Julian

I. January, Ch. 2

     "Is everything okay?" asked Marlo.

     "Yes, sir," said the hostess.

     Her head stuck out through the door opening as to not draw too much attention to herself.

     "The food is ready to be served. We'll bring it right out."

     Marlo pondered the request. "Actually, would it be possible to serve lunch in a few minutes?"

     "A few minutes?"

     "Not enough for the food to get cold."

     She smiled, relieved. "Wonderful. We'll be outside waiting for your cue."

     Her service-industry warmth made him feel better. It was the nicest thing to happen since he left the house.

     Carla Smith, a freshman teacher from the arts department, put out her cigarette on an ashtray and stood before Marlo. She was in her mid-fifties, had a bob haircut, and wore secretary glasses. "Is everything okay, deary?"

     Marlo couldn't tell if her affection was genuine. "Everything's fine. Do we have everyone here?"

     "I think so, unless we have new faces this semester."

     He was distracted, checking every face in the room. None were Calvin's or Roger's. Part of him was thankful that they weren't present for Parker's trash talk, but he hated tardiness. He looked down at Carla. "I'm sorry. What was that?"

     Her lips formed an understanding smile. "Oh, nothing. How was your holiday?"

     "Lovely. We spend it with Lisa's family this year. How was yours?"

     She shrugged. "Not bad. I'm just glad to be back."

     Marlo looked at her, concerned. Carla lost her husband last year, making holidays difficult. It was one of the many things he discovered while eavesdropping. "Is everything okay?"

     "Yes, absolutely. Why do you ask?"

     "I want to make sure everyone's taken care of."

     "You don't have to worry about me."

     He didn't like the sound of that. "Just remember, if you need me to work with you on anything, let me know."

     "Thank you, Principal Cabrera."

     He begged her with his eyes. "Marlo, please."

     "Marlo".

     The name was too heavy for Carla.

     Marlo's watch marked twelve fourteen. He cursed Calvin and Roger in his head. He couldn't waste another minute.

     He stepped to the back of the room, facing the large table where only three people were sitting. "Okay, everyone. I'd like to get started. We're missing a few bodies, but let's—"

     Marlo was interrupted by two tall men stumbling through the front door.

     Their slacks didn't match their ties. Their young, handsome faces were unshaved. They cleared their throats at their much older audience, uneasy at the attention.

     Finally, Marlo thought to himself. Calvin and Roger were in for a lecture, but he'd deliver it later. He motioned them to walk towards him. "Gentlemen, you made it."

     Calvin and Roger came forward. Their thin, starving-artist bodies were no match for Marlo's large frame and growing belly. They each stood on opposite sides of their new boss.