Chapter 21: Therapy

Charlie's office hadn't changed much. While the reconstruction had transformed just about every part of the Hotel some areas were altered more than others. The princess's office was one room that had changed very little, but that didn't mean the space was entirely the same as it was. For one, extra wall sconces provided better lighting as her old office was quite dimly lit. And as the space had no windows, due to being in the middle of the building, a few pictures as well as a vase or two livened up the empty walls.

All in all, a nice peaceful place to conduct business. Three souls sat within, two on opposite sides of a desk, and a third sitting side saddle upon the desk itself.

"So miss Hightail, are you comfortable? Can we get you anything, maybe some water?"

"No no, I'm fine really. Thanks anyway."

Exchanged Charlie and the mink

"Good, now that that's out of the way we can get down to brass tacks. Miss Hightail, why do you want to work for the Hazbin Hotel? Why work for the only place in hell trying to rehabilitate sinners?"

Began Vagatha

"Well I was initially turned on to this place by Alastor, as you all saw yesterday. One of the biggest hooks for me was the chance to work alongside one of my idols. I've always admired the overlords, not so much the whole 'soul owning' thing that they do, but the self made business person aspect is something I always found really admirable."

As Vagatha was about to address how that hadn't answered her question a small sigh caused the woman to pause.

"That's one of the reasons, but it's not really the main reason. In truth, I need work. And not just the waitressing gigs I've been doing as long as I've been dead. I need something that will let me keep even one tiny iota of my remaining dignity. I'm tired of being slapped around, poked, and groped at all hours of the day. But so far, this is about the only place I found other than those same cafes and diners that's actually hiring."

Charlie immediately felt pity and sympathy for the woman, even Vagatha felt a meager stir of emotion by her admission. Maybe she could relate.

"Alright then, how about experience. Have you had any jobs besides waitressing in your afterlife? Even unpaid?"

"No ma'am. I wasn't lying when I said waitressing was all I could find."

"Alright then, that leaves qualifications. The Hazbin Hotel is essentially a rehab clinic with onsite housing, so do you have any skills that could help with rehabilitating sinners?"

The mink grew sheepish at that question, averting her gaze and becoming flustered.

"W-well, there is one thing. But it's, dumb. Like really dumb. I have this thing that might help but it's never come in handy before so I don't really know."

"No worries miss Hightail we won't judge you here. If you have something you think will help just go ahead and show us. We promise not to laugh or mock you for it."

"Yeah, exactly."

"Hmm, well, okay. Never really used this for anything before but here goes."

Before the eyes of the princess and her companion the mink demon shifted and transformed into a small furred creature not unlike the animal her demon form was modeled after.

"*Gasp* Oh my gosh! This is so great! Miss Hightail this is awesome! You would be perfect as the hotel's cuddle therapist! Petting an animal can be very therapeutic, sitting down and holding a living thing you know? And I think I know just who could be your first patient."

Hightail quickly shifted back into her normal form before replying.

"Really, who?"

"Charlie, I think your getting ahead of yourself. Not that the idea is a bad one but we haven't even begun with the details of the job."

"Oh your right! Sorry Vaggie. But it shouldn't take all that long, miss Hightail should be able to meet him before the day is out."

From there the conversation would continue hashing out the nuts and bolts of what the position entailed. Scheduling, payroll, and the other mundanities of holding a job. When the last papers were signed Charlie and Vagatha showed her to the room where she would conduct her work.

"And here we are! From now on this will be the cuddle therapy room. Feel free to make any changes you need, if there's anything that you feel would help don't hesitate to ask."

The room was a simple but cozy space. A feinting couch sat across from a comfy chair in a setup that might've been pulled from a stereotype.

An easy chair of middling size and chocolate brown leather stood to her left. A short grasp of the armrest revealed it to be quite soft, and pleasantly as comfortable as it looked. The piece to her right was more intricate but no less inviting. A carved wooden body that might've been comprised of taught musculature, clawed feet, and numerous eyes supported a bed of satiny red velvet. Upon this bed sat a cylindrical pillow that seemed perfectly designed to cradle one's head while they gave voice to the woes of the afterlife.

Plush crimson shag carpeting cradled the soles of her feet, almost begging for her to remove her sneakers and allow the fibers to caress her extremities themselves. A short distance away a singular glass pane gave a fenestella to the misery and mayhem taking place a scant few dozen yards away. Cream colored curtains hung on either side to conceal this view should it prove too distracting.

All in all it was very comfortable. This room was nicer than most places she's seen in her afterlife, she could definitely work with this.

"Not bad, not bad at all."

"I'm glad you like it. Just let us know when your ready and we can see about your first patient."

"Well I don't see why I couldn't start now. What are we waiting for am I right?"

"Alright. You wait here and get ready, it shouldn't take long to find him."

"Hey, wait a minute. Who am I seeing again? I don't think I ever heard who this patient was."

"Oh, that's right! Sorry miss Hightail it just slipped my mind. It's Tafford the staff handyman. You met him yesterday with everyone else."

"Handyman? I thought he was the night guard?"

"Well he does that too. Mr. Tafford is a man who, wears many hats, shall we say."

"Hmm. Is he, rough? Like dangerous? I don't mean to question your people but I'm a little squeamish about being left alone with a burly guy I don't even really know."

"Not unless your wearing anything shiny."

Vagatha muttered under her breath.

"What?"

"Hmm, you heard that? Never mind. Tafford is, he can be a bit stiff but he's alright. He is a pretty big guy but he's never been rough with anyone here."

"That's true. He's never started a fight or ever gotten violent with anyone. At least, not normally."

"What?!"

"You know what, why don't we go find him now? You'll do great, don't worry!"

Rambled the princess before grabbing her friend by the hand and making her exit. Okay that was concerning. Hightail was unsettled by a few things she had just heard. If the man she was going to see wasn't violent normally, that begged the question of what he was like when he wasn't normal. And just how often did not normal rear it's head? Nevertheless Charlie and miss Vaggie seemed nice, or at least nice enough. Surely they wouldn't leave her alone with some crazed thug on her first day. Right?


Elsewhere


It took a bit to track down the resident handyman, but after three floors of nothing they came across the man with a box in hand swapping out bulbs from a few blown fixtures.

"Good morning Ms. Charlie, Ms. Vagatha. Did you need anything?"

"Good morning Mr. Tafford! Actually I do need something, and it's important. You can take a break from changing those bulbs, great job by the way, because it's time for your first therapy session."

"Eh, therapy? Ma'am I don't get therapy. This goes without saying but, I'm a member of staff not one of the guests."

"That's true, but there was also the incident you caused awhile back, involving a certain sunbathing demon and a pair of broken doors."

"Consider this part of your discipline for the whole incident. And considering we let you have your guns back, it's the least you could do."

Rejoined Vagatha.

"Come on Mr. Tafford, the sooner you start the sooner you'll be done."

Stated Charlie.

After a moment's consideration the man sighed in defeat and allowed the women to lead him to whatever 'therapy' they had in store for him, pausing briefly to stow the box in a hall closet. As he walked the man considered what might lie in store for him.

Was it one of those god awful group sessions that have never worked once in the history of personal improvement? Could it be some form of 'art' therapy where he would waste time splattering pigments against canvas in hopes of getting a window into his soul?

Or knowing the princess it might just be some kind of musical thing where he would listen to a number of pieces he probably wouldn't like, and then told to describe his feelings about each. And when inevitably no progress was made he could guarantee it would somehow be his fault.

This isn't to say that he didn't like his boss or believe in her cause, it was just that he had no faith in 'therapy'.

For a time in his youth, back on earth, the commonwealth had sent him to a seemingly never ending cavalcade of shrinks and quacks. All of which he was certain were put in place by the pharmaceutical industry, as all they ever did was prescribe whatever brain killer would make their corporate owners the most money. So to say that Tafford had absolutely no faith in therapy would be the understatement of the century.

He needn't wonder long, as the group soon arrived at the door of the newly dubbed cuddle room. Opening the wooden portal he was greeted by two sights, one he expected, and one he didn't. A frankly banal setup greeted his view, with a red upholstered feinting couch to his right and an easy chair to his left. However there was a twist to this setup that he didn't expect.

Instead of some tweed wearing dealer masquerading as a counselor he saw a small fuzzy creature poking it's head above the arm rest. It's fur matched the curtains, and it looked kind of like a ferret. He wasn't sure what to make of this and turned to his employers for answers. Seeing the question writ on his face Charlie took the initiative.

"Mr. Tafford, let me reintroduce miss Hightail. She's going to be our new cuddle therapist so be nice and treat her with the same respect you show us."

"Wait this is miss Hightail? How is that possible?"

"Well, as you know every demon has some power or ability unique to them. Some are just, more unique than others."

Explained Charlie considering of a nice way of wording it.

"We've got you booked here for a one hour session. Like Charlie said, be nice and show respect. That's never been a problem for you so far, I don't expect it to be now."

Interjected Vagatha as the two women turned to leave.

"Have fun you two!"

Said Charlie before closing the door on these most unlikely of companions. For a few seconds nothing happened. The man stared at the mink, and the mink stared at the man, both equally confounded as to what they were supposed to do.

Eventually Tafford made the first move as he stepped a few paces in and took a seat on the couch across from the mink. This awkward staring contest would resume for a few moments more as a somewhat uncomfortable atmosphere began to develop.

Seeing this stalemate wouldn't be broken unless one of them took action Hightail seized the initiative and hopped over to the couch, landing just beside the burly masked man. Surprised, Tafford recoiled a bit onto his side of the couch and continued to stare.

A few minutes passed where the fuzzy little creature didn't move further Tafford marshaled his courage and, reaching out, gently patted her head. She didn't seem to mind, so the man did it again. A minute of this and the mink moved a few steps closer to the man. Since pats didn't bother her he took the next step and gently petted the fur along her back. This too wasn't rebuffed, and his surprise would spike when she walked over and layed her head down on his leg.

Feeling the warmth of another living creature, the sensation of life against him, how long had it been since he felt this? Well, from an animal that wasn't trying to make him it's meal at any rate. Slowly he reaches over and delicately lays a hand on her back. This… wasn't bad. He had many expectations of what this "therapy" would be, but none of them were pleasant. But this, this was actually kind of nice.

As the two spend time together they grow to be a little more comfortable around each other. Pats and pets develop into gentle scratches and before they know it the small animal form of the Hotel's newest therapist was crawling on the man's shoulders. And the pair stayed like that, just enjoying each others company and the peace of the moment.

When was the last time either of them just stopped to have a moment of quiet like this? Neither of them knew, as for so long both of their existence had been preoccupied with work, chores, fending off maniacs, the normality of life in the inferno. But all things must end and just as Tafford was telling the little mink a few things about his job,

*Creak* "Mr. Tafford, Miss Hightail, your hour is up. How did it- EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

The princess's train of thought was interrupted by a squeal of excitement when she laid eyes on the adorable scene before her.

"M-Miss Charlie! That's the hour? Really?"

"Ohhh, you don't have to stop if don't want to! Your bonding so well!"

Charlie exclaimed with stars in her eyes and sparkles emanating from her hair.

"That's fine ma'am, if that's the hour I don't need to stay longer!"

The man hastily replied. Seeing that as her cue Hightail hopped off of his shoulder and the man quickly extricated himself from the room.

"Awwww. You really don't need to stop, keep going!"

"That's fine ma'am, I really should be getting back to work."

"Oh forget about it! The Hotel looks great, what even is there to do? Just take another hour!"

"No!"

The man simply rejected as he stepped around the pouting princess. Disappointment was writ on her every feature, she really wanted this tender moment to last longer. As the man got out as fast as he could Charlie turned back to her newest therapist, who had changed back and was sitting on the couch.

"*Sigh* Well aside from that how did it go?"

"Actually it was alright. You know, for a big tough security guard he can actually be really gentle."

"That's so great to hear, I knew everyone has a soft side but I haven't seen much of his until now."

"Oh really? How long have you known him?"

"About two months, give or take a few days. While he hasn't been here from the very beginning he's been around for a good part of the Hotel's history."

"Is that how long this place has been open for?"

"Well not exactly. We've been open for a few weeks but he arrived before that when we were still getting the building ready."

"Hmm, okay. So, now that I'm done with the big guy what happens now?"

"Oh, well, to an extent that's up to you. You see the entire first floor is reserved for staff, so if you'd like to move in I can reserve a room for you. Otherwise I think that's all I have for you today."

"Really? It's only like ten o' clock, aren't there any guests?"

The princess averts her gaze at this and sighs,

"Not really. You see we're kind of, trying to prove redemption works so we don't have many guests yet. I mean we have Angel Dust and he's an important part of our family here but he's been, difficult. Besides, he's with Vaggie right now."

"I'm sorry I asked, didn't mean to kill your mood."

"It's fine, nothing I'm not used to. Do you need some time to think about it?"

"Eh, not really. I appreciate the offer your highness, and I'll definitely keep it in mind, but I am not comfortable moving in with a bunch of randos I just met last night."

"That's fair. I know I wasn't at ease when Alastor and the rest first moved in. I'm just glad Vaggie and Angel were here with me."

"They your friends?"

"Yeah, the best. They've been so great through all this. Not that the others haven't been, but there's just something special about having friends by you when your chasing your dreams you know?"

"Not really. Never had the time to make friends, I tend to move around a lot."

"Oh, well maybe that'll change. After all, you seemed to be getting along with Mr. Tafford."

"It was one hour. And we spent the first fifteen minutes just staring at each other. Now don't get me wrong the big guy doesn't seem half bad, but I need way more time before I commit to anything like moving in."

"Again that's fair. It takes time to build trust much less a relationship. Especially in hell."

"Thanks. You seem alright princess, it's just a lot of people in this smog ridden pit don't take no for an answer. I'm glad your not like that."

"No worries, I know what you mean."

"Well, if that was my only appointment, I think it might be best to introduce myself to my new co-workers."

"Good idea! Never a bad thing to know who your working with. Now I think Nifty was cleaning the cellar today, Vaggie and Angel should be somewhere on the first floor, and Husk is usually at his spot in the parlor."

"Heh, convenient. What about Alastor? I know I already met him but I'd love a chance to see him again."

"Oh, well if it's passed ten he should be in his studio doing his broadcast, but he should take a break around noon."

"Alright, plenty of time to meet the others I guess."

And without further delay Hightail began her walk to the lobby. Before long the bar came into view, complete with grumpy be-winged feline gripping a green bottle. She didn't realize it last night but something about the man behind the bar struck her as familiar. Did she see, or maybe meet him somewhere before?

"Hey."

"Hi."

"So, the latest addition to princess's little menagerie. Was wondering when you'd find your way here. What are you drinking?"

"Does Miss Charlie let all her employees drink on the job?"

"No but it's not like it matters, I don't see any guests kicking around this place. If you need a reason you can think of it as a welcome. So, thirsty?"

"Hmmmm, I'll take a beer. Don't want to get too hammered this early."

*Psssh!*

The bottle was already on the counter, opened by a swift twist of the bar cat's claw.

"Wow that was fast, how did you know what I'd order?"

"When you've been at this as long as I have you develop a sixth sense for people's tastes. Now that your set up I gotta ask, why work here? I seen you come in on Al's arm and that got me thinking, why would anyone in their right mind take a job offer from an overlord? You gotta be stupid or desperate to trust the word of any of them, especially Al."

"Everyone needs a job don't they? Especially when you've got a withered old landlord breathing down you neck and practically threatening to sell you to the cannibals. I needed something better than what I was doing before, and this place was hiring."

"Hmm, simple as that?"

"Yeah."

"Well alright then. But I meant what I said, don't trust a word Al says. That sadistic fuck's been ripping people off since before most of us were born."

"I appreciate the warning but it's not necessary. I may admire the man but I didn't die yesterday. I know the word of an overlord's worth about as much as a fart in the wind."

"Ha! You just keep that in mind. Cheers."

"Cheers."

Clink*

Bottoms up. For the next minute or two the mink and the cat enjoyed their drinks as they sized each other up from behind the mahogany.

"So, you've been here awhile. How do you like working here?"

"It's alright. A lot better than most places down here. It's quiet, nobody around to pester me most of the time, some days I can even avoid seeing Al."

"Well, besides Alastor, what about the others? What's it like working with them?"

"Princess ain't too bad, but she has a bad habit of making everybody's problems her own. Her friend on the other hand bitches and moans about everything most days because she hates herself. Angel Dust is a pain in my ass, flirting and flaunting at all hours of the day. But I'll admit he hasn't been doing it as much lately.

Tafford mostly keeps to himself so I don't often have a problem with him. Nifty, well let's just say don't dig into her personal life. Yeeugh! I already summed up how I feel about Al so it doesn't bear repeating."

Hightail took a moment to absorb what she'd heard, it sounded like most of the people here weren't too bad, at least as long as she didn't pry. She wondered why exactly Husk didn't like Alastor, was it just the fact he was an overlord? Or did it go deeper than that? Did they have some kind of history before this place that led to him feeling like this? And why did she feel like she'd seen the old bar cat before? It wasn't exactly deja vu, but she had the uncanny feeling that she knew him from somewhere else. Weird.

Her empty bottle was placed on the counter and promptly disposed of by Husk, leading to what may be her last question.

"I want to meet the rest of the others before I head back to my apartment, do you know where I can find them?"

*Squeak- Whoosh!*

"There's one."

None other than the Hotel's own emotionally unstable housekeeper breezed back into the parlor.

"Clean, Clean! All clean again! Need more traps soon, not going to let the bugs win."

She muttered to herself as the room's two other occupants watched on.

"Is she okay?"

"About as okay as she gets."

That was all the more the two got to say before the crazed sprite noticed the newcomer in their midst.

"Oh hey, your the new girl from last night! Did miss Charlie hire you? She had to, why else would you still be here? Unless your here for redemption, but nobody comes for that. So which is it? Don't make me guess!"

Rambled Nifty at a mile a minute as she zipped around the form of the mink.

"Well-, I-, What happened was-"

Attempted Hightail, who kept getting cut off when she tried to keep up with the manic homemaker.

"Nifty! Stop running around and give this lady a damn second to get a word in!"

Scolded Husk. Nifty pouted at this, even blowing a short rasberry at the bartender. But stop she did, and allowed Hightail to get her bearings.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"Well Nifty, I can confirm that miss Charlie did in fact give me a job here. I'm going to be one of the new therapists. I actually finished up my first session not too long ago."

"Your fist session? With who? We don't have any guests here."

"It was with that big guy, Tafford I think is his name."

"Huh, Tafford? Never figured him for the type to see a shrink."

Cut in Husk

"I don't think it was by choice. The way miss Charlie and Vaggie talked to him before they left him with me made it seem like he was in some kind of trouble. Like the session was some kind of punishment or something."

"O-O-O-Oh."

Said Husk and Nifty in unison after sharing a quick look.

"What, I'm right?"

"Yeah, you are. There was an, incident, awhile back. Nobody got hurt but Tafford… well let's just say he freaked out and leave it at that."

"'Freaked out? Like how?"

"He smashed up some doors!"

"Nifty!"

"It's true! He tore his way across the street and smashed open some doors in the building on the other side. That was pretty cool."

"What?! Why would he do that?"

"*Sigh* Nifty."

Groaned the bartender as he tiredly put a hand over his eyes. After a moment he turned and addressed the mink again.

"For that you'd have to ask him. The reason involves some personal business from his past that it wouldn't be right for you to hear from me."

"Ohh-kay."

Hearing that made the woman silently hope that the man didn't have another 'freak out' during any sessions they may have. Now she was wondering just who it was Charlie left her alone in a room with.

"Anyway, it's nice to meet you Nifty."

"You too! I don't get to meet new people that often, it'll be so good getting to work with someone new!"

*Fwoosh*

And just like that Nifty was gone again, no doubt on the hunt for pests and messes.

"So, I wanted to meet everyone before the day is out, and I'm pretty sure the only one left is Angel Dust. Do you have any idea where he could be?"

Said Hightail turning back to face Husk.

"Well, I don't know his schedule too well but, I think he should be getting out of his therapy with Vaggie. The room's just down that hall. Or if they're not there they might be in the kitchen grabbing a bite."

"Thanks. And, thanks for the help with her."

"Again, don't mention it. Not like I had to get up or anything."

In short order Hightail came upon the therapy rooms pointed out by Husk and found them all deserted. Moving on she found what looked like a cafeteria and opened the door to a tall spider leaning on one of the tables eating something accompanied by a short silver haired woman with a drink in her hand. Seeing them engaged in conversation she decided to wait for a break before making her approach, and after a few minutes one presented itself.

*Knock- Knock*

"Hey, don't mean to cut in, but you got a minute?"

Hightail said lightly rapping her knuckles on a nearby table to announce her presence.

"Hightail, did you need something?"

Replied Vaggie

"Yeah. After my session with the big guy I figured I'd go around and meet everyone, and Angel Dust is the last one."

"Last one? Wow, didn't know you thought that little of me. Don't say it, it's because I'm a star isn't it?~"

Sassed Angel Dust

"You need to shine to be a star. Seriously, how long has it been since anyone's talked about your films? Your yesterday's news at best."

"Oh, ho, ho! I'm not the only one around here who likes to bust chops! You got spunk kid. What did you say your name was?"

"Call me Hightail. I'm the new therapist here so you'll be seeing me around."

"High-tail? Heh, don't let Val's writers hear that name or they might have a field day. The scripts write themselves!"

"Not like anyone would see you in them."

"Ha! Not bad kid, but don't push your luck. You got moxie but that only gets you so far."

"Noted. So now that that's out of the way, do either of you know when Alastor finishes his broadcast? I'm not staying here and I'd love a chance to see him again before I head home."

"Strawberry pimp? Eh, not sure. All that radio crap is so boring."

"Alastor should be done in about a half hour. If you hang around the parlor he usually comes down to antagonize Husk around that time."

Added Vagatha helpfully

"Thanks. And, thanks again for the job. It'll be nice to not have to worry about creeps looking to yank my tail."

"Thank Charlie. I may be manager but none of us would be here if it weren't for her."

"Again, noted. See you around."

Nodded the mink before departing for the parlor. And she had almost made it before,

bing-bong*

'Where RU'

Ugh! Not him again.

'Y weren't U back here last night?

U better not be tryin' 2 skip out on UR rent $$$$$'

This jackass again! He knew damn well she went out to hunt for a new job, and she was gone all of one day. How was her location any of his business?

'You know I went out looking for a job.

It's only been a week since I quit.

The rent's not due for another three, what do you care where I am?!'

'I care when 1 of my tenants is some deadbeat with no income

U better get yourself a new source of $ or your 3 is grass'

Such an asshole! If he weren't the only landlord downtown whose prices were even semi realistic she would have dropped him decades ago! Now she knew, given recent developments, this hotel was a low hanging fruit. But she was not about to move into a place filled with people she just met. Anyone with two functioning brain cells could see how much of a potential disaster that was.

Damn it, knowing her Muppet reject of a landlord she would probably have to leave early, and that meant not seeing Alastor. She really wanted to stay awhile longer and have a chat with one of her idols. But if she knew that jagoff's impatient ass then-

'U know what

get back here

NOW

if UR not back here in 1 hr I'm kicking all UR stuff 2 the curb'

UGH, DAMMIT! She had a sick feeling this would happen.

'On my way.

Don't you dare throw out my stuff before I get back.

Or I'm telling your wife about that guy in the smiling apple suit.'

Sigh* That should keep him from kicking her to the curb before she got back, but not enough that she could drag her feet getting there. Annoying, but not unexpected. She'd have to go and show her face, re-instruct him on how to keep track of time, assure him for the umpteenth time that she was looking for a job, and probably dish out a few threats about his proclivity toward amusement park mascots.

But hey, at least this time she had a job in the pocket to shut him up. Even better, she had proof. Not the least of which was the princess of hell's own phone number. She didn't like having to go through this ordeal every time she got a new job. But still, it beat the alternative. She didn't even want to think about what happened to all the drifters and homeless come new years.

Passing through the parlor,

"Hey Husk?"

"Yeah, whats up?"

"I need to leave for the day, my landlord just texted me. I gotta go see him or he's gonna throw out my stuff. Can you tell Charlie I left?"

"Yeah I can do that. Good luck with the jackass."

"Thanks, knowing him I might just need it."

Opening the door to the warm putrid air she began her long walk back. She had to admit, she never figured something like this would happen. One minute she's scraping by trying to find work with any hole in the wall that would hire her, the next she's on the arm of the radio demon and working for hell's princess.

And that princess was running, a hotel. To redeem sinners. Hightail had to admit, she'd seen and heard of a lot since coming to the inferno, but that was a new one. Was that even possible? In truth, she didn't really care. She had a, hopefully, steady job that wouldn't put her in the sights of horny old perverts all day. And a place to move to should she get desperate was icing on the cake.

The others didn't seem too bad either. Charlie herself and that lady Vaggie seemed nice. Husk was okay too, even if he did look like a burnt out old man. Now Nifty freaked her out, even from that small conversation the mink could tell that woman was eight shades of crazy. She liked Angel Dust though. They bounced off each other really well and she liked how spirited he seemed.

Then, there was Tafford. If she had to describe her feelings toward him in one word, it would be mixed. The others didn't seem to think he was all that bad, but then they got to talking about some 'freak out' he'd had in the past. In the princess's own words she hadn't known the man all that long, so how long ago had this freak out occurred? And what exactly happened when it did?

Still, she also couldn't discount what she had seen of the man firsthand. He didn't seem unstable or like he was a thug, so maybe something pushed him over the edge? Husk said it involved his past so maybe he met someone or saw something he shouldn't have? Speculation got her nowhere, but it didn't help her trepidation about her future sessions with him. If there were any.

Sigh* Still, this place had everything she was looking for. Which was basically a paycheck without having to put up with being groped every day. Heh, going from being felt up by a sea of perverts to being a 'cuddle therapist' in hell. If that wasn't the definition of a lateral move. Still, she felt this was different. The big guy never touched her like that and she didn't get the inkling that he would. Still, if he ever tried both he and his bosses would hear about it. Vaggie at least seemed responsible.

So, she would give this a try. Who knows, maybe she would like it here.


Author's Note: Merry Christmas! This little chapter is a gift to all the readers who stuck with this story this long. It might not mean much with my writing ethic, but more is coming. The chapter outlines for the rest of this block have already been written and I will strive to get as many chapters out by year's end as I can, though I cannot promise I will have all five out by Jan 1. Once again, Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!