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Chapter 5.

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'But coach!'

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Next morning

"That's it!" Doug yelled when he entered the Chapel main room and his gaze fell on his desk. The pile of files and papers was bigger than he remembered it was a several days before.

"The paperwork is growing in astronomical speed, I never gonna finish that!"

"Take some extra hours." Judy suggested smiling at the situation.

"Very funny!" Doug answered with a smirk.

"Cheer up, Penhall!" Dennis shouted from behind his desk. "I know what you need – some extra hours of literacy lessons would be useful for you."

"Fuck off Booker, wait till you finish your case and I will be laughing when you will be drowning in papers!"

"Do you know what does the word 'systematic' mean, Penhall?"

"Quiet, boys!" Fuller interrupted as he walked out of his office. "Doug move to your work! Dennis I want to speak with you in my office, now." He ordered, but then paused as he spotted Tom Hanson coming up.

"Hanson! What are you doing here?"

All eyes turned towards Tom.

"Hi Tom! How are you doing?" Judy shouted happily as she saw Tom, feeling blood pressure rising up. She had to struggle with the desire to come and hug him tightly.

"Thanks, I… Uh." Tom started and returned the smile, but before he could finish he was interrupted by sudden and rather strong clasp of Doug's arm around his back.

"Yo, man. We didn't expect you till next week. I was going to see you this evening…"

"I'm all right, really. I was bored out of my mind, I need some work."

"No way Hanson" Fuller answered firmly. "Doctor said you need two weeks off to get rid of that nasty cold you catched during last case. I don't want to see you till next Wednesday."

"But Coach!"

"Quiet Tom! That's an order. Doug, take him back home."

"But…"

"Bye Hanson!" Fuller broke in wishing he was definite enough. He really didn't want to argue with Hanson today. The young officer could sometimes be big pain in the ass when he wanted something. Captain turned quickly back to go away but to his annoyance he collided with Booker. "Dennis!" He growled. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to be in my office!" And after that he hurried to his office.

"Aye Cap! Bye Hanson!" Dennis copied Captains tone with devil smile and wink of his hand and then followed the older man.

Hanson sent him angry gaze, but didn't bother to answer. Instead he turned to Doug and asked:

"How's the work Doug? Something interesting?"

"Nah." Doug snorted. "Just that stupid paperwork."

"Doug, I mean real work, outdoors, you know…"

"Oh yeah, we are on… wait a minute! You heard Fuller's order! I'll take you back home."

"No way." Tom sat on his own empty desk. "I will wait till Fuller finish with Booker, and then I will talk with him again."

"Fine!" Doug answered angrily.

"What? What's up with you?"

"Sorry, I just was hoping I will have nice excuse from this stuff," he pointed at his desk.

Tom looked at the very impressive pile of papers and tried to hide smile. "But you didn't even start yet!"

"Don't be so snooty Tom!" Doug hissed. He was aware that last time he was getting touchy when talking about his paperwork. Definitely he had to do something with that. "Anyway, do you really think you can convince Fuller to let you back to work?"

Tom decided not to answer on such obvious question, only sent Doug meaningful gaze. Doug smiled at that.

"God! I am so happy you're back. It was boring without you."

"So, what is the case about?"

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