Peter wrapped up the end of his presentation feeling both heartfelt relief that it was all over as well as overwhelming gratitude that the forces working against him on this impossibly trying day had finally given him a small break and allowed him to complete his task with at least some of his remaining dignity intact. In fact, the rest of the morning hadn't been too bad. After the agents had eventually settled down from their impromptu bouts of hysteria, everything else had fallen into place and run rather smoothly. Everyone appeared to move on from the disastrous arrival of the sideshow and Peter, with Jones' assistance, had even been able to get the electronic whiteboard up and running once more.
With the visiting agents filing out of the conference room, Peter began packing up his belongings but soon realised that one agent was hanging back - Agent Kent, the most senior of all the guests. Peter swallowed hard and braced himself for what he expected would be a severe dressing down for the unprofessional chaos that had gone down on his watch during the presentation. He waited expectantly for the inevitable reprimand but the older man sat quietly. Eventually, the silence in the room got the better of Peter forcing his hand into reluctantly asking, "Was there something else I could help you with sir?"
"No Burke, I was just pondering." He picked his briefcase up and placed it on the table.
"About the presentation today? Anything you'd like me to clarify sir?"
Kent chuckled, "No, it was all very clear, in fact you did a fine job son."
"Thank you sir." The positive feedback had not been expected.
The older man stood up balancing himself with the back of the seat. He smiled at Peter, "These old legs aren't what they used to be."
Peter smiled back, "Ah sir, if you don't mind me asking…what were you 'pondering' before?"
"The little antics here this morning."
Peter blushed. He'd hoped that Kent's reply would have nothing to do with that - he should have known better.
"I could see you had your hands full with some type of 'family issue'."
Peter nodded.
"The secretary pup was a nice touch by the way." Kent's comment came across as the light-hearted remark it was intended to be. "But honestly, take it from someone whose had a lifetime of experience young man; a little bit of levity goes a long way in making an otherwise serious and taxing profession far more bearable on the human spirit."
Peter listened intently, entranced by this older man's words of wisdom.
"Anyhow…you asked me what I was thinking about before. Well… I was thinking how I'd love to be in your shoes again, if only for a day, to be just starting out, to have my time all over again. Those early days, after I'd just been appointed to a senior role in the division, when I had young children at home and pets of all description roaming the house, never of course as colourful as yours, well those days, they were the most wonderful days of my life. And I'm sitting here today watching you, and feeling just slightly envious you have all of that ahead of you." Kent held out his hand, "Thank you for today son."
Peter shook the older man's hand and replied appreciatively, "Thank you sir, I hope you can make it next time." He watched the seasoned agent traipse out the door and out of sight then slunk down into the closest chair to gather his thoughts. It had been quite a morning!
-W-C-
Mozzie kept watch on the conference room door from his spot in the corner of Peter's office. Not much had been said since his father headed back to the meeting and Agent Goldberg lectured him on his behaviour. He tried not to think about her words, knowing well enough that she'd been correct. There was no doubt is his mind that Peter would indeed take his displeasure out on his backside. The only question remained, would father wait till they got home or would he be so upset that he'd turn him over his knee, right here in the office. Mozzie cringed at the thought that either way, sometime soon he'd have a very sore behind. He watched the last of the agents trickle out from the meeting and eventually, the moment arrived that he'd been dreading, Peter walked out carrying his briefcase, heading for his office. All over rover! Mozzie followed Peter's movements unhappily as he approached. The young boy sat very still thinking there was a small chance he might not be noticed.
"Mozzie!" It had been a long shot.
"Yes sir?"
"Get Satchmo, we're heading home." Mozzie breathed a sigh of relief. The older man's displeasure was at least being postponed till they were out of the office.
"Neal, get Sunny. I do not want to be driving back in here at midnight because you've left your cuddly companion behind yet again."
Neal retrieved Sunny from his perch beside the window and awaited further orders.
"Good. Both of you grab your backpacks and thank Agent Goldberg for looking after you this morning."
"Thank you Agent Goldberg. Hope the second half of your day is better than your first."
"Good-bye Mozzie. It has most certainly been one of my more interesting days since taking on this position. I hope you had an enjoyable day."
"Some. Days not over yet." Mozzie dropped his head and dragged his feet to the door.
"Bye Bye adent oldbug."
"It's Agent Gold-berg, Neal, Gol-d-ber-g." Peter pronounced each syllable for the young child.
Neal pulled his hat down over his face, stubbornly ignoring the fact that Peter was pressing him to say the agents name correctly.
"Neal…" Peter warned and just when it looked like he was going to dig his heals in, the youngster lifted his face and had another attempt.
"Bye bye adnet g…adent Gedbewg." Near enough Peter thought.
"Bye bye Neal. See you next time you're in this neck of the woods."
Peter ushered the two boys out the door before turning back to address the young woman. "Thank you Angela. I know it was a big ask and I really do appreciate your assistance today. The very next time you need a favour, regardless of how ludicrous it may seem, please do not hesitate to ask. I'll be more than happy to oblige."
With that, Peter led his entourage back down to the lift – Mozzie, Satch, Neal and Sunny. How had he not noticed the dog on the way up? Mozzie pressed the button to call the lift.
"Hey, oo pwessed it laws time, Moz."
"I did not, Peter did."
"Dadda it wad my tuwrn."
Peter rolled his eyes. "You can press it inside Neal."
"Wit one dadda?"
"B2 – basement carpark 2."
But unfortunately for Peter, once they got inside, the lift was already occupied with a young staffer also heading for the car park.
Neal looked at the lit B2 button and glared at his brother. The older boy looked unperturbed so Neal, in frustration slammed his hand against the buttons, lighting up half a dozen floors. Peter palmed his head and was about to take control when Mozzie slammed his hand against several more buttons, poking his tongue out at Neal at the same time. It all happened quickly, too quickly for Peter to react. But before Neal could hit the remainder of the unlit buttons, Peter grabbed the little boy's wrist and dragged him away from the source of the temptation.
At the very next floor, the young female staffer excused herself while stepping out, citing that she'd forgotten something at her desk. Unlikely story, but under the circumstances, Peter accepted that he would have made exactly the same move. The journey down to the car park was excruciatingly painful. However when they finally stepped out at the basement, Peter sported a small smile of satisfaction, while both boys had one hand cradling their precious loads and one hand cradling their smarting backsides. Their dad's fuse had finally run out!
-W-C-
It was a weary and mentally drained father that unlocked the front door a short time later. The traffic had been particularly merciful and they'd made good time on their journey home, much to Mozzie's displeasure.
As Peter stepped through the front door, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He clicked his fingers and indicated for the two little moppets to wait close as he answered the call. "Hi Jones...Sorry I can't hear you….What's all that shouting in the background?...Hughes is back? He was supposed to be interstate till next week…Anyway, why's he shouting?...HE FOUND WHAT!...He actually stepped in it?...Mmmm, "Peter glared at his two little delinquints. "It was under his desk?...Yeah…Good advice Jones….Thanks for the heads up…Catch you tomorrow." Peter clicked his phone shut and returned it to his jacked pocket.
Mozzie, who had no trouble following or understanding the disjointed phone conversation, began to open his mouth to pre-empt the eruption about to take place in the middle of the Burke family living room but Peter held up his finger and growled out, "Not a word young man…not a word."