Just after lunch Brady is in his office when Cheryl opens his door saying quietly, “Brady. The Boss' mother just sent me a text saying RJ’s on his way here!” “Correction.” A deep voice booms from behind her, startling her so that she yelps and jumps further into Brady’s office. “I’m already here” He informs them. Cheryl waits for the large man to enter the office and carefully slips behind him trying to sneak out when his voice sounds sharply, “Cheryl”, he turns a dark look on her, “I don’t want the verbal alarm sounded on the dock. Employees forewarned does not make for a true inspection of performance.” He gives her a warning look then smiles slightly, “Do I make myself clear?” “Yes... yes, Sir Mr. Fenton. Perfectly clear.” Cheryl stutters, physically shaking. As she turns to go RJ’s tone is much softer, “And Cheryl, my bark is much worse than my bite. I apologize, but I am serious.” His eyebrows raise in question of her acceptance. “Yes, Sir.” Cheryl quickly leaves. Panic stricken over the forthcoming discovery of BJ on the docks, Cheryl pours herself a cup of coffee, then sits at her desk trying to calm her nerves, thinking about poor BJ. In the mood the boss seems to be in, she wonders if there will be any survivors of the coming storm. Brady and RJ emerge on to the loading dock about a half hour later. The crew is bustling around unloading a semi-trailer and putting the cartons on pallets according to specifications received with each shipment. “Hey. Who stacked this pallet?” BJ’s voice rings out. “It’s got one too many layers” Brady’s eyes shoot to RJ’s face in time to see the range of expressions flash across his features. From puzzlement to shock to red hot anger. “Now Boss, I can explain...” Brady rushes in response to the look RJ shoots at him like a bullet from a gun at close range. “I was going to tell you, but you haven’t given me a chance t...” “Who in the Heck...?” RJ bursts out. “Nice to see you back Boss.” Butch breaks in reaching out to shake the boss’s hand. “Have a good trip?” Jake inquires smoothly, smiling. Jake and Butch have seen the developing situation and immediately come to Brady’s rescue. Accepting Butch’s hand in greeting, RJ shoots angry looks at the two men. “Nice to be back... I think!” he glares at Brady. “And yes, I had a good trip.” His features soften ever so slightly as he continues, “Thanks for cutting me short guys. I about lost my cool. Would someone mind explaining to me why there is a woman working on My loading dock?” His voice is forceful, but he keeps the volume down for their ears only. “I...I... Hired a new hand that is a real go getter” “A Woman?” You hired a Woman?” RJ spits incredulously, his volume rising slightly. “Now wait just a minute.” Butch pipes up, seeing Brady squirming under the furious look from their boss. “She ‘aint just a woman. Why, that’s what I thought... we all thought, but I’ll be the first to tell you she’s somethin’ special. That woman beat me arm wrestling!” He announces sounding almost proud to have lost to her. “Yeah, right!” RJ scoffs in disbelief. “Everyone of us witnessed it right here on the dock. Ask Cheryl. You know she’d never lie to you. Not that I ever have either in the 39 years we’ve been friends.” Jake & RJ's parents had been friends when the boys were born only two weeks apart. They’ve literally been friends since birth. “Fine. If you say so, but I don’t see how any woman could...” He pauses then continues, “...unless she’s...” He stops. “Oh, I doubt that very seriously.” Chuckling, Jake gives RJ a wry smile... “Seems she’s already got you as an ally, but I still don’t like it. A woman on the docks?” “Would you like to meet her, Boss?” Brady ask hesitantly. “I suppose now’s as good a time as any. But I’ll tell you all right now, she gets No special treatment. If she wants to work like a man she’ll be treated accordingly.” RJ informs the three men with a warning look. Jake smiles at his friend saying lightly, “Sure Boss, but don’t forget, you’ve have to practice what you preach, and you haven’t met her yet.” RJ looks quizzically at his friend wondering if his interest has changed from the woman he’s been pursuing silently for quite some time. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem.” RJ states flatly. In unison, Butch & Jake cough to cover the laughter. Brady clears his throat to hide his as he calls out above the din of the dock “BJ? Can you come over here please?” BJ had noticed the conversation taking place and figured that must be 'The Boss'. She tried to stay out of his line of vision and has done her best to squash the feelings of dread & fear of being fired by the chauvinist that began to wash over her at the sight of him. With her back to the foursome, she draws in a long deep steadying breath, straightens, closing her eyes she visualizes her girls to bolster her steadfast determination to do whatever she must to prove herself worthy of this job. She’ll do pretty much anything for her girls. Her resolve firmly wrapped around her like armor, she strides over to where the men stand. As she approaches Jake & Butch turn to return to work, both give her reassuring smiles, winks and thumbs up. As they cross paths, Jake states reassuringly, “No worries. All bark, no bite. Just be the 'you' we all know you are.” “You’ll have him wrapped ‘round your little finger in no time.” Butch grins.
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