"And as for not telling me the truth…" Mrs Cosie continued. "I knew who you were when I hired you."

"Really?!" Angus squawked.

"Well, no actually. Tell a lie that's not QUITE true." Mrs Cosie admitted. "It didn't click at first but, after a while… Angus McDonald isn't common name now, is it? Why else would some of the seven saviours of the world be popping up at this little shop."

She sighed and gestured at his wrist. "And not many boys your age have one of those. Or be getting university education at the big fancy school, two years above our Florence."

"No ma'am." Angus agreed. Then realised, "That's why you didn't seem surprised when the BOB squad were in and Carey was speaking to me!"

"Aye. Well, they were always in here causing mischief anyway, even before you started working here." Mrs Cosie said. "But one time, must been your third week? Dale was teaching you that confounded expresso maker? And the steam off it showed up the Burau's logo."

"Oh." Angus frowned. He thought his hiding charm was better than that! "Did Dale see it too?"

"I don't think so dearie. And I thought I'd better not mention it."

"Thanks…did Anyone else? Twig who I was I mean?" Angus asked.

"Not that I know of. Not many of the other know your last name either, do they? That said I don't think you'll be able to keep it a secret now though."

"No. Flo is going to kick my ars- butt, isn't she?" Angus sighed.

"Language. Hm maybe. Better her then Brenda, pet." Mrs Cosie sympathised. "I'm sure Ruby is going to be a pain as well and pepper you with questions. but we'll sort it. speaking of which…I'm afraid to have to say this Angus love but it cannot continue."

She took a deep breath and steepled her fingers.

"I know it's not your fault. but after yesterday, I need you pull your socks up. Your work is brilliant but the way you react to these problem customers sometimes isn't the best way to manage them. I know we aren't a very strict business or fancier establishment. But I do need you to be professional. You can't let them drive you up the wall or get under your skin like that. Even repeat visitors."

"No Mrs Cosie."

"And if anymore of the birds or your school chums and Bruere friends come in you have to temporary set that aside and treat them like you would another customer."

"I try! I mean I will."

"I know you do. Now I don't mind you going to chat to them after they've sat down. Or even taking your break to catch up? So long as we're not busy. But being friendly and a familiar face is one thing? Jumping on the counter is another. That isn't hygienic for one and I won't stand for any more messing about. Not if someone's going to get hurt. That said…"

Mrs Cosie stirred her tea clearly worried about how to say this next bit.

"Family's family. Even found ones. Do you really want to ban them, Angus? Ban your Taako from coming in?"

He could see the headlines now. Hear the outcry. How a ban might lead to a boycott. It would hurt the shop. And if the teashop started struggling that would hurt his fellow workers wages. And beside Mrs Cosie didn't like the idea of banning anyone; she'd said so before.

"No but you were here first, Angus." She tells him when he starts to say as much. "You're my employee. I've got to put you above customers. Just because I don't like the idea doesn't mean I won't. Not if you need me to ban them."

"I appriated that. I do really. But No. I was upset yesterday." Angus said. "I shouldn't have said that. Please don't."

Mrs Cosie nods, relaxing.

"In that case they're welcome in here. They all are... even Taako. We'll just have to be more careful with them, what do call them? Them bird spotters. And the very creepy fans."

That surprised him. "Even Taako?" Angus blinked.

"Well. If he's been here as often as he says he has; then Mr Taako must be very fond of you to keep visiting? And I believe him when he said he just wanted to make sure you were okay. In his very odd way." Mrs Cosie smiled. Then frowned. "That said he's very lucky Miss Ada, young Mattie and the others doesn't want to press charges against one of the seven saviours of Faerun. Maybe talk Mr Taako out of so many disguises and the tomfoolery if you can?"

A timer in the kitchen starts goes off. Mrs Cosie then stands up and Pats him on the shoulder as she ushers him out the office.

"Drink your cuppa, dear. Then we'll get a wriggle on."

He's not fired from his little coffee shop job. His family aren't barred from the Old Mill Tea room. But try as Angus might, it still weighs on him.