Alex's private reverie was interrupted by a messenger tapping her on the shoulder. "Miss Cabot?"
Annoyed, Alex turned around. "What?"
"Mr. Branch would like to see you in his office."
Oh God. I can't deal with that man right now. "What does he want?"
"He didn't say."
Alex sighed. "Well, I have been away for a while. I guess a courtesy call might be in order."
She pushed open the door to Branch's office with some trepidation. "Alexandra!" Branch said enthusiastically. "So the rumors are true; you're really not..."
"Dead, I know." Alex sighed. "Is that what you called me here to tell me?"
Branch motioned for her to sit down. "Actually, I thought you might be having a difficult time adjusting to your old life and surroundings. I have a little homily about life back on the farm that you might find useful. You see, my Aunt Tammy-Sue-Fae..."
"Stop. Stop right there," Alex said in her I'm-so-not-even-close-to-kidding voice. "I don't have time to listen to a rambling farm story. If I give you a lap-dance, will you let me out of here?"
Branch didn't take long to make his carefully considered decision. "Hop right on this buckin' bronco, little lady." At least I learned some valuable skills during my exile, Alex thought wryly.
Fortunately, it took all of three seconds for Branch to reach his inevitable conclusion.
Alex beat a hasty retreat, trying not to think about the dry cleaning bill. Branch watched her departure and sighed. He needed more ADAs as competent as that one.
That thought reminded him that it was time for someone's daily spanking. He hit the intercom button. "Miss Southerlyn, would you step into my office?"