't with anyone else last night, I was at my uncle's house."
"So you say," responded Face. "What do expect me to think when you keep on about this other bloke who's sooo cute." Face put on a mock expression. "He's really nice to me, he treats me with respect, he's always polite when I see him, he's always helping me out." Face pulled his face in disgust. "Well, if this bloke, whoever he is, is so nice to you, he's welcome to you."
"Fine with me," snorted Jo-Jo and picked her book up again. Face snatched his briefcase off the table and stormed out. Amy and Prisner both followed, eager to get away from the atmosphere in the room. Adams went and got two coffees from the machine and passed one to Jo-Jo.
"Thank you, Rich," she said, smiling at him. "It's good to see there's one man with manners around here.
Adams went red and sat down next to her.
"Good book?"
"Watership Down? Not bad. Just something to keep me occupied."
"So what happened between you and Peck then? You can tell me to mind my own business if you like. It's just you two seemed quite close."
"It's okay, people are gonna find out soon enough. He accused me of seeing someone else behind his back."
"So you were a couple then?"
"Sort of, it wasn't supposed to be anything serious but he obviously thought it was more serious than I did."
"So you were seeing another bloke, then?"
"No, but there was someone else I've had my eye on."
"Oh," said Adams and sat back."
"Why are you so interested?" asked Jo-Jo.
Adams went red again.
"It's just that I was going to ask you if you fancied a drink after work, that's all," said Adams. Jo-Jo smiled at him and placed her hand on his.
"I thought you'd never ask."
"But you said, there was this other bloke," said Adams, confused.
"Yeah, you," said Jo-Jo, smiling again. "I was talking about you."
"You were? So you're on for a drink tonight then?"
"I'd love to."
Adams grinned and sat back again. Today was a good day.
TBC
By Angievette
Later that afternoon, Face was wandering through the school when Amy passed him on route to the library.
"Hannibal needs to see you. Says it's urgent," she hissed as she walked passed him.
"Thanks," Face whispered back. He hurried towards Hannibal's office, wondering what was so important. As he hurried through the Reception Hall, Peter Holmeswood, the young lad who had scammed the Porsche, ran up to him.
"Mr Peck, there's a mechanic to collect your car."
"What, now? Damn, I'm busy."
"I could give him the keys for you," said Peter.
"Erm, okay. Tell him not to scratch the paint work and to keep his feet off the leather."
"No problem, sir."
The lad ran off and Face knocked on Hannibal's office door. After he entered, Hannibal turned to him.
"You should check your pigeonhole more often. This was in it."
He threw a sheet of paper at Face.
"Tarrance's list. Great."
"Get to work, Lieutenant. I want a report on the situation, first thing on Monday morning. Study that list over the weekend and work out which kid to trust. I want to see them too but make it low-key, don't want Tarrance to suspect anything."
"Got it, Hannibal."
"I want to close Tarrance down and quickly. Any ideas how we can do this?"
"I'll work out which kid to help us and then speak to them after their class. I'll make it one of the older ones, they're probably better. Then, I'll make an excuse to drag them to see you."
"Fine. By Monday afternoon, I want an accomplice."
"Done."
Monday morning arrived and the students made their way to the first lesson of the day. Face headed towards the Drama Hall, eager to speak to his students. They were all becoming great little con artists. However, Sheryl would take the lesson today. He was looking forward to taking it easy.
"Don't forget what we talked about on Friday."
Face looked round and saw Hannibal walking towards him.
"I won't."
Face entered the Drama Hall and greeted everyone.
"Morning everyone," he said, turning to the students. "Now, Miss Farmer will be taking the lesson today but just before I hand over to her, I want to quickly go over your last assignment."
There were collective groans from the class. Face grinned.
"I know that you didn't get away with it. I did warn you it would be hard. I think I caught most of you out. However, I'm missing one piece of work. Peter Holmeswood."
Peter looked up.
"Yes sir?"
"I don't seem to have received your assignment."
"I've done the work, sir, I just haven't written it up yet."
"Why not?"
"Well, I only finished it this morning."
"Nice try. You're not conning me that way. Either you've done the work and forgotten to hand it in or you haven't bothered doing the work. Now which is it?"
"Neither, sir, I mean I've just finished the assignment now."
"What?" Face looked confused. Peter took something out of his pocket and threw it to Face. Face looked what it was. It was the keys to his Corvette.
"Lovely car, sir, and I kept my feet off the leather."
Face stared at Peter in amazement.
"You mean, it was you?"
"Yeah."
"See me after class," said Face, a thought forming inside his head. Peter looked disappointed that Face wasn't impressed with his scam. Face handed the lesson over to Sheryl and sat back, watching Peter and thinking.
At the end of the lesson, Peter walked over to Face, gloomily.
"Right, Peter. I want you to come with me to see the headmaster."
"Am I in that much trouble?" asked Peter. "I didn't drive it round, you can ask my mum. It was parked in our garage all weekend."
"Relax," said Face, smiling. "That impressed me, it's not about that."
"Then what is it?" asked Peter, brightening up.
"You'll see when we get there."
"Mr Peck? Could I have a quick word?" called Sheryl.
"I've just got to go and see the headmaster but I'll only be a minute. Can you wait here?"
"Sure."
Face and Peter walked towards the headmaster's office. After knocking, Hannibal called them in and Face pointed Peter at an empty chair.
"Do you need me?" asked Face. "I've got someone waiting to see me."
"No, you go and thank you, Mr Peck," said Hannibal. Face grinned and left the office. Hannibal turned to Peter.
"Do you know why you're here?"
Peter shook his head.
"I need your help. I asked your teacher to help me find someone we can trust. He seems to think we can trust you."
"I hope so, sir."
"I'll be honest with you. I'm not really a headmaster, I'm undercover."
"You're a cop?"
"Kind of. Mr Mason asked me to help him. He has a problem in this school and he wants me to help him get rid of it."
"What kind of problem?"
"I'd rather not tell you all the details, just what you need to know."
"What do you want me to do, sir?"
Hannibal sat back and looked at the boy.
"All I want from you is to act."
"Act?"
"Yep. If any of the teachers ask you about Mr Peck, I want you to act scared or worried."
"Scared? But no one's scared of Mr Peck. He's cool."
Hannibal tried to hide his smile.
"I know he's popular but I need you to do this for me. Make it seem like he scares you for some reason. Don't give a reason if anyone asks make an excuse to go. And when I say any teacher, I mean any teacher, even me. I may ask you if I see you, I don't know who might be listening. I'll send for you if I need to see you or if you need to speak to me in private, slip a note in your homework for Mr Peck, he'll help me."
"Okay, sir."
"Thank you, Peter."
Hannibal dismissed the boy and sat back. This was getting to be more fun than he thought.
Face headed back towards the drama hall where Sheryl was sitting on the stage, swinging her legs over the side. When she saw him enter, she started to jump down, but Face stopped her and sat down next to her.
"What did you want to see me about?"
"It's kind of embarrassing," said Sheryl, blushing.
"You can tell me," said Face. "I don't embarrass easily."
"I wanted to ask you about something. Well, someone, actually."
"Who?"
"I know you get on well with this person and I was just curious about them."
"Miss Lynch?"
"No. I know that there's something between you two, I can spot that."
This time, Face blushed. Sheryl laughed.
"I thought you didn't embarrass easily."
Face laughed too.
"Only about some things. So if it's not about Miss Lynch, who is it?"
"I was curious about Mr Smith."
Face's eyebrows shot up.
"Really?"
Sheryl started to stammer.
"I-I-I just wanted to know a bit more about him, he seems very complex."
"Oh, he's that all right," grinned Face. "You like him?"
Sheryl blushed and nodded.
"I just think he seems really nice. Is he married?"
"Not that I know of," said Face. "But isn't he a bit old for you? You can't be more than 25, at the most."
Sheryl smiled.
"Flatterer. I'm 29."
"But on your first day, I thought you were one of the students."
"I'm a mature student," explained Sheryl. "And Mr Smith can't be that old."
Face chuckled.
"You'd be surprised. What else did you want to know?"
"Well, anything you can tell me."
"Instead of me telling you about him, why don't I put a good word in for you?"
"No! Don't do that. I'd never be able to look him in the eye again."
"I meant, discreetly. Look, I can read him like a book. If he's interested, I can tell. I'll see what I can do. If he's interested, I'll let you know and you can make your move from there."
"Thank you," said Sheryl, smiling at him. "You're fantastic."
She threw her arms round him and gave him a big hug. Face was surprised but returned the hug. Sheryl gave him a peck on the cheek.
"I owe you one," she said.
"Let me guess, you suffer from weak lips as well as weak ankles," said Jo-Jo, coming into the hall just in time to see Sheryl kiss Face.
"No, it's not what you think," said Sheryl, starting to explain but Face stopped her. Jo-Jo glared at him. Sheryl picked up her things. "I think I'll go and get a coffee," she said, hurrying out of the room. "Bye Miss Lynch."
"Jo-Jo," said Face. "It really isn't what you think."
"How do you know what I'm thinking? Since when did you become a mind reader as well as a cheat?"
"I'm not a cheat," said Face. "You're the only girl for me, you know that."
Jo-Jo looked at him. He stared back at her, hurt filling his eyes and she softened.
"I'd better be," she said, smiling at him. He smiled back and brushed her cheek with his hand.
"Face," hissed a voice from by the door. It was Murdock. "Sorry to interrupt but Hannibal wants you."
"Okay, Murdock." Face gave Jo-Jo a quick kiss and hurried off to Hannibal's office. He knocked on the door and went in. Hannibal quickly filled him in on his conversation with Peter.
"So, how's everything else going, Face," he asked.
"Fine," replied Face. "The kids are great, especially that Peter. Do you know he conned the 'Vette out of me for the weekend."
"I thought you said it had gone for a service?"
"I also said I didn't remember booking it in. That's because I didn't. It was Peter all along, conning me."
"Seems like you're teaching them all to be crooks?"
"Oh, don't you start," said face. "Sheryl's said that already.""
"How are you getting on with her?" asked Hannibal.
"Really well," said Face. "She's gonna make a great teacher."
"I think we may be able to use her."
"How?"
"I need someone to make a play for Adams."
"And you think Sheryl would be good."
"No, I think Jo-Jo would be perfect."
"Jo-Jo? Are you having a laugh? You think I'm gonna let you put my girlfriend in danger like that? You do remember what happened last time you did that?"
Hannibal glared at him.
"That wasn't my fault."
"It was your plan but it wasn't your fault." Face laughed. "Oh, I like that. She gets kidnapped, I have to go to prison in disguise and then the plan nearly goes wrong because you lose the signal from my tracking device. That plan couldn't have gone more wrong if you'd tried."
"Quiet, Lieutenant," shouted Hannibal.
Face shut up and stared at Hannibal. Hannibal lowered his voice.
"I'd send Amy in but she's already on the edge over Tarrance. For some reason, he's left Jo-Jo alone."
"Except that time in the staff room."
"Apart from that one time, yes. But he's never gone after her again, so I want her to hit on Adams, get close to him. See if she can get any information out of him. He seems to be the weakest link in this circle."
"So why do you need Sheryl?"
"I need you to take her out for dinner," said Hannibal. "Nothing too difficult."
"You are joking, of course. Jo-Jo will kill me."
"I need to create the impression that you and Jo-Jo aren't an item."
"If I take Sheryl out to dinner, we won't be anymore," said Face. "She already thinks there's something going on between me and Sheryl."
"You and Jo-Jo have been spending too much time together during school hours," said Hannibal. "Someone's gonna get suspicious and with the position you're in, I don't think that would be too healthy for Jo-Jo."
"Point taken," said Face. "But I've got a good idea."
"Oh yes?"
"What if I ask her out, make it look like I'm taking her out but when she gets there, you can take her to dinner?"
"Me?"
"Oh come on, Hannibal. I've seen the way you're eyes sparkle when I mention her name. You like her."
"You think?"
"Tell me you don't then. I bet you can't."
"You're right, I can't. She's a nice kid."
"She likes you."
"She does?"
Face nodded, enjoying watching Hannibal turn pink.
"So, what do you think?"
"I tell you what, " said Hannibal. "You just have a very public argument with Jo-Jo in the staff room, that should take care of you two being a couple."
"What about Sheryl?"
"I'll sort something out about Sheryl," said Hannibal, grinning. Face grinned back.
"I knew you liked her all along."
Face was sat in the staff room, talking to BA when Adams and Prisner walked in. Prisner walked over and got himself a drink and sat down next to Face. BA stood up and walked over to the door, glancing at Face before he left. Face gave him a brief nod to indicate he was okay for him to leave. Adams sat down opposite Face and grinned at him.
"Hey Peck, how's it going?"
"Fine thanks."
"Got something for us then?" asked Prisner.
Face pulled out a small envelope and tossed it over to Prisner. Prisner opened it and smiled.
"Nice work, Peck. Glad to see you've not bottled out on us."
"I never bottle out," said Face. "Look, I've been working scams like this for years now and right under Smith's nose, I'll have you know. If anyone's going to bottle out, it's you lot."
"I doubt it," said Adams. "So, if you've any ideas about setting up on your own again, forget them."
"Wouldn't dream of it," smiled Face. Just then, the door opened and Jo-Jo and Amy came into the room. Jo-Jo glared at Face and sat down over the opposite side of the room and opened a book. He glared back at her. Adams and Prisner watched the two of them with interest.
"Fallen out, have you?" Prisner called over Jo-Jo.
"Don't know what you mean," replied Jo-Jo, sending a second glare at Face. He rolled his eyes and pulled out a newspaper and retreated behind it. "That's right, you hide behind your paper. Don't mind me," she called to Face.
"Don't worry, love, I won't," he called back, turning the page of the paper. "Especially as I'm still waiting for an apology."
"You're waiting for an apology, that's charming that is, especially since it was you who insulted me."
"I insulted you? When?" Face threw down the paper in disgust and stared at Jo-Jo.
"Try first thing this morning, when I got here."
"That wasn't an insult."
"Okay, an accusation then."
"It wasn't an accusation either, it was merely a question."
"Which you had no right to ask."
"I had every right, especially if you're off with someone else."
This time, it was Jo-Jo who looked disgusted.
"You know full well that I wasn't with anyone else last night, I was at my uncle's house."
"So you say," responded Face. "What do expect me to think when you keep on about this other bloke who's sooo cute." Face put on a mock expression. "He's really nice to me, he treats me with respect, he's always polite when I see him, he's always helping me out." Face pulled his face in disgust. "Well, if this bloke, whoever he is, is so nice to you, he's welcome to you."
"Fine with me," snorted Jo-Jo and picked her book up again. Face snatched his briefcase off the table and stormed out. Amy and Prisner both followed, eager to get away from the atmosphere in the room. Adams went and got two coffees from the machine and passed one to Jo-Jo.
"Thank you, Rich," she said, smiling at him. "It's good to see there's one man with manners around here.
Adams went red and sat down next to her.
"Good book?"
"Watership Down? Not bad. Just something to keep me occupied."
"So what happened between you and Peck then? You can tell me to mind my own business if you like. It's just you two seemed quite close."
"It's okay, people are gonna find out soon enough. He accused me of seeing someone else behind his back."
"So you were a couple then?"
"Sort of, it wasn't supposed to be anything serious but he obviously thought it was more serious than I did."
"So you were seeing another bloke, then?"
"No, but there was someone else I've had my eye on."
"Oh," said Adams and sat back."
"Why are you so interested?" asked Jo-Jo.
Adams went red again.
"It's just that I was going to ask you if you fancied a drink after work, that's all," said Adams. Jo-Jo smiled at him and placed her hand on his.
"I thought you'd never ask."
"But you said, there was this other bloke," said Adams, confused.
"Yeah, you," said Jo-Jo, smiling again. "I was talking about you."
"You were? So you're on for a drink tonight then?"
"I'd love to."
Adams grinned and sat back again. Today was a good day.
TBC