Michael was back at the Merton work site the next day. When he saw Juan and Glenn, he remembered that he hadn't asked Kitt to check Summit's certifications. Well, there was always tonight. The work was more tedious than backbreaking. It did leave Michael time to think about everything he had learned so far. He was still happy when they broke for lunch.

For safety reasons, all work came to a halt, and everyone took their lunch at the same time. Casey and a couple of long-time Siddall employees remained behind to keep an eye on the equipment. Everyone else went to a nearby diner. Even Erika came along. To Michael's surprise, Frank and Anita showed up, too.

Lunch was going pretty well when a tall, lanky guy with a scruffy beard came in. He looked around the place, almost like he owned it.

"Erika, guess who just showed up?" said Anita quietly.

"Please don't tell me Tommy Groves is here."

"And headed our way."

"Good thing I didn't order a big lunch. 'Cause I'm about to lose my appetite."

Before Michael could ask, the guy reached their table.

"Hey, luscious," he said, as he ogled Erika. "Care to join me?"

"I'm fine right where I am."

"I didn't mean for lunch."

"Neither did I."

"Come with me, and you don't have to wear that orange vest. Unless you want to," he openly leered at Erika.

Erika stiffened. "I like it right where I am. And who I'm with."

Erika clearly wanted nothing to do with Tommy. And Tommy, equally clearly, was enjoying her discomfort. So Michael decided to get involved. Tommy was 6' tall; Michael was 6'4" and a lot more muscular. When Michael stood up, Tommy was in the uncomfortable – and, for him, unusual – position of having to look up at Michael rather than down.

"That's no way to talk to a lady."

"A lady?" laughed Tommy. "No lady ever worked on a road crew."

"First time for everything," said Michael, as he moved between Tommy and the table.

For his part, Tommy backed away from Michael and towards the door. Though Michael wasn't sure he was actually planning on leaving. He just didn't like having Michael in his personal space. For every step back Tommy took, Michael stepped up. Pretty soon, the two men were at the door. Michael made a show of opening it for him.

"And this is the part where you leave."

"You haven't seen the last of me!" yelled Tommy, though he did leave the diner.

Michael calmly walked back to the table and sat down. Everyone else looked at him in surprise.

He shrugged. "One thing I learned in the Army: most guys aren't really looking for a fight. At least, not in a public place like this."

"Thank you, Michael," said Erika. "I really appreciate it."

Michael shrugged again, "He was starting to ruin my appetite, too."

They finished up their lunch and then left. To Michael's surprise, Tommy wasn't lurking in the parking lot, waiting for him. Or for Erika.

Frank checked his watch and then asked, "Erika, can you drive Anita back to the office? I need to head over to Broughton."

"Well, Michael here drove me."

"I can certainly take your wife to the office for you."

"Thanks."

Frank drove off as the rest of them sorted themselves out. Michael let Anita lean on him as they walked over to where he had parked. Erika got into the back and then Michael helped Anita into the car. Like Erika, she was stunned by the inside.

"Wait until you hear it talk, Anita," said Erika. "It's the most amazing thing."

"Your car talks?"

"Yeah," said Michael. "When he wants to, that is. He can be a bit touchy, though."

Oozing courtesy, Kitt said, "Mrs. Perry, based on my sensor readings, you are in some discomfort. May I adjust your seat to a more optimal position?"

"Um, sure." Kitt did so. "Oh, wow. That's . . . perfect." She turned to Michael. "Any chance we can take the long way back to the office? I haven't been this comfortable in weeks."

"Lady's choice. Especially when she's the boss's wife."

Kitt plotted the route. When they got to the office, Michael again gave Anita a hand getting out of the car and into the building. She thanked him and told him she would call Casey, to let him know why Michael and Erika were late getting back from lunch.

Casey didn't seem all that happy when Michael pulled up late to the work site. But he did admit that Anita had called him to explain what was going on. Casey muttered about Anita gushing over Michael, as Michael joined Juan and Glenn to spread yet more aggregate around the roadbed.