Ch3
After the bathroom incident Fran decided to allow Bernard to stay in the shop. He didn't seem to want to harm Charlie; he just wanted to sit in his chair, read, drink and smoke. This scared Fran.
Somehow this temp had managed to free himself from Bernard's bubble of hatred, which seemed to contain all human beings. Fran found it intriguing and scary.
After the second and third days were gone she started to wonder if Bernard was, in the absence of his favourite plaything Manny, becoming almost human. Although he said little or nothing to Charlie, Fran was convinced that Bernard almost liked the man. He was a hard worker and loved books. And he always got tea for Bernard at lunch.
Fran worried that Manny might be replaced.
Charlie could tell that Bernard was finally warming up to him. He was glad. Although it was only a temp job he was becoming fond of Black Books. The setting was peaceful and he loved books so it seemed perfect.
Also Fran was really nice.
As he left on the fourth day of work he looked at the dusty desk at the top of the shop and took in the sight of Bernard lighting his cigarette with a grin.
Bernard lit a cigarette and smiled. The temp was soon to be gone. Forever. His reign of dusting and smiles would be gone and Bernard had the perfect going away gift. He cackled menacingly, coughed, choked, took a drag from the cigarette to settle it, choked and drank some wine. He cleared his throat and smiled. The smile, like his stature, hair and mood, was lopsided.
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Short chapter I know but the next one shall be up soon. Think of this as the ad break!
