Synopsis:  Undercover cops, family business, crooks and love.  All the ingredients needed to add mystery to our story.  Take time to see if you can figure out who is good and who is bad.

Thanks to all the people who helped beta this story for us.

Feedback welcome: the_shadylady_629@yahoo.com &  Tinstrttn@aol.com

"God damn, sons of bitches.  Who the fuck serviced this machine last night,” roared the deep throated voice of the fuming brown-haired woman standing next to the sorting machine.  Her steel blue eyes glared at the small group of people standing in front of her.  She flipped her cascading brown hair once more over her shoulder before turning back to look at the machine.  Dropping to the floor, she slid her tall lanky body beneath the motor assembly casing on the machine.  Morgan Fox looked up over her shoulder to see if the belts had slipped away from the pulley system.  Reaching up she jiggled the belts but the assembly appeared tightened with the correct tension.  Just as she was sliding back out, the engine cranked with a sharp click.  The belts spun, catching her flowing hair within their circling grasp.  Her hair pulled tight as she let forth with a tremendous yell, “CUT OFF THE FUCKING MACHINE!”

Immediately the machine died as the group standing nearby surged forward to see what had happened.  The hapless person who had cut on the machine stood silently with tears running down her face as Willy Mae Perkins dropped to her knees beside the trapped woman.   Quickly assessing the situation, Willy Mae yelled over her shoulder, “Bring me those cutting shears and be mighty damn quick about it.”

Morgan could hear footsteps running away from where she was trapped.  She could feel Willie Mae reaching out and tugging on her hair that was wound tight within the pulley assembly.  Seconds later, running feet returned to the area.  Willie Mae turned and took the shears from the hands of the breathless employee.  With two big snips, Morgan was released from the machine minus her long brown locks.  Willie Mae grabbed Morgan by the back of her shirt and guided her from beneath the machine.

Morgan staggered to her feet as the other people circled around her; each asking if she was all right.  She walked slowly toward the break room, thinking just how close she had been to being killed.  As she got closer to the break room, she felt the nausea coming to the surface.  She broke away from the following crowd and rushed into the closest bathroom where she promptly began vomiting.  This continued for several minutes until there was nothing but dry heaves.

Morgan stood up and walked unsteadily to the sink.  She leaned down, turned on the cold water and rinsed out her mouth.  Standing back up she looked into the mirror and gasped.  Her beautiful long brown tresses, which were her pride and joy, were completely gone on the right and backside of her head.  Her hair was cut nearly to the scalp.  She stared in astonishment just how close her scalp had been pulled into the gears.  Her body began to shake again with nervousness.  She turned and sat on the commode until she could feel the tremors subsiding.

As Morgan sat there, someone began knocking on the door.  “Hey, honey child.  You okay in there?” Willie Mae called out as she continued to rap against the door.  “Come on child. Let me in to see you.”

Morgan finally stood, walked to the door, and opened it.  She looked out into a sea of anxious faces.  Seeing how they were all following her lead, she lifted her chin and walked out flipping what was left of her hair behind her shoulder.

“Goddamn, I know it’s getting to be summer time but I never expected to have my hair cut while at work.”  Morgan remarked trying to set the crowd at ease. 

Morgan turned to the person who hit the switch to the on position and asked her, “Do you know of any good hairdressers around here?  I think I might want to trim up the other side.” 

The worker walked up to Morgan and wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tightly. “I’m so sorry.  I didn’t realize I hit the switch until the machine cranked up. This is it, the last straw.  I’m quitting as of today.”

Morgan grabbed her by the arm stating, “Mabel, don’t quit because of me.  No harm’s been done.”

Mabel responded, “Morgan, I’m sick and tired of this shit.  Someone’s going to be killed before we’re taken seriously.  Today, it could’ve been you.  I’ve young kids at home to worry about and I can’t afford for anything to happen to me.  No, my mind’s made up.  Today’s my last day in this shit hole.”

Patting her awkwardly on the shoulder, Morgan stepped back, saying, “Well folks, I’m going to clock out for the next hour or two and will be back soon.” 

Turning to Willie Mae, she asked her, “Can you get maintenance up here to look at that dang blasted machine before someone gets hurt on it?  I’ll fill out my reports as soon as I get back.  I have to do something with this hair.”

Morgan turned and strode out of the factory.  After getting into her truck, she quickly tucked the rest of her hair beneath the cap she pulled onto her head.  With a quick take off, she roared out of the parking lot headed toward the Weed Whacker to get her hair trimmed.

******

Within two hours, Morgan returned to work.  It was lunchtime and the plant was silent as all workers were breaking for the mandatory hour for lunch.  Morgan walked into the break room where she knew she would find Willie Mae eating her inevitable egg sandwich with ketchup.  She spotted her on the far side of the room and briskly made her way across the room, not stopping to talk to anyone until she reached her destination. 

Sitting down, Morgan asked Willie Mae, “Has the boss been to the floor yet?  When am I supposed to meet with the safety engineer?  Can I have a bite of your sandwich?”

Between bites, Willie Mae answered, “NO….today….take half.”  She never paused in her eating.

As Morgan reached for the offered sandwich, Willie Mae slapped her on the back of her hand, stopping her movements.  “Didn’t you mamma ever teach you to take off your hat at the eating table?”

Morgan looked sheepish but reached up and removed her cap.  Where once she had beautiful long brown locks, her hair was buzzed to within half inch all around her head.  It was different but not unattractive.  It succeeded in drawing all the attention to her beautiful, steel blue eyes.

Willie Mae chewed her sandwich several times before she swallowed and smirked. “You sure fit the bill of big bad dyke now.” 

Morgan looked at her friend and watched her take out three more fried egg sandwiches and two pints of buttermilk. She shook her head as the thought of that all mixed together made her stomach turn. “Why the hell do you drink that crap?”

Willie Mae looked down at her ample bosoms and then back at Morgan. She stood up and spread her hands out to her sides, showing off her big voluptuous round figure. “How do you expect me to keep my figure if I drink that skim ass shit milk you drink?” She sat back down and opened up one of her other sandwiches.

“You know I don’t care if you are a large, teddy bear kid of gal. I just worry about you is all.” Morgan leaned over and patted her friend’s big hands. “You’re still my sugar mama and I love you.”

Willie Mae nodded her head and smiled. “I love you to, you skinny assed dyke. Now get your damn hand off me so’s I can eat.”

Morgan laughed, “Yes, ma’am.”

They sat for several minutes just shooting the bull.  Willie Mae gestured toward something or someone behind Morgan, saying, “Here comes Mr. No-Nuts.”

Morgan turned her head and stood up. “Hello, Mr. No…” She cleared her throat. “Mr. Noodle.”

“Good afternoon Ms. Fox. I hear we had a little mishap this morning.” The greasy haired man stated as he looked down at his clipboard. “Something about a conveyor belt?” He looked up at Morgan and stated, “Want to tell me what happened?”

“I was underneath the conveyor belt when a co-worker accidentally hit the button. My hair was caught in the gears and as you can tell….” She pointed to her head. “I lost all my hair.”

“Well that’s unfortunate. Your hair was nice, but why is this a safety issue? It sounds more like a worker who didn’t pay attention to her surroundings causing this unfortunate thing to happen.” Mr. Noodle folded his arms across his chest.

Morgan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She knew, as did everyone else that worked in the factory, safety wasn’t a high priority to the factory. It seemed the owners just wanted their product out as fast as it could be made. If it was done by cutting costs then so be it.

“It shouldn’t have happened.  In fact, it would never have happened if the safety cover was over the buttons like it’s supposed to be.” Morgan stated in a calm, rational voice.  She was seething with anger at the implications made by Mr. Noodle.

Mr. Noodle just stood in front of her and nodded his head.

Morgan wanted to strangle the little weasel of a man. “I want to fill out a safety form.  I filled out many in the past and I want to do this one now.”

“Fine,” Mr. Noodle mumbled as he handed Morgan a paper he pulled off his clipboard. “Fill this out and get it back to me.” He quickly turned and walked towards where his office was located.

“That man needs to get his dick out of his ass.” Morgan stated as she sat back down at the table. She looked over the form and growled. “This is a safety report?”

“What the hell does it say?” Willie Mae asked as she finished off her lunch and belched.

Morgan slid the paper across the table.  

Willie Mae belched again as she picked up the paper. “Let’s see. What questions do they ask?”

Willie Mae slowly looked over the top of the paper looking into her friend’s eyes.  She handed the paper back to Morgan stating, “You’ve got to be shitting me. One question? One?”

Morgan crossed her arms on top of the table. “This is a bunch of crap.” She grabbed the paper out of Willie Mae’s hands and slapped it down on the table. “I’ll fill it out, but I’ll also be calling OSHA.”

“Here, use my pen,” the large dark woman said as she held a pen out to Morgan.

“Thanks,” Morgan quickly wrote her answer and stood up. “I’ll be right back. I want to give this to Mr. No Nuts as soon as possible.”

“Oh, I bet you do.” Willie Mae laughed as she watched Morgan shove her hat in her back pocket and leave the lunchroom. “Me thinks the shit’ll be hitting the fan and Mr. No Nuts and the owners will be standing right in front of the fan.”

****** 

Morgan knocked, waited a second or two, and then walked into the small office before Noodle could yell for her to enter. “Here ya go.” She flipped the paper onto the man’s messy desk.

“That was quick Ms. Fox,” Noodle stated as he picked up the paper and read it over. “I can’t hand this to the owners.”

“Do what ever the hell you want. Nothing ever gets fixed around here and someone’s going to get hurt or worse, die, because of the incompetence of the management working here.” Morgan yelled as she stepped out of the office and slammed the door. “Fucking needle nosed dick head.”

Noodle looked down at the paper once again. “One question is all she had to answer. One!” He folded the paper up and tossed it into the over flowing garbage just as he had done all reports filled out over the past few months. “What can you do to prevent this kind of incident from happening again? What’s so hard about that?”         

Morgan decided to take the rest of the day off. She knew she would not get into trouble especially with what happened today. Before she walked out she told Willie Mae that she was leaving and that she’d see her at home. She walked to her truck and sat there rubbing her head. “I’m gonna sleep with my hat on.” She reached for her ball cap, turned it backwards on her head, and cranked the truck. She smiled as the radio kicked on and she began to sing, Thank God I’m a Country Boy. 

With one quick look, she shifted into first and drove out of the parking lot towards her house.  

******   

“What the hell you doing home, shit head?” WJ yelled from the front porch of his house.  

Morgan flipped off the grinning skinny man. “Had a mishap with a machine.” She took off her hat and waited for the bombard of insults and jokes. 

“Oh my, look at ya. A q-tip wanna be.” WJ took a drag of his cigarette and stood up. “Guess we could rub it for luck or maybe clean the tub.” 

“Ha..ha, you skinny wimp. If you don’t knock it off I’ll tell Willie Mae you aren’t being nice and you won’t get any for weeks.” Morgan wiggled her eyebrows. “Got a beer in the house?” 

WJ laughed, “You know my sweet baby can’t go more than a day without her stud,” grabbing his crotch and thrusting his hips back and forth.  

Morgan laughed at the image of Willie Mae who easily out weighed WJ by two hundred pounds. “I know. I hear Willie Mae screaming all the time. Something kind of like this. ‘Ohh…WJ get your wiggly little dick over here and service your big bad mama’.”  

WJ strutted like a rooster, “Yes, ma’am. That’s what she says before….” 

“Before what?” Morgan asked as she moved towards the front door. “You want another beer?” 

“Yeah, since you’re getting them.” WJ sat back down on his chair. 

Morgan quickly entered the house and came back with two beers. “You didn’t answer my ‘before’ question.” 

“Oh, yeah.  She says that before I have her screaming and moaning for her big bad stud to take her to heaven and back.” WJ wiggled his eyebrows. “She knows I may be small but what I lack in body weight I make up for in stamina.” 

”Way too much information.” Morgan took a long pull from her beer. “So what’s new in the neighborhood?”  

WJ went on to tell her about every neighbor within a two-block radius before she went to her own house, made supper, and headed to bed. She had decided that she’d get the phone number for OSHA tomorrow to call them up to report the incident. She didn’t want a narrow escape like the one she had today happen to anyone else. With a plan in mind, she went to bed early. 

******   

Logan Hart sat in her office looking over the new assignment she had been handed.  She didn’t hear the door slowly open as another person walked in. 

“Whatcha doing?” Addison Lipton yelled as she slapped her hands flat on the desk. 

Logan’s whole body jumped up out of her chair. “You fucking bitch. You scared the crap out of me.” She grabbed a pen and tossed it at her curly haired best friend.  

Addison dodged the pen and sat down. “Hehe, I sure did and it was funnier than hell.” 

“Paybacks’ll be a bitch.” Logan slumped down in her chair and glared over her desk at the smiling woman. “To answer your question, you crazy assed loon, I have a new case.”  

“Really, doing what?” Addison asked curiously. 

The small red headed woman handed the paper across her desk and waited for the reaction she knew she would get.  

“You’re going under cover in an underwear factory? Oh, this is just too funny. Miss ‘Blush When She Even Passes the Woman’s Apparel at Wal-Mart’ has to go in every day and make underwear.” Addison dropped the paper onto the desk as she sat back.  She laughed until her sides hurt. “I so wish I could go with you just to see you on your first day.” 

“Well, my ‘happy as a clam friend’, you are.” Logan stated. “The paperwork is on your desk. So suit up, we start on Monday.” 

“Whoo hooo.  I get to play with all the underwear I can touch,” Addison leaned forward with a smirk.   

“No, you misunderstood me, Addison,” Logan stated as she leaned back in her chair.  “I’m going undercover.  You’re playing the straight agent this time.” 

“Me straight…never!  Oh, shit.  You mean I have to be the government bad guy and legitimately investigate this complaint?” Addison asked Logan. 

“Yep, that’s right,” Logan replied.  “There’s been some allegations from the employees…”she leaned forward and picked up the paper Addison had just tossed onto the desk, … “particularly, Morgan Fox.  It almost sounds like he has an ax to grind against the company.” 

“What does he say?”  Addison questioned as her interest in the case began to peak. 

“Let’s see,” Logan mumbled as she read the complaint.  “Seems he’s witnessed events or filled out forms on several safety violations within the factory over the past several months.  He states nothing’s been done to address them.  Some event that happened a day or so ago may have been the worse case yet causing him to complain to OSHA.” 

Addison wrinkled her forehead as she thought through what was being discussed, “Humm.  Won’t hurt to have a check into the situation.  Is he going to know that you’re an agent this time?” 

“NO!” Logan stated emphatically.  “Something fishy’s going on in that factory and we need to find out what it is before someone is badly hurt.  I’m going hire on just like any other worker and try to glean what I can from the other employees.  It should help us to better understand what’s happening.” 

“Right.  I’ll move in to investigate the allegations from the authority standpoint,” Addison continued the conversation.  “I‘ll work with the owners….”standing up she walked over to peer at the paper still in Logan’s hand….”and this safety person, Mr. Noodle.  You’re going to have to remember not to pull any of your crazy assed stunts if you want me to act like I don’t know you.” 

“Who me, acting out?  I’m a Perfect Angel…. innocent as they come.”  Logan mockingly stated. 

“Innocent my butt, more like Perfect Ass,” snorted Addison as she thumped Logan on the back of the head. 

“Bitch.  What do you say we blow this joint and go grab a beer?  This is the last time for a while that you and I are going to get to go out and drink together.  Once we get to Leesburg, we’ll have to act as if we’ve never met until this investigation’s over. Ready?” Logan asked as she locked her desk and stood to leave for the evening. 

“Yeah, guess so.  Hey, can we go to that little bar where the waitresses are topless?”  Addison asked as they turned out the lights and left the office.  

******* 

Morgan awakened slowly as she stretched and twisted, loosening her tight muscles.  She padded to the bathroom where she quickly took care of her morning business.  Returning to her bedroom, she slipped off her pajama bottoms and stood in a pair of snug boxer briefs.  Dropping to the floor, she did a series of push ups followed by two, ten count repetitions of one-arm push-ups.  Turning over she did one hundred sit-ups before stopping to shower and dress for work. 

As Morgan showered, she thought over the danger she had been in two days ago.  Running her hands over her close shorn hair reinforced just how dangerous the working environment had become due to neglectful practices.  She knew that her hair would grow back but still became angry when she thought of how she lost it.  She hoped that by reporting the incident to OSHA she was actually helping her co-workers and not putting a nail in her own coffin.   

Morgan finished dressing in her usual dungaree’s, plaid shirt and work boots. She picked up her cap, slapped it onto her head and headed to work. She walked across the street to the house directly facing hers.  Reaching the house, she pounded briskly on the door, calling out, “Get your fat ass out here before we’re late to work, Willie Mae.” 

Jerking the door open, Willie Mae and WJ, stood looking out at Morgan.  “Damn, girl.  Don’t get your panties in a wad.  Oh yeah, you don’t wear none,” Willie Mae said with a deep barreling laugh.  She turned, grabbed WJ by the back of the neck and pulled him close as she planted a wet, noisy kiss on him before heading out the door to join Morgan. 

“Have a good day, baby,” WJ called after them as they headed toward Morgan’s truck. 

“Well, you look happy as a fat tick this morning,” Morgan stated as she cranked the truck.   

Willie Mae rummaged in the bag in her hands, pulling out sausage and biscuit sandwiches as she answered, “Oh yeah, my honey bun was great last night.”  

“HOLD IT!  Please don’t tell me more.  Not if you want me to eat breakfast,” Morgan grumbled as she reached for one of the sandwiches. 

“Oh sugar plum, you just don’t know,” Willie Mae said as she rolled her eyes in a mock swoon.  “He’s sooooo…..good.” 

“SHIT!” Morgan snorted.   

The women were silent while they ate on the ride to work.  Morgan pulled into the parking lot along with all the other employees coming in for the day shift.  She honked and waved as her friends scurried by, heading toward the time clock.  Parking the truck, she and Willie Mae got out and joined the throng of employees rushing into the building. 

******* 

Logan Hart raced her beaten Honda into the parking lot, pulling into a slot near the front of the building.  She ignored the sign stating “Reserved - President” as she jumped out of the car and raced toward the building.  She was running late and needed to get into the personnel office to apply for the job before anyone else showed up.  As she ran, she tucked her shirt into her jeans, trying to make herself look presentable.  Nearing the building, she slowed down in order to catch her breath before going inside.  As she stood there, she watched the crowd of employees brushing past her.   

Whap! Logan stumbled to the side as someone jolted her out of her contemplative mood.  Looking up, Logan saw the back of a tall man in dungaree’s and baseball cap walking beside a grossly obese black woman.  She shook her head at the rudeness of some men and turned to enter the building through the front entrance and not the employee entrance. 

Once inside, Logan followed the signs in the hall leading to the personnel department.  She asked for an employment requisition.  She also asked if there were any openings.  Mr. Noodle walked into the office as Logan was talking with the clerk. Standing behind her, he leered at her body, checking out the way she filled out her jeans and the flaming red color of her shoulder length hair.  He listened with one ear on the conversation.  He heard her ask if there were any openings.  Noodle knew that Mabel quit yesterday.  Hoping to gain Logan’s attention, he moved until he was standing next to her.

“Well, hello there, little lady,” Noodle said to her in a swarthy tone of voice.  “So, you’re looking for a job.  You’re in luck.  We had someone quit yesterday and I know that we have one opening on the shop floor.  Think you can handle a big bad machine?” 

“Don’t know but I’m willing to try,” Logan replied hoping that he would hire her on the spot.  She knew that if she flirted with him the job would be hers.  She looked up into his face and watched as he stared at her.  “I sure need a job, “she stated as she sensuously ran her tongue over her lips.  “My name is Logan Hart.” 

Noodle’s mouth dried as he watched Logan bat her green eyes at him.  He stared down at her chest mumbling “nice rack” beneath his breath.  Walking up to the counter, he put out his hand saying, “Stop Nellie, just get the papers to fill out the W2 information.  She’s hired.  Give her the cutter’s job, the one that Dressler walked out on this week.” 

Turning toward Logan, Noodle grasped her beneath the elbow and pulled her along with him as he headed back out of the office toward the factory floor.  “Hart, I’m going to team you up with Fox.  Fox should be able to teach you everything you need to know to run the machine you’ll be operating.” 

When Noodle mentioned the name Fox, Logan’s ears perked up.  What luck that on her first day she’d be assigned to work with him?  She couldn’t wait to see if he was a true complainer or genuinely concerned about the safety of the factory.  She wondered what kind of man he might be. 

As they drew closer to the cutting machine, Logan could see the back of the person who had nearly knocked her off her feet as she was coming in.  From her view, she could see a tall, muscularly built person with tapering waist and rounded hips.  The dungaree’s he was wearing hugged well-developed legs.  His biceps bulged as he shifted the huge roll of material he was mounting at one end of the cutting table.  His hair was dark brown and short all over his head, almost like a buzz.  Moving closer, Logan wondered if this was Fox.  She hoped that her initial meeting would not be a preview of their working relationship. 

Noodle stopped short of the table.  He dropped Logan’s arm as he reached out and tapped the man on the shoulder.  The man turned and Logan’s mouth fell open.  There before her was the most beautiful woman she had seen in a long time.  The woman reached out and shut off the power on the table before stepping forward.  She slipped her earmuffs off, allowing them to dangle around her neck.  With piercing eyes, she stared into Logan’s face.   

Morgan turned, perturbed by the interruption in her work.  Noodle stood slightly behind her with a very petite woman with flaming red hair.  She was stacked and curved in all the right places for her stature.  Morgan could see her sea-green eyes scoping out her own body as they looked intently at one another. 

It was all Logan could do to keep her mouth from falling open and drool from running out.  “God, what a body,” she thought to herself.  “My god, I want her!”  Startled at the train of her thoughts, Logan gave herself a little mental shake and returned to the introduction on hand. 

“Fox, this is Logan Hart.  She’ll be operating the cutting machine.  Teach her what she needs to know.” Noodle stated without pausing.   

Turning to Logan he said, “I’ll check on you later, honey, but right now, Fox will be responsible for you.  She’ll teach you the right way to operate that machine.  Later Fox.”  Noodle turned and left the immediate area. 

“Oh shit, another newbie to train,” popped into Morgan’s head as she stepped closer to Logan.  

*******

Addison Lipton drove into the parking lot and pulled into the guest slot near the front of the factory.  Looking to her right she chuckled aloud as she recognized Logan’s dilapidated Honda parked in the President’s slot.  Looking around she noted a Mercedes parked two more slots from her car in the visitor area.  Picking up her briefcase, Addison stepped out of the dark Impala and headed toward the factory.  She rubbed her hands across her jacket, making sure she was presenting the professional look that she wanted to convey.  Moving with confident strides, she entered the building, read the signs pointing to the main offices and went in search of the owner of the factory.

Walking into the main office, Addison strode up to the receptionists desk and asked to see Mr. Shoemaker, the President of Shoemaker’s Undergarments Inc.  The receptionist looked startled but asked in a practiced voice, “Who may I ask is calling?”

“Addison Lipton, Investigator from OSHA,” Addison replied as she pulled her business card out of her pocket and handed it to the receptionist.

“Please have a seat and I’ll check to see if you can be seen this morning,” the receptionist stated.

“Please convey to Mr. Shoemaker this is a matter of governmental concern over potential safety violations and I need to see him today,” Addison remarked as she turned away to sit and wait.

Within ten minutes, the receptionist returned to her desk.  Sitting down, she signaled for Addison to come forward.  “Ms. Shoemaker will see you now.”

“Miss…?” Addison remarked. 

“Oh yes, Mr. Shoemaker passed away less than six months ago and his daughter’s running the company,” informed the receptionist as she turned in her seat and pointed to the door behind her.  “Just go through there and you’ll be in her office.”

Addison strode past the receptionist, knocked on the closed door and waited to be asked inside.

“Enter,” a melodic voice called out.  Addison opened the door and entered the office.

Gayle Shoemaker looked up as the door opened.  She watched as a striking Afro-American woman crossed through the doorway.  Her hair was cut short and curled tight against her head.  It was black and glistened in the light.  Her brown eyes were bright, and shone with intelligence as she moved deeper into the office.  She was tall but slim in an attractive way.  Her face was finely chiseled with her full lips pressed firmly together.  She was wearing a solid black pantsuit with white under blouse, which added to the look of the seriousness her facial expression foretold.

Addison watched as Ms. Shoemaker stood and walked around the desk.  She nearly gasped as she tried not to stare at the Nordic beauty moving in front of her eyes.  Her honey blonde hair hung below her shoulders and swayed softly as she moved forward.  Her baby blue eyes were clear and bright.  Her complexion was honey gold, giving the appearance that she stayed in the sunshine.  Her lips broke into a polite welcoming smile as she walked up to Addison.

“Good morning, Ms. Lipton.  My name is Gayle Shoemaker.”  Gayle asked as she reached out to cordially shake hands with Addison. “What may I do for you this morning?”

Addison reached out and took her hand.  As she did so, a remarkable feeling passed from Gayle Shoemaker’s hand into Addison’s palm.  Addison’s hand tingled and burned as if with fever the entire time they shook hands.  Once Ms. Shoemaker released her hand, Addison covertly wiped it down the side of her pant, making sure that the skin was still in tact.  Addison had no idea what had just happened. 

Gayle Shoemaker turned and walked back behind her desk.  As she walked she said, “Ms. Lipton, please have a seat.  I’d like you to tell me what we can do for you today.”  With lithe movements, Gayle sat back down and stared across at Addison sitting in the chair facing her.  “Please call me Gayle.  Shoemaker fit my father, but not me.”

Clearing her throat, Addison replied, “Thank you. You may call me Addison if you would like.”  With a tight smile Addison remarked, “Ms. Lipton sounds too much like my mother.”

“Now, tell me what’s going on and what may we do for you today,” Gayle said as she leaned forward ready to get to the bottom of the visit by an OSHA representative.

*******

“I can’t believe the arrogance of that woman.” Logan mumbled to herself as she slammed the bathroom door closed. “I just want to ram my fist down her throat.”

Logan looked at herself in the small mirror. “I can’t believe she called me “short stuff’.”

A knock on the door made Logan jump up from where she sat on the toilet.  “Occupied,” She yelled.

“Hurry up,” someone yelled from the other side.

Logan shook her head. “First day on assignment and it feels like forever.” She washed her hands and ran her wet hands through her hair. She looked up to the ceiling. “If you really love me you would make this a fast job so I can get away from Fox.”

As she stepped out some woman rushed past her and shut the door. “When you gotta go, you gotta go.”

“There you are,” Morgan said as she spotted Logan. “I’ve been looking for you. I need to show you one more thing.  I want to watch you to make sure you know what in the hell you’re doing so I can get back to my own job.”

Logan crossed her arms over her chest and followed the tall woman. “I can’t believe I even thought she was attractive,” she mumbled as her eyes racked over Morgan’s butt.

Morgan stopped, “Did you say something, Shorty?”

Logan grounded her teeth together. “You call me that one more time I am gonna shove a pair of boxers down your throat and watch you choke.”

“You would only do that if you could reach my mouth.” Morgan knew she was being a bitch, but she was tired of everything.  She was especially tired of always being the one to train the newbies. She looked into very angry green eyes and suddenly felt bad. She sighed, “I’m sorry. I’ve been an asshole to you and you don’t deserve it.”

Just as she said that Mr. Noodle walked by without so much of a hello or kiss my ass.

“He’s the one…” Morgan began to say as Logan stepped closer to her.

“What did you say?” Logan asked as she watched Morgan’s face. She could see the disgust and anger Morgan held for the manager. “Don’t like him do you?”

“No one does.” Morgan shook her head. “He’s a freaking jerk-off.”

“He seemed pretty nice to me.” The small woman replied casually. “He was attentive when I applied for the job.”

“Oh, I bet he was.” Morgan laughed. “What he saw was an attractive woman who doesn’t know what a needle dick he is.”

“Really?” Logan looked over to Morgan and wiggled her eyebrows. “So you think I’m attractive?”

“No,” Morgan flipped her hat around so it covered her eyes and walked away. “Besides, you’re way too short for my taste.”

*******

“Wait, I just want to make sure I understand you.” Gayle paced back and forth, as one hand ran through her long blonde hair. “All these incidents have gone unresolved, even though I’ve seen and signed paper work authorizing the money to be spent on the improvements?”

“It appears so,” Addison nodded as she crossed her legs and watched Gayle continue to pace. “As of right now, there are several charges and fines we can slap on this company. Since you seem to be the one in charge you’ll be the one held accountable.”

“I had no clue what so ever that they weren’t being repaired.” Gayle was shocked that not paying closer attention could cost her a hell of a lot. “I lost my father to a heart attack. I was willed the company in his estate.  I never wanted it.” She walked over to the small bar in the corner and grabbed the crystal container half filled with some sort of alcohol. “Do you mind if I have a drink? Would you like one too?”

“Kind of early for me,” Addison stated.

Gayle poured herself a glass full, “It may be early, but right now I don’t care.”

“Do you know who is supposed to make sure the equipment is taken care of?” Addison’s eyes followed the other woman’s movements back to her chair as she sat down.

“Yes,” Gayle shuffled through a stack of paper. “His name is John Noodle.”

“Noodle?” Addison repeated.

Gayle saw the laughter in the brown eyes of the woman. She couldn’t help but giggle. “Yes, odd name I know.”

“Yes, it is.” Addison smiled as she tried not to laugh. “Do you think I could meet him?”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Gayle pushed a button on her phone and asked her secretary to get a hold of Mr. Noodle and have him come up to her office. “He should be able to answer why this has gone on for as long as it has.”

*******

“How’s your day going?” Morgan asked Willie Mae as she sat down across from the obese woman.

Willie Mae took a bite from her sandwich and nodded. “Good.   How’s yours?”

Morgan smiled, “How come you always have me ask you even though you know every day I’m going to bum part of your sandwich off of you?”

Willie Mae swallowed then took a large drink of her buttermilk. “Because….”

Morgan laughed, “Okay fine. You gonna share with me?”

Willie Mae nodded as she took another bite then handed Morgan the rest of the sandwich. “So what’s your day been like?”

“Training a newbie.” Morgan grumbled. She bit into her sandwich as she spotted Logan walking her way with two large bags. “Speaking of newbie, here she comes.”

“Hey, Morgan, you mind if I sit with you?” Logan placed the bags on the table as she pulled out a chair next to Willie Mae. “Hi, I’m Logan. I just started working here and Morgan’s training me.”

“Logan, this is my best friend, Willie Mae.” Morgan took her last bite of her sandwich. “What’s in the bags?”

“My lunch,” Logan replied as she pulled out three sandwiches and a bag of Doritos along with two twenty-ounce Diet Dr. Peppers.  She looked over at Morgan who looked shocked and then over at Willie Mae who smiled. She asked, “What?”

“How in the hell can someone so small eat all that?” Morgan asked amazed.

Logan shrugged her shoulders, “I just can and do.”

Willie Mae wrapped her large arm around Logan’s shoulders. “I think you and me is gonna get along real well.”

Morgan looked at her friend and the newbie, “Unbelievable!”

Logan and Willie Mae may looked up at the same time, “What?”

Morgan watched in amazement as Logan downed three potted meat and egg salad sandwiches.  Logan had graciously offered Morgan a sandwich but sighed with satisfaction when it was turned down.  Following her meal, Logan let out a loud and long belch as she stood to discard her trash. 

“That should hold me till afternoon break,” she remarked as she walked over to the snack machine to see what items it carried.

“Ole, Sweet Thang, don’t you worry none,” Willie Mae stated as she finished the last of her buttermilk.  “I brought us a tater pie for snack time.  There’s plenty if you want to try it.”

“Oh yes ma’am.  That sounds delicious,” Logan replied as she moved over to the table where Willie Mae and Morgan were sitting.

“How’s about you call me Willie Mae and none of the ma’am shit,” Willie Mae said as she turned to Morgan.  “Okay, honey chile. You can throw out our trash now.”

Logan snickered beneath her breath as she watched Morgan rise to clear the table.

*******

Meanwhile, Addison waited impatiently for Noodle to make his appearance at the meeting.  Gayle’s secretary had poked her head into the office nearly an hour ago stating she had called him and he was on his way up.

Addison covertly watched Gayle as she sipped on the whiskey she had poured for herself.  Addison saw her grimace with each swallow and realized this was not a woman accustomed to drinking.  She knew that Gayle must have been more upset over the information than she was outwardly displaying. 

As they waited for Noodle to come, Addison opened her briefcase and removed several forms that she knew would need to be completed before all loose ends were tied up.  She could tell that Gayle was nearly clueless about any of the complaints that she had earlier rattled off.  Digging further through her brief case, Addison found a brief overview of the OSHA Standards and Compliance manual.  She drew it out along with a printed reference listing of on line search sites where Gayle would be able to learn more about the entire standards. 

Rising from her chair, Addison walked over to the desk with her papers in hand.  As she neared the desk, she could smell the rich spicy perfume that Gayle was wearing.  “God, that is sexy as hell,” she thought to herself as she waited for Gayle to look up.

Gayle watched beneath hooked eyes as Addison rummaged around in her briefcase and took out some papers.  She watched her movements and again admired how attractive she was.  Gayle noted that Addison’s skin was a soft warm complexion and flawless of any blemishes that she could see.  She was trim and solid like someone accustomed to working out to keep in shape.  Her legs looked long in the straight black slacks that she wore with her suit.  She had slipped on a pair of half reading glasses that broke the severe look she had maintained since sitting down in front of the desk.  Gayle watched shyly as Addison finally sat her briefcase back down and rose with papers in her hand.  She watched as Addison stepped up to her desk.  Finally, she looked up into Addison’s face and smiled softly as she waited for Addison to speak.

“Gayle, I know that it must be hard to step into a company you’ve never dealt with but I still can’t overlook the allegations of wrongdoing.  I am obligated to research all complaints for validity of facts.  Here are some notes that you may want to read through to become more familiar with the standards under which all business must operate.  It is just an overview but I have included a listing of excellent internet sites where you will be able to find out anything you need to know to maintain the safety standards,” Addison stated as she extended her arm.

Addison held out her hand with the papers in it waiting for Gayle to receive them.   As Gayle took the papers from her hand, their fingers again came into contact and Addison felt the same kind of electrical current passing between them as earlier but not with the same force.  She quickly drew back her hand as Gayle took hold of the papers.

“Damn, what the hell kind of static electricity is she generating,” Addison thought to herself as she returned to her chair.

“Thank you, Addison.  I’m floored by the allegations and would like to get to the bottom of it all.  There’s no way that I would willingly allow my employees to work in a dangerous environment.  We need to resolve this as soon as possible,” Gayle remarked in a concerned tone of voice. 

Looking at her watch, Gayle picked up the phone and buzzed her secretary.  “Hazel, can you find out what is holding up Mr. Noodle.  Yes, just ring me as soon as you check it out.  Thanks,” she said as she placed the receiver back into its cradle.

Both women sat in silence as they waited on the call from the secretary.  The phone buzzed and Gayle picked it up. 

“Yes.  What?”  Gayle sighed deeply and said, “As soon as he gets back, please call him and tell him that I expect him in my office by two this afternoon.  No excuse this time.”  She slowly set the phone back down.

“Addison, I’m sorry but it seems that Mr. Noodle decided it was lunch time.  Lunch seems to have priority over his meeting with me.  I’m so sorry,” Gayle remarked in embarrassment.

“Hey, that’s okay,” Addison answered.  “I’ll tell you what.  Why don’t we go to lunch too?  We may as well get that out of the way since we don’t know how much time we’ll use this afternoon.”

“You’re right.  I know of a good restaurant not too far from here.  Come on, I’ll drive us there,” Gayle stated as she rose and walked around the desk to stop next to Addison.

*******

“God damn!  My hair keeps falling in my eyes when I lean over to cut this shit.”  Logan mumbled aloud as she tucked her hair behind her ear for the millionth time this morning.  Looking across the table, she watched Willie Mae stand and arch her back, pushing out the kinks from where she had been on the opposite side of the table setting up the cloth with Logan.

“Willie Mae?” Logan called out.  “Hey, you,” she shouted loudly as Willie Mae did not hear her over the loudness of the machine. 

Willie Mae reached down and hit the kill switch.  She took off her ear mufflers as she turned back to see what Logan wanted.

“Willie, do we have any of those hair netty thingies to hold my hair up or some kind of cap?” she asked Willie Mae.

“Naw, we done told ole No-Nuts we needed something and he tole us if we did, then it was up to us to take care of it.  He didn’t see no reason to spend company money on us,” Willie Mae stated as she wiped the sweat off her brow.

“No-Nuts?  Who’s that?” asked Logan.

“Oh shit, I mean Mr. Noodle. I’ve called him that so much I’ve nearly forgotten his name,” Willie Mae answered laughing robustly.

“Doesn’t he know that the company’s obligated to make reasonable accommodations to aid the employees safely in their work?  This kind of work where we are leaning over the table most of the day requires some kind of hair shield, whether it is a hat, net, or whatever,” Logan responded while waving her hands in the air.

“Damn, girl.  How’d you get to be so smart?” Willie Mae snorkeled as she began to return to work.

Looking around, Logan tried to find something within the shop that would work for her hair.  Walking over to the finished product line, she hoped to find some rubber bands or strips of material where she could pull her hair back in a ponytail.  She only saw finished jockey shorts of all sizes piled up at the end of the table.  Suddenly, she smiled an evil little smile as she rummaged in the shorts looking for a small size.  Finding what she was looking for, Logan stepped back, lifted the shorts up and proceeded to pull them over the top of her head.  She tucked her long hair up under the shorts as she walked back to her table.  “Perfect,” she thought to herself as she settled the shorts over her hair making sure the leg holes were over her ears so her hearing would not be obstructed.  “More than one way to skin a cat,” she remarked aloud to no one in particular.

Returning nonchalantly to her table, she did her best to avoid the stares of her fellow co-workers.  She knew she must look funny but she was trying to prove a point to Mr. Noodle and hopefully catch his attention to the dangers of the shop.  As she walked back to her position, Willie Mae looked up and then did a double take.  She could not believe her eyes.  Nothing had ever looked funnier to her.  Her whole body doubled as the peals of laughter rolled out. 

“God damn, Sweet Thang.  Tha’s good,” Willie Mae said as she finally caught her breath. “Why the hell any of us didn’t think of that I’ll never know,” she said as she too stalked over to the finishing table where she grabbed a pair of shorts and covered her own hair to keep the sweat from rolling into her eyes.

Several of the women watching caught on quickly to what was going on and before long, half the work crew were walking around with jockey shorts on top of their heads.  Morgan walked back into the cutting area after having taken the latest shipment to the docks.  She stared at the scene before her eyes, not believing what she was seeing.

“What the hell is going on here?” she shouted as she walked over to the cutting table. 

“I needed a net or cap for my hair so I could work safely and efficiently,” Logan started explaining.  “I understand that the company refuses to get anything for us but told us to come up with our own protection device.  Voila, this is it,” Logan continued in a matter of fact way. 

Several of the women around her were laughing too hard for any of it to be taken seriously. 

“You know, you’re right.  Nevertheless, I’ll be god damned before I pull a pair of shorts on my head,” Morgan stated emphatically as she made her way back to the machine she was running.

“All right, ladies, back to work,” Morgan called out as she once again started up her machine.

******

Gayle and Addison were shown to a secluded table in the back of the restaurant.  This would provide them the opportunity to continue their conversation with minimal interruptions.  After placing their lunch orders, they simply sat and stared at one another for a few quiet minutes.  Finally, Addison stated, “Has anyone ever told you have beautiful you really are?”

“”Yes.  Unfortunately I hear that all the time but it’s usually said without real meaning.  I find that beauty is a drawback so many times.” Gayle answered as she fidgeted with the condensation running down her drink glass.

“What do you mean?  Beauty is very desirable.” Addison replied.

“True.  However, in my case, I find that I’m simply an object to be paraded around as someone’s beautiful toy.  Or at least that’s what my last girlfriend told me when I asked her to leave.” Gayle said timidly.

“Well, she must not have deserved to be with you if she only saw you as a precious object.” Addison answered as she smiled softly into Gayle’s eyes.

“So it doesn’t bother you to know that I had a girlfriend?” Gayle asked as she anxiously awaited Addison’s response.

“”No.  Why should it?  It’s not up to me to judge who you date or have relationships with.” Addison continued.  “In fact, my last girlfriend was upset over something similar.  She felt that everywhere we went; I drew the attention and not her.  I certainly had no desire to have everyone staring at me or comparing the two of us to see who was the more attractive.  She left me because she stated she didn’t want to have to compete for attention anymore.” Addison remarked in a straightforward manner.

“Yes, it does sound like we have something in common.  I’m glad.”  Gayle responded shyly.

The waitress walked up and placed their orders before them.  As they ate their chef’s salads, both were lost within their own thoughts.  After lunch, Addison sipped on a cup of coffee as she asked, “Gayle, tell me what the safety measures are that you currently have in place in the factory?”

Gayle blushed and admitted, “I have to confess that I have left the major running of the plant to John Noodle.  He worked for my father for years and I figured with me just coming into the business, I didn’t need to make any major changes until I learned how the company worked.  I didn’t want to be looked upon as someone coming in and shaking things up without seeing how the company actually was running.  It seems that may have been a mistake.”

“No, I think that was a good choice.  It could be that someone is trying to sabotage the company or something else is going on,” Addison remarked.

“I know that over the past six months I have signed several large requisitions for replacement of equipment to be used on the shop floor.  I simply don’t understand why there should still be safety issues.” Gayle stated in a perplexed tone.

“Well, let’s work on trying to discover what might be happening and then both of us will know what direction we need to take to rectify the issues.” Addison said in reassuring manner.

“I guess that’s the only tactic we can take at this point,” Gayle said with a sigh.

“You ready to head back so we can talk to this…Mr. Noodle?” Addison asked as she paid the check.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have done that,” Gayle remarked as she watched Addison pay for lunch.

“Hey, let me this time.  You can grab it next time.”  Addison stood with a smile.

“If you insist.” Gayle stated as she too stood and left the restaurant. Gayle smiled as they walked back to the car to return to the factory, replaying in her mind the statement Addison made about going out together again.

******

Logan was never as tired in her life as she was bending over the cutting material.  The longer she worked the more she realized why she had finished college and had taken a desk job.  It may keep her trapped inside most of the day but she was never as tired as she was right now.  Her scalp itched beneath the skivvies she had on top of her head, but she would be damned if she was going to take them off now.  This was way too close to underclothes for her and it had been all she could do to put them on her head to begin with.

“Ahemmm, excuse me,” a muffled voice said behind Logan.  Logan reached out slapping the side of the machine until she could find the uncovered switch.  She flipped it into the off position, making sure it stopped before turning around to see who was trying to get her attention.

A tall, statuesque blond stood looking at her with a look of chagrin on her face.  Addison Lipton stood next to the blonde woman.

Addison looked everywhere but at Logan.  She knew one look would cause her to double over in laughter after seeing the jockey shorts propped on top of Logan’s head.  Addison knew that this incident had to be triggered by Logan and that none of the other women would have dared do anything as drastic without a leader. 

Gayle looked at Logan and gestured toward her head asking, “What is the meaning of this?  Why are you and the other women wearing our products on your head?  Do you not know where shorts are generally worn?”

“Uhhhh….well…let me see.  Where do I begin...”  Logan stuttered as she tried to come up with a logical explanation. 

“I am new here.  In fact, I was hired this morning.  I was working at the cutting table and having to constantly bend over, my hair kept getting in the way of seeing how to use the electric shears to cut the material.  I asked one of the other women if the company provided the safety nets to aid us in our work to hold our hair back and she told me that Noodle said there was no way the company was going to waste the money on its workers and for me to figure out something myself.  So I did.” Logan explained as Addison stood behind Gayle rolling her eyes at Logan’s explanation.

Morgan walked up as Logan was explaining her behavior.  Gayle looked over to her and asked, “Morgan, as shop foreman, why has this not been addressed?”

Morgan stared back at Gayle and replied, “Miss Shoemaker, I have written this up at least a dozen times in the past few months and Noodle has always stated that the position of the company is that if our hair gets in our way, it is up to each one of us to personally take care of it.  The company wouldn’t be responsible for furnishing any equipment for making the work safer.”

“Oh no, it’s back to John Noodle again,” Gayle said in a quiet undertone to Addison who had moved up next to her when Morgan walked up.

Turning to Addison, Gayle said, “Miss. Lipton, this is Morgan Fox, the shop foreman, whom I believe I may have mentioned earlier.  Morgan, this is Addison Lipton.  She’s here to evaluate our safety measures in order to let us know where we may make improvements.”  

Gayle and Addison had agreed on the way back not to announce to the workers what Addison’s role at the plant was until the investigation was well underway.  They wanted the workers to be very honest in their opinions.  Government officials generally caused people to want not to say anything and in this case, it would not help if the workers did not talk.

“Nice to meet you,” Morgan said as she reached out and accepted the firm handshake offered by Addison.  They looked into one another’s faces and immediately felt a mutual respect for each other.  Morgan turned to Logan looking down at her from her full imposing height. 

“Do you think that you might take those underoos off your head now?  I believe your point has been made.” Morgan stated as she glared daggers at Logan.

Logan reached up and snatched the shorts off her head.  Her red hair tumbled out in a wiry mess to fall about her face in wild disarray.  She pursed her mouth and attempted to blow the hair out of her eyes as she stuffed the offending shorts into her back pocket.

“Now, Short Stuff, how about you going back to work.” Morgan stated as she reached out and turned Logan back toward the cutting table.

Addison watched as Logan stuck out her tongue, knowing that Morgan would not be able to see it.  Addison choked as she tried to hold back her laughter.  Gayle heard the strangled sounds coming from Addison and turned toward her, “Addison, are you okay?  Is something wrong?”

Addison straightened up and turned away from Logan as she struggled to answer without breaking out in laughter, “No, I am fine.  Just swallowed some air wrong.  Why don’t we go back up to your office and see what information we have to work with?  By the way, where is the elusive Mr. Noodle?  Isn’t he supposed to be meeting us?”

Gayle looked perplexed and shook her head stating, “I don’t know. It’s somewhat odd he isn’t around.  Let’s go see if my secretary has heard from him.”  Gayle turned and walked with Addison back up to the office.  As they entered the reception area, Gayle asked her secretary, Hazel, “Has John showed up yet?  Have you heard from him since I asked to see him this morning?”

Hazel stopped typing and turned toward Gayle, “Miss Shoemaker, I thought he would’ve called you.  He told me he had an emergency at home and had to leave for the rest of the day.  He asked that I cancel your appointment with him and that he would call me in the morning when he found time to meet with you.”

“Well!  That certainly isn’t what I expected.  I believe it should be that I‘ll call him when I can meet with him.  Don’t worry, Hazel.  I’ll take care of this issue when I meet with him.  Will you go ahead and book a meeting for about two hours in the morning?” Gayle said to her secretary. 

Turning toward Addison, Gayle asked her if she would be available for a nine o’clock meeting in the morning.

“Yes.  That time of morning will be fine.  It’ll give me time to kind of wander around the shop floor and just observe the work area, if you don’t object.” Addison said to Gayle as they walked on into Gayle’s office.

“No.  That sounds fine to me.  I trust you to give me the real facts as you find them.  I know so little on how to run this company,” Gayle remarked in a dejected tone of voice.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself.  It takes time to learn how to do a job.  Most people are not born with business knowledge you know, they train for this kind of position.”

“Yes, I know you’re right.  I just feel like a failure, like I have so many times in my life.”  Tears welled up in Gayle’s eyes as once again she realized that she was not able to do what was right for everyone. 

Addison walked over to her, reaching out to rub gently on her shoulder.  She no sooner touched her then Gayle spun around in her arms, grabbed hold of her as she buried her face against Addison’s chest, and cried as if her heart were breaking.  Addison wasn’t sure what to do so she simply held her lightly as the tears flowed out.

******

Meanwhile, Logan was fuming as she continued to cut on the material.  “That tall drink of water, who the hell does she think she is calling me ‘Short Stuff’?” Logan fussed to herself.  “I don’t give a horse’s ass if she is tall, beautiful and desirable as hell.  It will be a cold day in hell before I give her the time of day again.”

Just as Logan was berating Morgan, she walked up and tapped Logan on the shoulder, making her jump at least two feet straight up in the air.

“Holy crap, you scared the shit out of me,” Logan stated indignantly as she turned around to see who wanted her attention.  Reaching out she slapped her hand over the switch, shutting the machine down. Turning abruptly around she placed her hands on her hips and stared up into Morgan’s face.  “What do you want?” she demanded.

“Seems that we got off a little on the wrong foot, Short Stuff.  A few of us are going to Charlie’s after work to eat and shoot a little pool.  Thought maybe you might want to tag along and get to know a few more of your co-workers.  I’m sure they’re curious about you,” Morgan replied.

“Oh geez.  Well, ‘STRETCH’, I’d enjoy that.  I could use something to eat and I think I remember how to play pool,” Logan stated.  In fact, being the only girl of five children she knew more than a little about shooting pool.  It had been dog eat dog at her house and if she hadn’t learned to play well she would have still been doing dishes at home.  Logan was glad of the opportunity to meet with some of the workers as this would be a good opportunity to find out just how much they new about the safety violations.

“Good, do you have a ride?” Morgan asked as she turned back to go back to work.

“Oh yeah, Ole Bruiser will get me where I need to go,” Logan responded.

“Sounds like a plan, Shorty,” Morgan grinned as she left the area.

“Damn, damn, damn! Is she ever going to call me by my name?” Logan wondered as she turned back toward the table.

******

The four o’clock whistle blew and each machine was methodically turned off until all that could be heard was the rumbling of voices as the employees lined up to clock out of work.  Willie Mae thundered up to stand beside Morgan as they waited their turn to punch out. 

“Willie, are you and WJ coming to the bar tonight to shoot pool?”  Morgan asked as they shuffled along. 

“Yeah, Sugar baby, we’ll be there.  You gonna run me home so I can grab up WJ?” Willie Mae asked as she crossed her arms over her ample bosom. 

“I was thinking of seeing if Logan needed someone to ride over with her so she doesn’t get lost.  Think you can drive my truck home to get WJ and meet us out there?  Later on the three of us can ride back home together.”  Morgan continued.

“Sure, baby.  I was driving before you were knee high to a grasshopper,” Willie Mae stated as she clocked out.  “Give me the keys and we’ll see you later.  How’s about giving that honey chile, Logan, a good hello for me and tell her I’ll catch up with her later.”

“Sure Willie Mae. Later gator.” Morgan replied as she turned to look for Logan.

Seeing Logan headed toward the door, Morgan pursed up her lips and let loose with an ear-bursting whistle.  Logan turned to see what or who was making so much noise.  She saw Morgan waving toward her and trotting in her direction from across the plant floor.  Logan stopped and waited to see what insult Morgan was going to cast her way this time.

“Hey Logan.  Mind if I ride over with you?  I thought it would be easier to show you how to get there than to tell you.” Morgan stated.

“Sure, no problem,” Logan replied with a chortle.

Morgan and Logan left the building together.  As they approached the lot, Logan stopped in front an old worn out Honda that looked like it would barely run. 

“Oh my God, a sardine can.  I’m going to have to sit in a god damn sardine can,” Morgan said aloud without thinking.

“Hey, you invited yourself to ride with me,” Logan answered in a huff.  Come on, let’s go.

Morgan opened the car door after several strong tugs on the door.  It appeared to have been sprung at some time and was difficult to open.  Finally, she folded her body into the passenger seat.  Her knees were jammed up to the tip of her chin and her shoulders had no room to move.  Her head brushed the roof of the car.

Logan giggled as she looked to see how miserable Morgan looked squeezed into the confined area.  She wondered how far they would have to drive and hoped it was across town.  No malice intended, of course.

Logan cranked the car and backed out of the parking space with an exaggerated jerk of the wheel.  It slammed Morgan against the door.  Morgan hoped the door would remain closed, as she was unable to get to the seatbelt to try to put it on.  Logan asked for directions as they peeled out of the gravel lot, kicking loose gravel out behind them.

“Thank God, it’s only four blocks away,” Morgan replied as she tried to spread out her knees to see where they were going.  “Turn left at the light, go two blocks, turn right and you will see Charlie’s on your left.  There’s plenty of room to park.”  Morgan stated as she gripped the dash with both hands trying to hold herself up.

“Left at the light, two blocks, left, Charlie’s on the right,” Logan repeated back.

“No, not right.  Left at light, two blocks, right, Charlie’s on the left,” Morgan corrected.

“Got it this time.” Logan replied as she raced down the street following the directions Morgan had given her.  Five minutes later, Logan swung the car to the left, pulled up next to the building, and came to a rocking stop.  Morgan was thankful to have arrived in one piece as she slowly extracted her body from the car.

******

Addison continued to hold Gayle gently as her tears came to a stop.  Gayle sniffled a couple more times before lifting her head in embarrassment. 

“I’m so sorry.  I don’t know what came over me,” Gayle remarked as she backed out of Addison’s arms.  “Please forgive me.  Pouring all over you, a perfect stranger.”

Addison reached out and lightly touched Gayle on the arm, stopping her tirade of explanation.  “Gayle, it’s okay.  I’m glad that I was here to support you and that you were not alone when the walls crumbled.”

Gayle smiled wanly back at Addison as she drew back and walked over to the sofa.  Sitting down, Gayle slowly shook her head, “Everything seems to be piling on top of me at one time.  First Dad, then my girlfriend, and now these incidents with the shop.  I can’t even get the respect of one subordinate to come and talk to us.  I’m nothing but a failure.” 

A lone tear rolled down Gayle’s cheek to stop at the end of her chin.  Addison walked up to stand in front of Gayle where she leaned down and gently brushed away the tear with her fingertip. 

“Gayle, don’t be so hard on yourself.  Sometimes life dishes us nothing but a pile of shit and we can either drown in its weight or use it to fertilize our potential.” Addison said as she stood still.

“Still, I don’t usually break down like this in front of anyone.  There’s something about you that makes me feel very comfortable,” Gayle replied as she looked up into Addison’s dark brown eyes.  Reaching out, Gayle took Addison’s hand that was still touching her face and drew Addison down onto the couch beside her.

“Thank you for being here and not walking out,” Gayle whispered in a quiet voice.

Addison leaned closer to hear what she was saying.  As she moved nearer, Gayle turned her head toward Addison and brushed her lips along Addison’s check.  Addison drew back slightly but did not move away.  She simply sat in the silence that followed the single light kiss, their hands still twined together.

Finally, Gayle looked at her watch and noted that is was close to six in the evening.  The factory had been quiet for quite some time.  Gayle knew that all the workers were gone and it was time to leave.  Looking at Addison, she said, “Addison.  I hope that tomorrow we can find out more information about what’s happening here at the plant.  I’ll do everything I can to find the underlying cause of this mystery.  You’ll have my full cooperation.”

“I would expect nothing less,” Addison answered as she stood up to gather her briefcase and papers together.

“Are you ready to go?  I’ll walk out with you if you are.”  Addison asked.

“Yes, I guess there is nothing else I can do tonight anyway,” Gayle stated as together they walked out of her office and headed toward the parking lot.

After reaching their cars, which were parked next to each other, Addison opened Gayle’s car door allowing Gayle to climb into the driver’s seat.  “I’ll see you bright and early in the morning, Gayle,” Addison said as she closed the door. 

Gayle started the car and drove off.  She looked into the rear view mirror and watched as Addison got into her dark sedan and prepared to also leave.  Gayle shook her head again in disbelief of how much she was drawn to Addison.  This was one relationship worth cultivating with care, she thought to herself.

Meanwhile, Addison was wondering where Logan was and how long it would be before they had the opportunity to compare notes.  She drove without worrying about the traffic as she headed back to her apartment.  Her thoughts turned to Gayle as she again reflected over how physically attractive she found Gayle.  She hoped they would have more opportunity to get to know one another better.

******

Morgan introduced Logan to the group of men and women gathered around the three tables joined to hold them all.  Logan shook hands and nodded toward each person she met.  She wanted to become a part of the group so they would accept her as one of them.  Sitting down, someone handed her a menu.  Morgan sat down next to her also looking over a menu.

The server stood next to Logan as Logan began to place her order.  “Humm, let’s see.  I’ll have one and half orders of hot chicken wings, the spinach dip, order of nachos with beef, and the stuffed mushroom. Oh and bring me a pitcher of beer,” Logan finished as she handed her menu back to the server.  She looked over at Morgan, catching a look of astonishment on her face, “What….?” Logan remarked as she lifted up her glass and took a sip of water.

“Are you really going to eat all of that?  How in the hell can you hold so much food on your little frame.”  Morgan asked as she ordered a chef’s salad and iced tea.

“I’m a growing woman,” Logan remarked with a wide grin. 

Morgan started to say something else but stopped as Willie Mae and WJ walked up to the table.  Logan looked up and nearly sprayed her mouthful of water all over the table.  She could not believe the contrast in size between Willie Mae and her husband, WJ.  It was like looking at Jack Sprat and his wife from the old fairy tale. 

Willie Mae grabbed hold of WJ’s hand and swung him around until he was facing Logan.  “WJ, this here little bit is Logan Hart.  She was hired today and is working the cutting table with me.  She also has as good an appetite as I do.  You are going to love her, WJ.”  Willie Mae finished as Logan stood up and hugged WJ. 

WJ was all skin and bones but the crushing hug he gave back made Logan feel warm inside.  She knew now why Willie Mae beamed with pride when she spoke his name.  He was the soul of goodness.  “It’s so good to meet you, WJ.  I feel that you and I are going to be very good friends.” Logan said as she sat back down.

“I think so too, little lady.  Mind if me an honey bun sit next to ya?” WJ asked as he pulled out a chair for Willie Mae.

“No, help yourself.  I am glad you’re sitting next to me, Willie Mae.  We can share our snacks if you want.”  Logan continued to tell Willie Mae what she had ordered which resulted in Willie Mae and WJ ordering complementary foods so they could all share their supper together.

After supper, Morgan stood and challenged Logan to a game of pool.  Logan pretended to be uneasy with the challenge and reluctantly stood up, walked over to the cue rack and chose her cue stick.

“I’ll break to get us started if you’d like,” Morgan stated as she slammed the cue ball, shooting the first four balls into pockets on the table.  She continued shooting until five balls were left.  She finally missed a shot and conceded the table to Logan so she could take a turn. 

Logan walked round and round the table, looking at all angles of the plays.  Finally, she leaned way over the table to take a shot at one of the balls into the distant side pocket.  Her pelvis rested along the top edge of the table.  One foot was entirely off the floor and her perky hips were in full view of Morgan’s eyes.  

Morgan could not help but look at Logan’s butt jutted up in the air.  It was a perfect shape. It was all that Morgan could do not to reach out and pat it.  “I’ve been way too long without a woman,” Morgan thought to herself.

Logan made her shot and sunk the ball with ease.  After that, it was an easy matter to sweep the last four balls into the pockets.  Morgan was surprised at how well Logan was playing.  She quirked an eyebrow up as Logan sank the last ball. 

“Lucky shot,” Logan remarked with a sly grin.

“Lucky, my ass.  I’ve just been hustled,” Morgan stated as she walked up to Logan.

“Well, you did just assume I didn’t know how to play, didn’t you?” Logan stated.

“True.  How about we play a real game this time?”  Morgan asked.

“Sure, what are the stakes?” Logan asked as she chalked the tip of her stick. 

“You have to promise not to wear any shorts on your head during work,” Morgan replied.

“Deal, as long as you agree if I win, you have to wear the shorts along with us.” Logan responded as she prepared to break the rack.

“You got a deal,” Morgan laughingly replied as she never lost at pool.  This was a sure bet.

****** 

The next day Morgan stood next to Willie Mae and several others who happened to be at the bar last night.

“So, what color do you think she will grab?” Someone asked Morgan.

Morgan turned her head and glared. “Shut up will ya.”

“Hey now, don’t get all pissy. You lost the bet and now you must do what you need to do.” Willie Mae smirked. “Even if it is too wear underpants on your head.”

Morgan shook her head, “I know somehow that little squirt cheated.”

“Oh and how did she do that?” Willie Mae asked as she watched Logan skip over to them with a big smile.

“Shit, I don’t know how. I just know she did.” Morgan pouted like a small child.

Logan stopped in front of Morgan and held out a bag. “Here ya go Stretch. Wear them with pride.”

Morgan snatched the bag and opened it up. “Damn it all the way to hell.” She grumbled as she pulled out a pair of bright blue boxers with red lips on them. “You have got to be kidding me?”

“Nope, a bet is a bet, Stretch.” Logan grabbed the boxers and motioned for the tall brunette to bend over.

Morgan sighed and did as she was asked. “Just wait until I win a bet. Your ass is so mine.”

“You couldn’t handle my ass.” Logan whispered into Morgan’s ear before she turned and headed towards her machine.

The warm breath sent a warm sizzling sensation shooting down Morgan’s back. She quickly stood up and shivered slightly. “Okay people let’s get to work.” She ordered trying to push down the pictures of where she would really like to feel Logan’s warm breath.

Willie Mae noticed the shiver when Morgan stood up and she smiled to herself. “Looks like someone has finally met her match.”

“Did you say something?” Morgan asked.

“Not a word babe.” Willie Mae shook her head and grinned. “Not one word.”

******  

“Good morning Hazel. Have you heard anything back from Mr. Noodle?” Gayle asked as soon as she stepped into the room.

“Sorry Ma’am.  He has not called or anything.” Hazel replied from behind her desk.

Gayle nodded, “Ms. Lipton will be here again this morning. Would you please let me know when she has arrived?”

“I will,” Hazel smiled as she glanced at her boss. “She’s quite beautiful.”

Gayle nodded as she remembered what it felt like to me comforted by Addison. “Yes, she is.”

“You two will be spending a great amount of time together.” Hazel wiggled her eyebrows as she stacked papers in a nice pile.

“Would you please get your mind out of the gutter?” Gayle playfully slapped at her secretary’s arm. “You need to get a life.”

Hazel laughed as she watched Gayle open her office door. “I’ll show Ms. Lipton in as soon as she shows up.” She looked up as she fiddled with a pen on her desk. “Just put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door knob when you want some privacy.” 

“Dog,” Gayle mumbled as she shut her door.

****** 

Once again Morgan sat on the opposite side of the lunch table and watched Logan and Willie Mae eat god only knew what kind of sandwiches.

“Can I try a bite of that one?” Logan pointed to a wrapped up concoction. “I’ll let you try my sardine and miracle whip.”

“Deal,” Willie Mae pushed her sandwich towards her new friend.

Morgan covered her face with her hands and groaned. “How in the hell can anyone eat that? It’s inhuman.”

“Hey, it’s good.” Logan held out the offending sandwich. “Take a bite and see. I bet cha you’ll like it.”

“I would rather have noodle dick touch my left tit.” Morgan grimaced at the thought. “I take that back.”

Logan continued to hold the sardine and miracle whip sandwich up.

“Fine!  Gesh, you two are bad for me.” Morgan swiped the sandwich and quickly took a bite. “Oh, fuck.” She said before she stood up and ran for the bathroom.

“Think I should have told her about the peanut butter?” Logan raised an eyebrow at the fast moving figure.

Willie Mae reached over and took the sandwich off the tabletop. “Naw, but you certainly have peeked my interest.” She took a large bite and moaned with delight.

****** 

Several days went by and Addison found she needed to talk with Logan without being caught. She decided on an early morning visit. They each had keys to the others apartment just in case of an emergency so Addison let herself in. The small but cozy apartment had Logan written all over it.

“Doesn’t this woman ever pick up after herself?”

As she treaded through the living room, a thought popped in her head. “Should I be a good friend or a bitch?” She pretended to think on it for a second before she took off in a run screaming bloody murder. She slammed the bedroom door opened and launched herself on top of her now wide-awake friend.

“You fucking bitch,” Logan screamed as she fought with the covers and the added weight of Addison.

“Good morning sunshine.” Addison blew a raspberry against Logan’s cheek before she rolled off her small friend and laughed.

Logan wiped her face off with her sheet and kicked Addison in the ass. “You fucking goober. What the hell do you think you are doing here at….?” She looked at her alarm clock and growled, “….the butt crack of dawn on a Saturday morning.”

“I came over to see your smiling face.” Addison replied sweetly.

“Liarface,” Logan slopped back down on her bed. “What’s up?”

“Thought we should touch base,” Addison answered.

“Good idea, but that couldn’t wait until later in the day?” Logan eyed her friend who sat back down on the bed.

“You know me,” Addison grinned. “The early bird…”

“…Catches the worm.” The sleepy blonde-haired woman interrupted with her eyes closed. “Bite me, butt wipe.”

“You point to the spot and I will be more than happy to do as you requested.” Addison chopped her teeth together. “Come on sweet cheeks we need to talk about the undie factory.”

****** 

Logan sat with a large cup of coffee listening to Addison relay what has been going on in the office and her suspicions of Mr. Noodle. Logan noticed that whenever Addison mentioned the boss’s name she would get all dreamy eyed and smiled slightly.

“So we think this Noodle character is scamming the factory.” Addison finished and looked over to meet Logan’s eyes. She raised one eyebrow. “What?”

“Tell me about Gayle.” Logan asked.

Addison shook her head, “Nothing to tell.”

“Liar,” the small blonde-haired woman teased. “You know you wanna tell me.”

“Nothing to tell,” whispered the now shy woman. Addison looked up and met Logan’s questioning stare. “Okay fine. Gayle is the most attractive woman I have ever laid eyes on in my life.”

“And…” Logan waved her hands in front of her body. “Need more info, babe.”

Addison lowered her head and sighed with defeat. She knew no way was she going to leave here without telling her sassy friend the sparks she felt whenever she was close to the beautiful Ms. Shoemaker.

****** 

WJ sat on his front porch watching Morgan slowly make her way over. “What the hell you doing up so early?”

“Going in for some over-time.” Morgan answered with a loud yawn. “Didn’t that wife of yours tell you we had to work today?”

The skinny man started to shake his head when he all of a sudden he remembered Willie Mae saying something about overtime as he was messing around with her last night. “Oh, ya I remember now. I was kinda busy when she told me.”

“Boy, you sure were busy and baby doll, I loved every single orgasmic second of it.” Willie Mae bellowed out as she opened the screen door and let it slam shut behind her.

“Good morning Baby,” WJ stood up and kissed his wife.

Morgan watched his two friends kiss. “Geez people.  You need to breath at some point.”

“You’re just jealous,” WJ replied after he finished sucking on Willie Mae’s bottom lip. “You need a girlfriend.”

“No I don’t,” Morgan slumped on the front step. “They just cause trouble and break my heart.”  

“Not all of them are like that bitch you went out with before. Some are actually nice and will give you the world if you let them.” Willie Mae stated as she walked over to her tall friend. “Why don’t you ask Logan out? She seems nice.”

“Are you out of your ever lovin mind?” Morgan sat up and grimaced. “Don’t get me wrong.  She’s nice on the eyes and seems intelligent but no way.”

“Oh, you mean that small blonde that wears undies on her head?” WJ came up behind Morgan and tapped the top of her head. “Don’t be a chicken.  Just ask her out.”

“I know, ask her to come to the bar tonight.” Willie Mae poked Morgan in the shoulder. “A little dinner…a little dancing, and who knows what.”

“No,” Morgan answered and stood up and headed for her truck. “Come on, let’s get going or we’ll be late.”

Willie Mae and WJ watched Morgan get into her truck and start the engine.

“She needs someone in her life.” WJ shook his head as he grabbed his wife’s hand.

Willie Mae squeezed his fingers tight. “Yes, she does and I know just the person.”

WJ knew whom Willie Mae was talking about and nodded. “The little redhead?”

“Yes, those two aren’t going to know what hit them.” The large woman smiled. “See you after work baby cakes.” She leaned over and gave WJ a big wet kiss. “Be ready for me baby.”

“I’m always ready for you.” WJ wiggled his eyebrows and swatted his wife on the butt. “Get going before Morgan leaves without you.”

******  

It was around noon and Logan was sitting around her kitchen table looking at all the files and paper work Addison had brought over. “Stinky ass bitch leaves me with all this paper work while she goes off on an afternoon date.”

The ringing of the phone stopped Logan’s cursing. “Hello?”

“Hey little lady. Lunch is quiet without you.” Willie Mae said from the other end.

“Hey, Willie Mae, how are you? Why are you at work?” Logan questioned as she sipped her ice tea.

Willie Mae went on about how the newbie didn’t get overtime unless one of the older factory workers didn’t want it.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait my turn. Nothing like a little extra money in the old pocket book.” Logan replied as she tried to figure out how to get some extra hours.

“I only have a few more minutes, but was wondering if you wanted to come out with WJ and me tonight?” Willie Mae asked.

“Sure, where and what time?” Logan asked as she took another sip of her drink.

Willie Mae told her she would meet her up around seven before Morgan yelled to get back to work. “Gotta go, the bossy bitch is hollering.”

“Bye, Willie Mae, see you tonight.” Logan hung up and figured she had better get some more work done before getting ready for her night out.

******

“Hey sweet pea, what cha doing tonight?” Willie Mae yelled out as she walked back to her cutting table.  Morgan pulled the roll of material tight as they both began cutting again.

“Do I honestly look like a sweet pea?”  Morgan turned with her hands on her hips.  Her jeans fit as snug as a glove, out lining her taunt thighs and bulging muscles.  Her waist dipped in before curving back out gracefully. She looked lean and mean and definitely not a sweet pea. 

“Sure you do, sugar.  Now is your ass going to answer me or not about tonight?”

“You know good damn well I have nothing planned but sitting in front of the TV and sipping on a Coors. Why?  What have you got up your sleeve?”  Morgan asked in curiosity.

“Why honey chile.  All’s I wants to know is will you come out to Billie Bob’s this evening with WJ and me.  We won’t enjoy ourselves nearly as much if we have to keep thinking of you sitting home alone in front of the boob tube.”

“Okay….okay.  I’m game for whatever the hell you are going to do but I might not stay all night.” 

“Oh yes you will,” Willie Mae said under her breath.

“What’s that you said?” Morgan asked as she leaned toward her.

“Oh nothing, ‘cept I hope we get done here pretty damn soon.  My legs are starting to kill me.”  Willie Mae stated as she looked down at her feet covered with fluffy pink house shoes.

“If you would wear shoes to support your fat feet, you might not hurt as much.”

“Sure, baby, I know but these feel so gooooood.”  She grinned back at Morgan before replacing her earphones and cutting her machine back on.  Plans are coming together, she thought to herself.  Sure hope that ole fool WJ doesn’t start to mettle in my spooning business now.

******

Logan continued to look through the documents several more times.  She stopped once to grab a snack to tide her over until she met with Willie Mae and her husband.  She had enjoyed their company last time she was with them and looked forward to this evening.  As she was peeling a banana, she glanced down at several order forms spread out on the table.  Suddenly, she realized she was seeing a discrepancy in the order sheets compared to the bills that had been paid for the same items.  Tossing her banana onto the table, she ruffled through the papers spread out everywhere until she found the balance sheet she wanted to review.  Laying the spreadsheet and order forms side by side, Logan could see that the orders were priced considerably less than the money that was recorded as having been paid out.  “How in the hell could more money be sent then the invoice listing” she questioned aloud.

She shuffled more papers around until she was able to match up several patterns of the same kind of activity.   She picked up her cell phone and punched in Addison’s numbers. 

“Hey bitch.  What cha up to?”  Logan said after hearing Addison say “hello.”

“Not much.  Trying to catch a nap.  Got dinner plans for later tonight.”  Addison answered while trying to smother a yawn.

“Anyone I know?”  Logan became all ears, wanting to hear everything that was happening to Addison.

“Sure.  You know her.” She paused without saying anything else. 

“Well shit.  You gonna tell me or make me beg.”

“I like when you beg.  Come on…beg me a little more.”  Addison said laughingly.

“God damn it.  That’s not fair.  You know every single detail of my life.  I have to pull shit out of you syllable by syllable.”  Logan huffed.

“Oh don’t get your panties in a wad.  I’m having dinner with Gayle Shoemaker.”

“Damn girl…..”

“Hold it.  Before you go off on a tangent, it’s strictly business, not pleasure.”  Addison said, interrupting Logan before she finished her conversation.

“Everyone always says that.” Logan couldn’t help adding.

“Why did you call?” Addison asked as she tried to turn the conversation to another topic.

“OH yeah.  Those papers you brought over this morning.”

“Yeah.  What about them?”  Addison asked as she shifted the phone to her left ear.

“I think I have found something rotten in Denmark.  It looks like someone is skimming money away from the company.  There are large discrepancies between what is billed and what is actually paid out.  The payout is much higher than the bills.  I have even been able to find a couple of invoices where the merchandise was returned and a full refund is made but can’t find a corresponding record in the journals.”  Logan continued in an all business tone.

“Can this wait till tomorrow when I can come review the data with you?”  Addison asked as she pulled up her calendar on her PDA.

“Sure.  This is retrospective data and not going to affect anything immediately anyway.  Why don’t you come over around lunchtime unless you hear otherwise from me?” 

“Sounds good.  Are you cooking this time?” 

“Why?  Does it matter?”

“Sure it does.  I know whether or not to bring my anti-acids if you are cooking.”

“Bitch.  Just for that, YOU pick up lunch and bring it with you.”

“That’s a deal.  See you tomorrow.  Hey, tell you what.  I’ll ask Gayle how the business is handled and who has access to the invoices and who is authorized to make payments while we have dinner this evening.” Addison stated before hanging up.

Logan stood quietly running through several scenarios before turning to go into her bedroom.  It was nearly five o’clock and she still needed to prepare to go out this evening.  She was glad that Willie Mae had told her it was a restaurant/bar that played Country music. She was more than delighted when she was told the dress would be casual.  She didn’t feel like dressing up this evening.  Arching her back, she tried to stretch out her tight muscles that felt the results of bending over the table all afternoon.  She quickly stripped and stepped into the shower.  As she showered, she sang off key at the top of her voice.  She chuckled to herself as she thought about what Morgan would have said if she had heard her singing.  She knew it would be something about a short stuff being rung through a ringer and hung out to dry.

******

By five in the afternoon, Morgan and Willie Mae were shutting down the line and making sure all power was off.  As Morgan stood waiting for Willie Mae to change from her slippers, the UPS driver banged on the closed door.  Morgan reached out and grabbed the handle, and pushed the door outward.

“Boy, am I glad to see someone still here.  I thought I was going to have to make this freaking trip again on Monday,” the young man said as he juggled his bundle while trying to pull up his clipboard.

“You’re lucky.  Normally we aren’t here on the weekends. Here, let me give you a hand.” she said as she reached out and plucked the package from his hands.

She glanced down at the label and smiled.  It was from the manufacturer of the machine that literally tore the hair from her head.  Seems that dorkwad Noodle was going to fix the machine after all despite what his earlier comments were.  After signing the delivery voucher, Morgan carried the package over to Noodles office and placed it in the center of his desk. 

I hope that he’ll get someone from maintenance to install it early next week, she thought to herself as she walked out and closed the door of his office.

Willie Mae walked up as she came out of the office. “What you doing in there, child?”

“Nothing Willie, just putting a delivery on his desk.  Looks like the faulty switch plate may have come in.  Maybe complaining is doing some good after all,” Morgan said as she and Willie Mae left the building.

“We’ll see.  Now, how’s about you come get us about six thirty?  I should have Sugar Pie ready to go by then.” Willie Mae stated as she hoisted her body into Morgan’s truck.

“Sure thing, Sweet Cheeks,” Morgan said with a grin.

******

Gayle Shoemaker looked in the mirror for the hundredth time as she checked over her flowing silk pantsuit.  She hoped that she was dressed to appeal to Addison but she just didn’t know.  She and Addison and spoken about going out to dinner but as she was dressing, Gayle decided it would be a lot more intimate to have dinner served here at the house.  She knew the help loved to cook for her but she seldom ate at home by herself. 

She looked into the dining room and noted the setting were next to each other at the far end of the table.  The candelabrum was set ready to be lit. The wine was chilling in the cooler beside the table.  Dinner was nearly ready; all it needed was the guest.

Gayle heard the buzzer as she walked out of the dining room.  She saw the butler walking toward the door and waved him back.

“I’ll get it, Dobbs,” she said as she neared the front entry.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said as he turned to go back into the kitchen.

Gayle hesitated a few seconds while the door buzzed again.  With a smile on her face, she reached out and opened the door.  Addison Lipton looked up as the door opened and smiled back in response to Gayle’s smile.  Gayle reached out her hand and drew Addison into the house.

“Good evening, Addison.  Please come in.”  

“Thanks.  How are you doing tonight?”

“Much better than earlier this week, that’s for sure.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.  I was afraid this would make you give up without a fight.”

“Oh no.  It may have made me look hard at what I have or have not done but I’m not a quitter.”

“Good! That’s the spirit that I like to hear.”

“Come on in the living room and we can talk a few minutes.”

“I thought we were having dinner together?”

“We are.  I was thinking that it would be nice to have it here where it’s quiet and we can talk without fear of being overheard by someone that might be part of the plant.”

“Umm.  Yes, I see your point.  Are you sure this won’t be any trouble?”

“No, I am really looking forward to having your company to myself if you don’t mind.” Gayle stated as she led them into the living room.

Looking around, Addison noted the muted light and the soft warm ambiance of the room.  It felt comfortable and well lived in, not the stifled formal room she would have expected.

Gayle watched her taking in the atmosphere of the room and smiled softly.  “I know what you must be thinking but I love this room and want it to be a space that I enjoy coming in to.  I spend a lot of time in here.”  She turned toward the wet bar at the far end of the room.  “May I pour you something to drink?”

“Sure, do you have a mild white wine?”

“Certainly,” Gayle replied as she poured two glass of golden wine.  She walked toward Addison saying as she walked, “Have a seat and get comfortable.  Dinner will be ready shortly.”

It was quiet as the women sipped their wine in quiet companionship.  Gayle had just sat her glass down when Dobbs walked stiffly into the room and announced, “Dinner is served, Miss. Shoemaker.”

Addison stifled back a laugh as she choked on the last swallow of wine in her mouth.  Gayle jumped up to help her out but instead leaned over and said, “Acts like he has a stick up his butt, doesn’t he?” which only set Addison off again into loud guffaws of laughter. Gayle readily joined in the laugher.  With tears in both sets of eyes, they linked arms and followed the butler into the dining room.

******

“WJ, will you get your skinny white ass in gear and get out here?  Morgan done been waitin’ ten minutes for you to get your dancing shoes on.”  Willie Mae shouted toward the back of the house as she stomped toward the front door.  “You don’t get yourself out here right now, we’re gonna leave your ass behind.”

She flung the door open as WJ came running down the hall.  He was still in his stocking feet and carrying his shoes.  The momentum of his run propelled him into the halted figure of his wife as she opened the door.  He stopped dead and fell backward as his lightweight body hit the immoveable force.  Willie Mae twisted to look behind her and with a disgusted grunt, “Quit your clowning around and let’s go.  Do you want me to put your shoes on for you?”

“Oh no, sugar snookums.”  WJ stated as he jammed his feet into his penny loafers.  “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”   With a wiggle of his eyebrows he told her, “I got plans for us later.”

“Hush your mouth.”  Willie Mae said as she linked arms with him and pulled him through the tight squeeze of the door toward the car to join Morgan.

******

Meanwhile Logan was driving her Honda toward Billie Bob’s were she had agreed to meet Willie Mae and WJ.  She was looking forward to an evening of relaxing fun and pleasure.  Who knows, she might even meet someone that could hold her attention for longer than five minutes.  Now that would be a miracle in itself, she thought.  Immediately her mind conjured up the physical image of Morgan with her tall muscular build, her dark close-cropped hair and her steel blue eyes.  Forget it, she told herself as she squeezed her car between two oversized pickup trucks. 

Walking into the lounge, Logan looked around but didn’t see Willie Mae within the room.  A server walked up to see if she needed a table.  Seeing one that was toward the back but close enough to the dance floor and stage, Logan pointed to the table and followed the server across the room.  After ordering a cold beer, she sat herself in the chair that looked across the room so that she could signal Willie Mae and WJ as soon as they came into the lounge.

Music played softly in the background.  She could hear the ping of the pinball machines with the bells ringing out the high scores.  Mugs clinked as the empties were set back onto the bar counter.  People strolled in and out, all in a happy mood.  Logan sipped her beer and observed the people around her, not missing much that was going on.  She kept glancing toward the door watching for her friends.

Twenty minutes passed and she was beginning on her second beer when she glanced up and noted Willie Mae come through the door.  WJ walked in beside her.  Just as she half stood to flag them, she saw Morgan step around Willie Mae’s body.

“Oh damn it anyway.  Why did SHE have to come too,” Logan said to herself as she sat back down.

Willie Mae flapped her hands in Logan’s direction and nudged WJ on the shoulder steering him toward her table.  Logan watched as Morgan reached out, placed her hand on Willie Mae’s arm and spun her around. 

“Why didn’t you tell me, SHE would be here too?” Morgan asked in an irritated voice.  “Damn if I have to put up with her asinine ways here as well as at work.” 

“Honey child.  Hold on. She didn’t know you’d be here either.  Come on baby.  Give her a chance.  You’ve only worked with her and not spent any time with her to know what she is really like.”  Willie Mae pleaded as she held on to Morgan’s sleeve to keep her from walking back out the door.  At the same time, she was slowly shuffling backward toward Logan, pulling Morgan with her.

“Damn it.  I wouldn’t do this for anyone but you,” hissed Morgan as she finally picked up her step and moved around Willie Mae.

Moving closer to the table, Morgan noted that WJ had already claimed the two chairs on one side of the table.  She had no choice but to take the chair next to Logan.

“Good evening,” Logan said in a stilted voice as Morgan sat down.

“Yeah, how you doing?” Morgan grumbled back.

“Not too bad.  Just taking in the scene and listening to the music.”  Logan looked up into Morgan’s eyes and a current to pass between them. Green eyes held steel blue as the look of dislike changed to curiosity.  They smiled shyly at each other before breaking the eye lock. 

“Well baby, I see you didn’t wait on us to get started.” Willie Mae stated after seeing the beer bottles on the table.  Not getting an answer, she looked up and noted how engrossed Logan and Morgan were with each other.  A full beaming smile once again broadened her face.

Logan slowly turned her head toward Willie Mae wonder what in the world she had just said.  “Huh?”

“I said… ah never mind.  WJ, go get us a pitcher of beer and four more mugs.”

WJ pushed back his chair and slowly ambled toward the bar.  He was halfway across the room when he heard Willie Mae call out, “And bring one of those big thing-a-ma-jigs filled with peanuts and one with popcorn. Never mind, I'll come help ya."  Willie Mae rose and slowly ambled across the room behind WJ.

“So how’s your weekend been going?” Morgan asked tentatively as she leaned toward Logan.

“Very well.  And yours?”

“Willie Mae and I worked most of today.  Had some orders we had to get done and out the door.”

“I thought the plant closed on weekends?”

“Usually it does.  With all the down time due to the broken equipment, we have fallen behind on getting the shipment ready for delivery.  If we don’t meet this next quota, Shoemaker’s is going to go under big time.  We are barely meeting production much less delivery dates.”

“I don’t understand.  Everyone is working like crazy and I don’t see hardly any wasted time,” Logan remarked in puzzlement.

“I can’t explain it either but Gayle Shoemaker called all line managers into her office not too long ago and told us the company would have to file bankruptcy if we can’t get the product to the customers better and faster.  She pledged to help get the equipment repaired but so far it has not been accomplished.  Every time I try to find out what is going on, John Noodle roadblocks me.  If we don’t get the equipment back into regulation, someone is going to get seriously hurt.”

“Man, wish I’d known some of this before I got hired.  I'm not sure if this is where I should be or not.”

“Damn, Logan.  I didn’t mean to scare you.  There are just some major issues need to be resolved.  If Shoemaker would listen a little more carefully most of this can be solved.  I even have an idea I know will increase production and will be more efficient.  I just have to get someone to listen to me.”

“What do you mean?”  Logan asked now curious to see how deep Morgan’s commitment was to the company.

“Here, let me show you.”  Morgan stated as she reached out and pulled a pencil from behind the ear of the passing server.

“HEY!”  The server cried out indignantly.  “Oh, it’s you,” she said coquettishly when she turned and saw Morgan smiling up at her.

Logan watched the interchange and felt a tightening in her chest.  She wondered what it was and realized it felt almost like the feelings of jealously she had experienced when her last girlfriend flirted with strangers while in her presence. This is foolish, knock it off, she chastised herself as she picked up her beer and took a deep swallow.

Morgan opened a napkin and spread it out in front of her and Logan.  She began drawing as both she and Logan hunched over the napkin.

Willie Mae walked back to the table with WJ and saw the two women deeply engrossed in conversation.  After setting down the beers and snacks, she turned and pushed WJ back toward the dance floor, not giving him time to catch his breath.

“Come on, sugar.  Let’s dance,” she smiled as she drug him along with her.  In the back of her mind she hoped this was drawing the women closer together.  She wanted to see Morgan happy and Logan seemed just the one to be able to lead her in that direction.

*******

Addison laid her napkin on the edge of the table.  She leaned back in her chair as the last of the meal was eaten.

“That was delicious,” Addison remarked as she groaned lightly.  She just may have overeaten.  It was so good.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”  Gayle said looking over at Addison and seeing how relaxed she now was.  She reached out and placed her hand on top of Addison’s hand still resting on the table. 

Addison jumped as once again she felt a bolt of electricity run up her arm to explode within her body.  She flushed hot as the flames fanned out from one central point to touch every part of her body.   She sat up being careful not to pull her hand away this time.  She looked over into Gayle’s eyes and was lost in their shadowy light blue depths.  She saw Gayle sitting next to her with her lips slightly open and a soft smile making them curve upward in a sweet bow.  She continued to feel Gayle’s hand on hers.

Addison leaned toward Gayle just as Gayle was moving toward her.  Their eyes locked, as both knew that soon their lips would finally touch. 

“Excuse me, ladies.  Are you finished dining?” Dobbs voice broke through the pregnant silence between them.

Both women jumped apart as if being caught red handed in the candy jar.  With a slight blush and a grin, Gayle looked at Addison as she replied to Dobbs. 

“I believe we were just getting ready for dessert.  However, we’ll go into the living room and leave this for you to clean up.   I’ll call when and if we’re ready for coffee.”

She stood.  Addison rose to accompany her as side-by-side, laughing softly, they walked out of the dining room.

*******

Morgan looked over at Logan, watching her as Logan examined the drawing she had just sketched on the napkin.  Logan’s brow wrinkled as she looked at the sketches, realizing that the new layout would make a world of difference in how the shop would run.  She looked up to say something to Morgan but paused as she felt Morgan’s breath brushing softly across her cheek.  She leaned closer toward her as she turned her mouth toward Morgan’s mouth.  Just as their lips were about to touch, Willie Mae slapped her hands down on the table making them both jump ten feet into the air.  They pulled back embarrassed on how close they were to having made fools of themselves in public. 

Morgan leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath.  God, I could have devoured her mouth right then and there she thought to herself.

Logan picked up her beer and took a long sip as she let the cold beer cool the fires raging within her.  She realized she wanted Morgan to kiss her and she wished it had not been stopped before they had kissed.

“Well kids, I think WJ and I are getting pretty tired.  What do you say we call it an evening?”  Willie Mae said as she looked at the pair across from her. 

“Sure, it’s been a long day, having worked most of the day today, and I’m tired too.  Let’s head out.  Is that okay with you, Logan?” Morgan asked as she turned toward Logan.

“Yes, I have some plans for tomorrow around noonish that I need to be sure not to miss, Let’s go.”  She said as she pushed back her chair and rose.  As the others stood, Logan slid the napkin Morgan had drawn on to the side of the table where she wadded it up and quickly slipped it into her pocket.

Morgan stood quietly saying a few more words to Willie Mae. She turned back toward Logan and gently placed her hand at the small of Logan’s back, leading her around the table and out of the club.  Willie Mae and WJ followed the pair with Willie Mae chuckling to herself all the way out to the car.  Morgan walked Logan over to her beat up car and made sure she was inside before turning back toward her own car.

“Morgan?”

Morgan turned back toward Logan. 

“Thanks, I had a great time tonight.” Logan said while smiling up at Morgan.

“So did I.  Let’s do it again some time.”

“I would love to.”

“Good.  Well…night, Logan.  I’ll see you Monday at work.” 

Morgan turned and walked over to her car as Logan watched her in the side mirror.  Logan started her car and drove slowly out of the lot, heading toward home.

Morgan settled Willie Mae and WJ in her car for the drive back home.  There was silence most of the way as Morgan recalled the warm breath and lips that nearly sank against hers in the noisy lounge.  She couldn’t explain why she was drawn to the smaller woman.  Logan’s body was not the typical body that attracted her but she was definitely getting under her skin.

*******

“I’m so sorry for laughing but the look on Dobbs face was priceless.  He looked like he had eaten a whole lemon.”  Gayle laughed as she sat down on the couch. 

Addison chose the opposite end of the same couch so that she could ask Gayle some of questions for her continued investigation.

“Don’t worry.  That’s not the first compromising situation I‘ve been caught in.”  Addison replied.

“Oh?  Do tell.” 

“Maybe some other time.” Addison grinned.  “Gayle, I’d like to ask you a couple of questions about the company if I may?”

“Sure.  I gave you complete reign to ask or look for anything you needed, so shoot.”

“Okay.  Let me see,” Addison started as she reached into her jacket pocket and removed a small notebook and pen.  “Tell me the process flow of how supplies or parts for the shop are ordered.” 

“Gosh, let me think,” Gayle replied as she kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet under her on the couch.  “I think that John usually will call me to let me know he needs some supplies or parts for the machines.  No.  Wait.  Hazel will usually bring me in a requisition to sign so that she can process an order for John.  I sign it.  The item is then ordered locally if we can find it, or out of town as a last resort.  I believe in supporting our fellow businesses as much as possible.”

Gayle watched as Addison scribbled notes in the booklet.

“What happens next?”  Addison asked poised to write more.

“I assume the order must come in some time within the next day or shortly after.  John receives it.  Hazel brings in the checkbook, I sign a check and payment is made for the order.”

“Does anyone else see the order or receive the order besides John?”

“No, just John and Hazel.  Wait, that’s wrong.  Sometimes Morgan Fox receives the items since she is shop supervisor.  When John is not at work, she assumes his responsibilities too.”

“Have you ever had a problem with Ms. Fox?”

“No.  I wish I had more like her.  She is conscientious, dedicated and concerned for her fellow employees.”

“I see.  Let’s go back to the beginning again.  Does John Noodle ever bring the order slips to you himself?”

“No, Hazel handles all the original contacts for me.  All I do is sign the requisition.” 

“Hummm.  Gayle?  What is on the requisitions when you sign them?” 

“Let me think…..nothing usually.  We thought we could speed up the process by me signing the requisitions while Hazel is waiting for John to bring up the list to be ordered.”

“Therefore, you don’t really know exactly what is on the requisition.”

“I guess you could say that.” Gayle stated a little nervously now.

“Okay.  The order is placed, filled and returned to the shop.  At that point, according to my notes, Noodle receives the item and lets Hazel know.  What does she do next?”

“She brings me the checks to sign for payment.”  

“Tell me about checks.  Are they filled out?  Is the amount already listed?  Do you see the invoice with the check request?”

“Again, we treat them just like the requisition.  I sign a blank check.  Hazel waits for the packing slip or notation from John. She fills in the check and the balance is paid.”

“So you never see the amount requested for the order?”

“No.  Damn, Addison.  I am not doing a very good job of overseeing what happens within the company.  Am I?”  Tears began to well up in Gayle’s eyes again.

Addison set her notebook down and moved closer to Gayle.  She reached out and pulled Gayle into her arms.  Gayle collapsed against her as the tears fell harder. Addison gently rubbed Gayle’s back as she sobbed.  Addison could feel the front of her shirt becoming saturated with the wet dew.

Fifteen minutes passed before Gayle stopped.  She lay quietly in Addison’s arms as the shudders in her body began to subside.  She tried to pull back but Addison held her tight.  She liked the comfort that Addison was giving.  She relaxed against Addison again only this time in pleasure.

Addison tilted Gayle’s head back and pressed her mouth softly against Gayle’s lips.  Gayle moaned deep in the back of her throat but opened her mouth to allow entry of Addison’s tentatively probing tongue.  Addison pressed forward, wanting to taste more of Gayle. 

They kissed passionately for several minutes before Addison drew back.  She still held Gayle encircled within her arms.  Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead against Gayle’s as she whispered hoarsely, “Damn, baby.  You really turn me on.  I have never been this attracted to anyone in such a short period of time.”

“Addison, I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything.  Let’s just wait and see where our feelings lead us.”  Addison pushed away from Gayle and stood up.

“Let’s not rush into something before we are both ready.  I probably should be leaving now anyway.  I have a working appointment tomorrow at noon.”  She leaned down, picked up her pen and tablet, and dropped them back into her pocket.  Turning back, she reached out a hand to help Gayle to rise from the couch.

“I’ll walk you to the door.”  Gayle stated with a wistful smile.

At the door, Addison turned and pulled Gayle one last time into her arms, kissing her deeply on the mouth.  She pulled her tight against her body in a strong hug.

“I’ll see you on Monday, Gayle,” Addison whispered in her ear.

“You can bet on that.”  Gayle replied as she backed away reaching out to open the door.  “Goodnight Addison.”

“Night Gayle,” Addison replied as she turned and walked out of the house.

Gayle slowly closed the door, sinking back against it with a dazed expression still on her face.  Who would have thought that someone as striking as Addison would come into my life, she thought to herself before reaching out and cutting off the hall lights.  She followed the living room light back into the room where she cut off all the lights before going upstairs to bed where she hoped she would dream of Addison.

******

Sunday dawned bright and clear.  Logan was up and dressed by eleven am, a new weekend record for her.  She completed some light housekeeping chores and started a load of laundry.  The phone rang as she was putting in the detergent.  Running into the kitchen she skidded to a halt and grabbed the wall phone.

“Hello”

“Hey ya dirtbag, you up and ready to eat?”  Addison asked.

“Hell yes, what’s keeping you.”

“Had to run by Hong Kong Alley and pick up lunch.  The cats in the kettle and I’m on the way.”

“Oh gawd, you make me soooo hungry, meowwwwwwwww.”  Logan laughed into the phone.

“OK, brat, I should be there within twenty minutes if you want to set up the dishes.”

“Can’t we just eat out of the boxes?  You know I hate to do dishes.”

“Ahhh….you want cheese with that whine?  Quit your bitching or I’m gonna eat your fortune cookie.”

“NO!! Ok, come on, I’ll be ready,” Logan stated as she finally hung up the phone. 

Logan turned back to the laundry room.  She noted that she had not closed the lid before answering the phone.  Looking inside she decided she must have also forgotten to add the detergent since she didn’t see any bubbles.  Logan measured out one full cup of detergent and added it to the washer.  Closing the lid, she returned to the kitchen where she set up the utensils to be used for lunch.  She loved Chinese cuisine and couldn’t wait for Addison to arrive.  Her stomach began to growl just thinking of the rice, egg rolls and egg drop soup she would shortly be shoveling into her mouth.

BUZZZZZZZ!  BUZZZZZZZZZZZ! 

“Damn it Logan, where the hell are you?”  Addison said as she fumbled her way into the apartment.  Her arms were loaded down with packages of food, making it hard to maneuver the door handle.  She stumbled into the apartment and stormed out to the kitchen where she set her load down carefully on the breakfast bar.  She could hear mumbled cussing coming from the laundry.

“Gawd damn fucking machine.  How was I to know I’d already loaded you once with soap?  Jesus Christ can’t ya stop flowing for just a few minutes?”  Logan cussed the overflowing water in front of her. 

Addison placed her hands on her hips and burst into raucous laughter.  She laughed until tears streamed from her eyes.

“What the fuck is so damn funny?” Logan fumed as she swiveled around from her sitting position on the floor. 

In her hand was a very wet towel with an equally full bucket of suds by her knees.  There were suds pouring down the front of the machine and covering nearly every inch of the floor.  Logan was soaking wet.  She had bubbles in her hair, on her back, her chest and completely covering her legs spread out before her. 

“What the hell happened to you,” Addison asked still laughing.

“YOU! That’s what.  If it hadn’t been for your call, none of this would a happened.   I would have known that I already added soap.”

“Don’t blame this mess on me, you klutz.”  Addison said backing up and holding her hands partially up in the air.

Logan tried to rise up out of the suds but every time she did, her feet slipped out from under her.  Down she would go again.

“Stop! Don’t move!” Addison instructed as she turned and trotted into the bathroom where she retrieve another handful of towels.

Addison stood in the doorway and flipped towels out in front of herself as she moved nearer to Logan.  When she was finally in front of the washer, she reached out and cut off the machine.  The bubbles stopped overflowing immediately.

“I would have gotten to that as soon as I remembered,” Logan said sheepishly.

“When would that have been, after your whole apartment was covered in bubbles?”

“No, smartass.  Just as soon as I can figure out how to stand back up without falling flat on my ass again.”

“I’ll never understand how you can create such large messes in such short periods of time.  I’m starving to death.  Why don’t you go ahead and dry off while I clean up this mess.  We should be able to eat while it is still hot.”  Addison told Logan as she reached down and helped her to her feet, making sure she was standing on a towel and not the slippery floor.

“Goody, goody.  The mop is in the corner,” Logan called out as she walked toward her bedroom, leaving wet barefoot imprints wherever she passed.

By the time Logan dried and redressed, Addison was finished with the laundry room and had already moved the clothes from the washer to the dryer.  They met at the breakfast bar.  Logan picked up a bag and began unloading the contents.

“Yum, yum.  I can’t wait to dive in.  Let’s see what you brought me.  Humm, looks like  cream of sum yung gal and rice, my favorite.”

Addison screwed up her face as Logan continued to call out what was in the containers.  Logan’s goal was to try to get Addison to not want to eat as much, leaving more for her.

Opening the next covered plate, Logan pulled out a long cooking skewer, “Kitty kabobs on a stick smothered in teriyaki.  God, dorkwad, you got all my favorites.  You trying to form a hairball in my tummy?”

“Just shut the fuck up and eat before you make me barf,” Addison said after slapping Logan on the back of the head.

“What……!” Logan croaked as she stuff a bite of eggroll into her mouth.  Reaching over for the last container she squealed as she opened it.  “I love you forever.  You got the daily special, Tung Sum Chick.”

“I swear, Logan.  This is the last damn time I am bringing Chinese over to your place.  Sit your ass down and eat.”

For the next twenty minutes load moans and groans were heard as Logan ate her way through the family serving for four.  When she finished she belched loudly and leaned back in her chair.  Looking over at Addison, she inched her hand toward the fortune cookies and covered both of them.  Acting as if she didn’t have a care in the world, she started slowly sliding the cookies toward her direction.  Half way across the bar, Addison cracked the back of the spoon she was using down on top of Logan’s hand.

“No!  No! No! You leave my cookie alone, pest.” 

Logan drew back her hand, looking at the red whelp that was forming.

“Bitch.” she said as she again reached out and picked up her cookie.  She cracked it open and read, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can make a fool of yourself anytime.”

“Boy did that peg you.  Here, hand me my cookie.”  Addison said as she held out her hand.

Logan picked it up and with an evil smirk on her face, began to tear open its paper.

“Give me that, you little shit,” Addison demanded as she grabbed the cookie out of Logan’s hands.  She snapped her cookie in half and pulled out the fortune.  She turned toward Logan and read aloud. “Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” 

Addison stared at her fortune for several long seconds before tucking it in her shirt pocket.  There was more to that fortune than Addison was willing to reveal to Logan.  She smiled as she thought of the gentle, yet passionate kisses she had shared with Gayle last night.    

“Hey dork, whenever you get done mooning around, let’s get down to work.”  Logan asked as she jabbed Addison on the arm to regain her attention.

“Sure.  Let’s go into the living room where you have all the paperwork spread out.  We can compare notes that I made last night.  We should be able to make plans on how to precede this next week.  I think we are pretty close to locking this one up.”  Addison informed Logan as she helped throw the empty boxes and containers out.

*******

Morgan finished mowing her grass and walked the mower across the street to Willie Mae and WJ’s house.  She set down her gas tank and cranked the mower.  It roared to life as she quickly mowed the small plot of grass in front of the house.  As she finished the last round, she saw Willie Mae step out on the porch with a tall glass in her hand.  Moving closer, Willie Mae signaled to her.  Morgan cut off the mower and moved toward the steps.

“Honey chile, I done told you WJ could cut this grass.  Here I brought you out an ice-cold glass of lemonade.” 

“Thanks, Willie Mae.  I needed this.”  Morgan said as she took a long deep swallow.  She rolled the wet, cold outer shell of the glass across her forehead in a soothing manner.  Looking around the yard, she took a moment to sit down on the stairs.  Willie Mae stepped backward until she reached her favorite chair.  She pulled it closer to the edge of the porch where she could sit and talk with Morgan as she drank her cool drink.

“What did you and the little one talk about last night?”  Willie Mae asked Morgan.

“Who?”

“You know damn well who, smart mouth.”  Willie Mae said as she reached out and shoved Morgan in the back with her foot.

“He..he.  Yeah I know.  I thought I’d egg you a little since you are always pulling my leg.”  Morgan answered with a chuckling laugh.  “What do you want to know? Oh yeah.  I was telling her a little about my idea of how the plant could be rearranged to get the most efficiency out of the production line.  She’s pretty intelligent for a smart mouthed midget.”  Morgan continued.

“Better not let her hear you calling her midget or she’ll beat your ass.”

“Let her try.  She hadn’t seen a cyclone up close and personal yet if she thinks she can take me.”

“Oh I don’t know, Morgan.  She’s a pretty solid, muscular woman.”

“Yeah I noticed,” Morgan returned shyly.  “Willie, do you think she might want to go out with a big clunker like me?”

Willie Mae reached out and stroked her hand over Morgan hair, “Baby, you’ll never know until you ask her.  I can’t see why she wouldn’t but give her a chance to answer you herself.”

“You know, I think I might.”  Morgan leaned back against Willie Mae’s legs, letting her continue stroking her head as she relaxed.  After a few minutes, she roused enough to talk to Willie Mae.

“She was a lot of fun last night.  We talked a long time while you and WJ danced.  I was wrong about her.  She got a pretty good head on her shoulders.  I wonder what she is doing working at the factory.”  Morgan continued.

“Like the rest of us, I guess.  Just trying to make a living.”  Willie Mae answered.

“She could do a lot better.  She is one intelligent woman.  She asked me questions I hadn’t heard since finishing graduate school.  I was giving details that I didn’t even know that I knew.  I really enjoyed talking to her.  She challenged me more than anyone I know, ‘cept you, pumpkin.”  Morgan spoke as she leaned further back, looking into Willie Mae’s face. 

“Don’t you be trying to sweet talk me, brat.”  Willie Mae responded as she thumped Morgan on the top of the head with her knuckle.  “You could do a lot worse than that little one, you know.”

“Yes, Willie Mae, I know.”  Morgan sat back up and pulled her feet in next to the stairs.  “Well, I guess I’ll mosey on back over to the house.  I still need to do my laundry for next week.  Want to watch the Sunday night football game with me and WJ tonight?”

“Hell, no and don’t you go dragging my sugar bear over to your house till all hours of the night.  I need my beauty sleep and ole sugar bear will wake me up to dive in the honey pot if I’m already asleep.  You know how I hate to have my sleep interrupted.

“Yeah the whole neighborhood knows you yell so damn loud.  Don’t worry.  I promise to send him home by no later than ten pm.  Is that ok with you?”

“Sure, that’ll give me time to lay out clothes for tomorrow and make my lunch.” 

“Yes, you and your lunches.  I don’t know how the hell you can eat an elephant and still work.”

“Baby, I got a growing body. It needs to be fed.  ‘Sides, Logan promised if I made enough she’d trade me her sardine and mustard sandwich for my butter and sugar one.”  

“Oh GOD, gag a maggot.  I’m headed home on that. Later tator.”  Morgan called backward as she retrieved the mower.

*******

Logan and Addison sat side-by-side looking through the papers that Logan had matched up the day before. 

“It’s all here,” Addison exclaimed as she shuffled once more through the stack in her hand.

“Yeah.  It looks bad, doesn’t it?” Logan remarked with a somber expression on her face.

“Yes it does.  I believe with the information from my notes from yesterday and the data from these records, we should be able to tie up the case by the end of the week.  I still need to talk to John Noodle and to Morgan Fox.”  Addison jotted more notes into her notebook.

Logan’s head snapped up at the mention of Morgan’s name.  “What do you mean, Morgan Fox?”

“Her name came up on Saturday as having been someone who has handled some of the objects in question.  She is one of the prime suspects.”

“Oh come off it.  I’ve worked with this woman and you know me, I’m a good judge of character.  SHE IS NOT INVOLVED!”  Logan snorted in disgust.

“I hope she isn’t. I like what I have seen of her.”

“I was out with her and Willie Mae last night.  After listening to her talk, I know that she is dedicated to that company and wants to see it succeed.”  Logan stated as she flopped back on the couch.  “Did you know that she has a Master’s degree in Industrial Production Management?” 

“No I didn’t.  Wonder why she works the line like she does?  She could do a lot better.”

“She believes in family owned companies and all the workers that have worked there for long periods.  She wants to see them succeed and she has some great ideas that would help if Ms. Shoemaker would listen to her.” 

“What makes you think she won’t?”

“She can’t get in to see her.  John Noodle keeps blocking her and for some reason, Hazel, the secretary, has failed to schedule her in any time.”

“You two must have had a pretty good discussion.”

“Man, did we.  Here let me show you this.”  Logan reached over and picked up the napkin she had taken from the bar last night, the one with the drawing Morgan made.  “Look at the way she quickly redesigned the shop floor.” 

“Humm….damn.  If they changed to this diagram, their production line would blaze.”  Addison said in surprise.

“Yeah.  I hope she gets a chance to present her ideas.”

“Is that what you want Logan?” 

“Well…yes,” she replied shyly.

“I think I can help you there.  Let me drop a word or two to Gayle next week.”

Logan reached over and hugged Addison tightly.  “Thanks pal.  I owe you.  Keep her on your list but I am positive you’ll find she had nothing to do with any of the fraudulent findings.”

*******

Morgan couldn’t shake the thought out of her mind that Logan was not who she was passing herself off to be.  There was no way she was just a factory working out of a job.  She was way too intelligent to want to stay on the line running the cutting machine. 

I wonder who she is and what she is doing at Shoemaker’s. She thought to herself.  Time to call in favors.

Morgan picked up the phone and dialed.  “Charles, Morgan here.  How’s the work going?  Great.  No, I still don’t want to do any private dick work, sorry.  Got a favor to ask of you though.” She hesitated while she listened to what Charles was saying.  “Can you check out a woman for me?” 

Morgan tapped her fingers on the tabletop while she listened to Charles lecture her about checking out her dates before she got serious with them.  “Charles, yes or no?  That is all I want to know.  Good, thank you,” she replied when he finally agreed to investigate the person for her.

“Her name is Logan Hart.  Thirty-five years of age, five feet five inches maybe, red hair, sea green eyes.  Sure, you can reach me here or call my cell phone as soon as you find out anything.  Thanks pal.” 

Morgan slowly hung up the phone wondering if she had made the right decision.  She liked Logan and hated that she was having difficulty trusting her completely.  Hopefully, Charles would be able to give her some good news and she could decide where she wanted to take her relationship with Logan.

Morgan had been celibate for the past six years.  After her last girlfriend dumped her because she was not adventuresome enough, she had thrown herself back into school and gotten her Master’s degree in Production Management.  She worked hard and studied harder, leaving her no time for dating.  It has been easy to remain celibate.  Now, the temptation was rearing its head to break that trend with Logan.  At thirty-eight years of age, Morgan felt she was more mature and settled in her life.  She felt it was time to move on with her personal life.  In fact, her own company was starting to become boring.  It was time for a change.

*******

John Noodle drove into the factory parking lot and pulled into the President’s slot.  He parked his car and slowly got out of it, looking around to make sure no one else was present.  He had avoided coming to work for the past two days in order to not have to have the meeting with Gayle Shoemaker yet.  He needed to check his office and see if any messages had been left for him.  He unlocked and entered the factory without anyone seeing him.  He moved quickly to his office.  The shop floor was eerily quiet.

As he entered his office, he noticed the box sitting in the middle of his desk.  Walking over to it, he saw the name of the vendor on the outside.  He had ordered the parts at the beginning of the week.  Just in time, too.  John was running short of cash and these parts, which were very expensive, would be just enough to line his pocket for the week.  He picked up the invoice and the unopened box and tucked it under his arm.  First thing in the morning, he would run by a friend of his and sell the parts back to him.  He might not get the full price but at least he’d get some money for them. 

John made up his story as he walked out the door.  He would swear that there were no packages on his desk.  Since he was coming in late in the morning, it would be the perfect alibi to claim that nothing was in his office and there would be plenty of witnesses around to validate the office was empty.

As he walked to his car, he began whistling Happy Days Are Here Again.  Within minutes, he was gone.  What he didn’t realize was Addison had installed surveillance cameras at all the entry points to see if merchandise was being taken from the factory.

The nail was being hammered into his coffin and he never even realized it.

*******

Morgan was in the driveway shooting baskets when she heard her cell phone ringing.  She dropped the ball and trotted over to the back porch where the phone was lying next to a towel.  She picked up the phone and punched on while swooping up the towel. 

“Hello,” she answered as she wiped the perspiration from her face.  “Hey Charlie, how you doing?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.  What did you find on Logan Hart?”

“Yep, I’m sitting down,” Morgan stated as she stood and stretched higher, pulling the kinks out of her spine.

“God damn it, what!.  No fucking way!”  Morgan thundered into the receiver.

“Yeah…yeah.  I promise to keep a cool head after I kill her.” She fumed into the receiver.

“Thanks Charlie.  Seems that I owe you again.  Bye.” 

Morgan snapped her cell shut as she sat down on the top stair and stared off into the distance.  Well fuck, lying hussy, she thought to herself.  Logan Hart was deputy director of the local branch of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).  She was not a factory line worker.  Morgan fumed as she thought of the lies that she had listened to.  Then she realized, Logan had not really lied, she had totally evaded any questions about herself. 

Damn, she could have at least let me know she was here working undercover.   Morgan thought as her anger turned to hurt.  How in the hell am I supposed to work around her after finding this out?  She pulled the towel around her neck as she felt the sweat trickling down the back of her neck.  Morgan sat in the same position for several long minutes as she tried to reason how to go forward with their friendship.  She felt betrayed yet at the same time, amazed how well Logan infiltrated the plant in order to find out what was going on.  Did she dislike her or did she admire her, how the hell did she know at this point.  She was confused and aching as she realized she was falling for a stranger that she didn’t even know, all of it based on lies.

She pulled the towel off her neck and stood up to go inside.  Shaking her head, she could only wonder what the next few days would bring.  Many questions rambled around in her mind as she went in to take a shower.  How am I supposed to act?  Should I let her know that I know?  Should I act as though I still know nothing?  Why in the hell did I check her out?

Morgan couldn’t answer any of her questions as she stripped and stepped into the shower.  She resolved to take each day as it came and to handle the situation the best that she could when it came up.  She remembered her earnest conversation she had in the bar with Logan and smiled softly to herself, as she finally understood why Logan was able to follow the conversation so well.  It explained why Logan asked so many questions on the layout of the plant that Morgan felt would make the factory better.

After showering, Morgan attempted to watch television but her mind would not leave alone the findings on Logan.  Turning out the light, she decided to force herself to sleep, hoping that she would at least sleep all night long.

******

“Get your ass out here.”  Morgan leaned out the truck window and yelled as she sat impatiently waiting on Willie Mae to kiss WJ good-bye. 

“Don’t get yur panties in a wad, wench,” WJ hollered back as he gathered Willie Mae one more time in his arms.

“OH honey.  Keep that up and they can take this job and shove it.”  Willie Mae burst out laughing as she stated, “I always wanted to use that line.”

Morgan was grumpy as hell from not having slept well the night before.  She had tossed and turned most of the night.  When she finally slept, Logan’s face constantly filled her dreams.  She still felt the betrayal and was no closer to deciding how to handle the situation than she was last night.

“What bug bit your butt last night?”  Willie Mae asked as she hoisted her considerable girth into the truck.

“Nothing  Just didn’t sleep well.”  Morgan answered in a gruff voice.

“Tole you, you should’da gone out more this weekend.  Hell, girl, you are missing the best years of your life.”

“Yeah, yeah.  Big damn fucking deal.”  Morgan replied.

“Honey chile, you want to tell Willie Mae what’s really going on?”

“No… not yet.  Thanks anyway, friend.  I’m sorry as hell I’m a grump today. Just give me a big kick in the rear and knock my brains back up on my shoulders,” Morgan said with forced smile on her face.

“You’ll come along just fine.  Pull over…. come on…. pull over!  I wants some of them Krispy Kreme hot off the line, mouth watering, tongue melting, doughnuts.  I think two dozen should do me.  How many do you want?”  Willie Mae asked as she scrounged through her purse, shaking out all her loose change.

“I’ll pass this time with just a cup of black coffee.” 

Doughnuts and coffee purchased, the two women headed on to work.  Willie Mae hopped out of the truck then turned to get all her packages. 

“HOLD IT, rag-a-muffin.  Come here and help me carry some of this in.”  Willie Mae yelled at Morgan’s retreating back. 

Morgan stopped, spun around and returned to the truck.  Willie Mae handed her two Wal-Mart shopping bags filled with items.  “Here, baby.  You can carry my lunch.” 

Morgan stared at the bags and then back at Willie Mae in disbelief.  Willie Mae stepped around Morgan and headed toward the building. As she walked away she turned back toward Morgan saying, “You coming to work or not?”

Morgan said not a word as she followed Willie Mae into the building.

Logan arrived at the plant before Willie Mae and Morgan arrived.  She had looked anxiously for them but realized they had not showed up yet.  She began walking around the shop floor, talking with the other workers.  As she talked she asked subtle questions about their knowledge of Morgan.  Everyone had nothing but good to say about her.  They spoke of her commitment to the company and her dedication to improving conditions on the shop floor.  She did not hear one negative comment about her.  As she stood talking, she could feel the hair tingling on the back of her neck.  She turned and stared directly into Morgan’s eyes from across the plant.  She smiled and raised her hand but the acknowledgement was not answered.  Maybe she has her hands to full, Logan thought as she noted the bags in her arms.  I wonder what she brought with her today?

Willie Mae saw Logan across the room and started waving her arms and whooping,  “Come on honey chile, I done got us some doughnuts.  I hope you didn’t eat yet but even iffen you did, there’s always room for doughnuts.”

Logan walked up smiling as she said; “You must have heard my stomach growling.  My egg omelet, ham, potato cakes and toast seems to have dissolved quickly this morning and I am starving.”  Looking over at Morgan standing beside Willie Mae and still holding the Wal-Mart bags, Logan asked, “Hummm…you going to join us this morning?  What you got in your bags?”

“Hell no.  This is Willie Mae’s lunch,” Morgan stated as she shoved the bags toward Logan causing her to reach out and take them.

Logan staggered under the weight of the bags while grinning at the same time.  “Willie Mae, you old devil, you brought enough to feed and army.”

“Nope, honey, just you and me.”  Willie Mae responded. “Come on and let’s eat these doughnuts while they are still hot.”

Morgan watched their retreating backs and noted the contrast between their bodies.  She wondered to herself how in the world could Logan stay so small and eat as she did.  She was pleased at herself for controlling her feelings in front of Logan. She still had to decide how she was going to handle the new information on whom Logan really was.  Morgan turned toward the line and began checking the machines, making sure that each one was as safe as could be expected without the needed repairs.  She remembered that the new switch for the cutting machine had come in this weekend and hoped that Noodle would get it installed first thing this morning.  She made a mental note to check with him when he came in.

******

John Noodle awakened early on Monday morning, whistling under his breath as he dressed for work.  He picked up his wallet, looked inside and noted it was empty.  He grinned as he thought of how soon it would be filled with greenbacks.  Leaving all the lights still burning throughout his apartment, John made his way to his car.  As he got into the driver’s seat he glanced at the package next to him.  He quickly opened it, removing all the parts that it contained.  Within minutes, he was across town at the Triple Golden Ball Pawn Shop, the shop run by his best friend.

“Morning, John.” the proprietor called out as he watched John walk to the counter, his arms laden with come kind of machine parts.  The proprietor mentally rubbed his hands together as he thought of the profit he would make on the first class items that he would be ripping off John shortly.  

“Hey Clyde.  Got me a load of stuff that you might be interested in.  Yeah, yeah….they are mine.  You see them in my hands, don’t ya?”  John responded as he unloaded his burden onto the counter.

“Let’s see what you got.  I’ll let you know if I can use it or not.” 

The men went through the same haggling routine each time John brought items in to ‘pawn’.  Both men knew he would never come back to reclaim anything he pawned.  Within a short period of time, John was walking back out the door grinning to himself with several hundred dollars now residing in his previously empty wallet.  Clyde was doing the happy dance behind the counter as he thought of the huge profit he would make on resell of the items he had just stolen from John.  Both men were satisfied with the agreement.

By ten am John was pulling into the parking lot.  He looked around to see if he could park closer to the door.  He noted the handicap spot was still open so he quickly whipped his car into the spot.  Locking the car, he strolled unhurriedly into the plant.  He stood in the doorway, looking around.  He wanted people to notice what time he came in this morning.  After standing still for several minutes, John headed toward his office.  He pushed open the door and left it wide open as he moved toward his desk.  He noted that the message light on his phone was blinking as he sat down.  Leaning toward the phone, he punched in the recall message numbers and then leaned back in his chair as the messages replayed.

“Mr. Noodle, this is Morgan Fox.  I was wondering if you were going to have the new switches put on the machines this morning?  I sat the box on your desk Saturday when it was delivered.  Thanks.”

“John, calling about the unpaid invoice on the products purchased last week.  I called upstairs and the secretary swears they have no record of an invoice.  Please contact our company, Better Ball Bearing,  as soon as possible so we can resolve this issue.  Thanks.”

“John, Ms. Shoemaker wants to see you at eleven AM.  I don’t believe you are going to get out of this meeting this time.  Call me when you get in.  Hazel.”

“Hey John, ole buddy.  This is Ralph at Downtown Pawn.  Any time you have any new merchandise, I can take it off your hands.  Remember to keep me in the loop.  Later.”

John cut off the messages as he watched Fox approaching his office.  He despised Fox and would like nothing better than to be able to find a way to get her fired even if he had to lie and cheat to get it done.  She thinks she is so much better than me, he thought as he watched her stopping briefly to answer some question by one of the fools working the floor.  John Noodle had very little respect for his fellow man unless they could be used to line his pockets with money.

Morgan walked to the door of Noodle’s office and rapped on the opening.  He looked up and with a nod of his head, directed her to enter the office.

“Yeah, what do you want this morning, Fox?  You got another bogus complaint to file. 

“No sir.  I wanted to find out if you were going to have the switches and cover plates installed this morning on the cutting machine.” 

“What switches.”  He replied as he looked briefly around the room as if looking for the items.

“I assume that was what was in the package I left on your desk this weekend.”

“There wasn’t any package on my desk when I came in this morning.  What the hell are you talking about?”

“Yes sir, there should be.  I personally received and signed for the replacement parts from our machine vendor on Saturday.  I placed the box in the center of your desk myself.”

“Do you see a box on my desk, Fox?  What is this line of bullshit you are giving me?  More hard times with your fucking complaints?  Get back to work and quit wasting my time.”

Morgan felt herself tensing up.  She wanted to reach out, snatch his tight ass out of his chair, and punch him once in the nose.  She clinched her fists, spun around and hurried out of his office before she acted upon her feelings. 

“Goddamnsonofabitch…motherfucker,” she fumed under her breath as she struggled to get her emotions under control.  Taking several slow, deep breaths, she headed toward the cutting table to see how the work was going.

As she got closer, she could hear the horrible screech of Logan belting out her version of ‘Working Girl’.  Morgan stopped momentarily as she listened to the words: 

Some women find her sexy, some women disagree
But if she's not, it's not because she doesn't want to be
She wears a sports bra from Walmart , five eyed steel toed shoes
Kerosene and gasoline, and auto’s best perfume
She's a working girl

She's a working girl, she is single and free
She's a butch and femme and she's proud to be
A working girl

Morgan grinned as she watched Logan’s pert butt swishing and swaying to the song blasted out at the top of her voice.  She walked up behind her, pulling the earplugs from Logan’s ears as she shouted, “HEY YOU!”

Logan jumped at least three feet in the air and turned around ready to throw a punch before she realized it was Morgan.  She dropped her sheepishly as she smiled up at Morgan.  “What…..what?  Is something wrong?”

“No, only checking to see if the machine is running all right.”  Morgan replied as she walked around to the side of the machine with the faulty switch.  She looked down and noted that someone had taped a split empty toilet paper cardboard insert over the switch with bright red words saying ‘DON’T TOUCH!!!’.   Morgan’s eyebrow lifted as she looked at the makeshift cover.

“Ah….well….ummmm….I didn’t want anyone messing with it and chopping my fingers off while I was working.  I know it isn’t OSHA standard but at least it gets the point across until Noodle gets it replaced.” Logan answered sheepishly. 

“Okayyyyy but…,” Morgan began.

“Don’t say it.  Willie Mae told me the parts came in this weekend so this will be gone in just a few.”

“Nope. Wrong again.  Noodle swears up and down that nothing was delivered this weekend.  I don’t know what in the hell is going on.  I set the box on his desk myself.  It wasn’t in his office when I went in there to ask him about it.  I don’t know what could have happened to it between Saturday and today.”

“Well damn.  Did anyone else work this weekend?”

“No, just me and Willie Mae.  Episodes like this are happening just way too often.  I see parts come in but never seen to see them being used.  I don’t know where to go from here.”

Logan blushed and looked down at her feet.  It weighed heavy on her conscious that she had not told Morgan the truth earlier on.  Her mind was in turmoil but she decided to go with her gut instinct.

“Morgan…,” she began sheepishly. “Can we step outside for a few minutes?  I need to talk to you.”

Morgan jerked in surprise.  “Sure….”

Reaching over Logan, Morgan pulled the toilet tissue roller from the switch and cut off the machine.  Willie Mae looked up in surprise but saw the two women talking together.  She decided it was as good a time as any to go on break.  Without disturbing them, she walked toward the break room.

Morgan followed Logan across the shop floor and out the door to a shaded area near the side of the building.  There was an empty picnic table within walking distance.  Logan walked over to it and sat down.  Morgan followed suit sitting across from Logan so that she could look into her face as they talked.

“Morgan,” Logan began.  “I’m not who you think I am.”

Morgan reached out and covered Logan’s hand lying on the table.  “And just who are you if you are not Logan Hart?”

“No…that’s not what I mean.  I’m…I…ahhhh..,” Logan stuttered as she tried to tell Morgan the truth.  “I work for OSHA.  In fact, I’m the Deputy Director of the local branch here in town.  I’m working undercover to try to find out what is happening in the plant based on your complaints.”

Morgan stared at Logan, noting the redness in her cheeks and her inability to look directly into Morgan’s eyes.  “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why didn’t you tell me the first day we met?”  Morgan spoke quietly, the sound of hurt leaking through.

“I couldn’t, Morgan.  We have to go in expecting everyone to be a suspect for investigation or we might miss some vital information.  Damn, I wish I could have told, especially since I have gotten to know you and realize you would never do anything to jeopardize any of your co-worker’s lives.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better…to know that you at first held me under suspension?”

“No, I guess not but unfortunately, it was a decision I made and I have to carry the burden of the pain I have caused you.”

Morgan moved her hand until she was able to tilt Logan’s chin up so that Logan was forced to look into her face.  “Logan, I understand.  I don’t agree with how it was handled, but I do understand.” 

Morgan moved her fingers from beneath Logan’s chin and gently feathered her fingertips along her cheek.  Logan leaned into her hand and sighed a trembling sigh as a single tear trickled out of the corner of her eye. 

Morgan watched the tear as it made its path slowly down Logan’s check.  She shifted her hand lying against Logan’s cheek until her index finger caught the tear and lifted it from its lonely path.  She smiled softly as she looked into Logan’s eyes. 

"Let’s see what happens here and what you find out.  We have plenty of time for us."  Morgan half rose and leaned across the table as she softly brushed her lips along Logan’s mouth.  Before Logan could respond, Morgan stood, reaching out for her hand.

"Come on.  We have work to do.  Wouldn’t want the shop foreman coming down hard on you for goofing off, would you?"'

Logan smiled wanly but rose and took the offered hand as they quietly walked back toward the building, each deep in thought over the conversation just covered.

Logan’s lips curved in a smile as she remembered how Morgan and touched her face and then leaned forward to gently kiss her.  Her body flooded with heat as she imagined how much better it would feel if she got to return the kiss.

Morgan’s thoughts turned toward the small woman walking beside her as she wondered how in the heck and when had she managed to creep inside her heart and mind.  It had been a long time since she had been drawn to a woman for something other than sexual relief.  She smiled broadly as she realized this was one relationship well worth cultivating.

*******

John rose from his desk and rubbed his palms together in glee.  He believed he finally had a way to get rid of that pain in the ass, Fox.  He would swear up and down that if a package had been delivered and signed for by Fox then she must be the one responsible for its disappearance.  He believed if he acted indignant enough, all suspicion would be thrown from his court into another direction.  He stuck his hand in his pocket and felt the wad of bills he had gotten earlier in the morning.  Already he was contemplating how to get more money without having to work.  He turned back toward his desk and reached for the phone one more time.  He dialed up the answer phone number and quickly deleted all the messages that had been left.  He would act as if nothing had been saved and blame it on his phone not working correctly.  That would buy him a little more time before having to come up with more lies.  He shook his head though in some confusion as he realized that the invoices for the bearings were one of the few that he did sign and send upstairs.  He would have to check with Hazel and find out why those had not been paid yet.

John walked out onto the shop floor at the same time that Morgan and Logan walked back into the building. He looked across the building and noted their clasped hands.

“God damn fucking dykes.  To think I gave her a job, the cunt.”  His eyes narrowed on Logan as she stepped away from Morgan and headed back toward the cutting machine.  “Bitch, we’ll just see who gets the last laugh here.”

“Hart, what the hell are you doing taking an unscheduled break?  Did someone die and make you foreman?”  Noodle roared as he stomped up to where Logan was getting ready to go back to work.

“Well, no sir.  I was meeting with Morgan.”  She tried to answer as he cut her off.

“I don’t want any damn excuses.  We don’t pay you to come to work to take breaks while the rest of the damn ladies are working their asses off.  What gives you the power to decide when you’ll take your break?”  He fumed as he leaned in toward her smaller frame in an intimidating manner. He emphasized each word by reaching out and poking his pointer finger into her left front shoulder as he spoke.

The force of the jabs was so powerful that it made Logan step backward with each new jab.  He followed until he had her pinned against the cutting table.  Leaning into her face, he yelled, “I got you this job and I can just as easily take it away from you.  Do you understand me?”

Logan was leaning backward over the cutting table as he pressed his tense body against hers in anger.  Before she could say another word, his body was jerked away from hers and she could see him flying sideways out onto the shop floor.  As she drew back into a standing position, she could see her rescuer, Morgan, standing over the fallen man with her hands clasped into tight fists.

“You touch her or any of the women in here again and you’ll get much more that a toss on your ass,” Morgan hissed as she restrained herself from reaching out, jerking him to his feet and punching him in the mouth.

By now, several of the other women had turned off their machines and were beginning to gather around the party of three involved in the tense situation.  Noodle looked around and noted he had an audience. 

He jumped to his feet and raised his voice as he yelled out, “Fox and Hart, get the hell out of this building.  You are both fired.”  Without waiting for another reaction, he turned, marched toward his office, went inside and slammed the door shut.

Not knowing what to do or say at this point, Logan looked over at Morgan.  Morgan still stood stock still as her body vibrated with controlled anger.  No one said a word as they all waited to see what was going to happen.  Finally, Morgan’s body began to relax as she took several steps toward Logan.

“Logan, are you okay,” she asked in a low, soothing voice as she stopped next to Logan.  She reached out and wrapped her arm around Logan’s quaking body.

“Yes….I guess.  Damn what just happened?”  Logan asked in bewilderment.

Morgan looked down into her green eyes and smiled.  “It looks like you and I just got canned.  Must say this is the first time I have ever been thrown out of work.  Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Now wait just a damn minute.  I’m not putting up with some stuffed shirt little shit shoving me around and then kicking my ass out of a job.” Logan stated as she jerked away from Morgan and began pacing.

Morgan once more reached out and caught her by the arm.  Leaning in close, she whispered, “Do you really want to screw up the rest of your investigation by making a bigger scene?”

“Well SHIT!” Logan grumbled as she took in what Morgan was saying.  “Damn it to hell anyway.  Okay, let’s get out of here.  I need to make a phone call anyway.”

Morgan and Logan strode toward the time clock where they both punched out and left their badges laying on top of the clock.  Without looking back, they walked through the door together. 

“Is there a coffee shop or something close by?”  Logan asked as they cleared the building. 

“Sure, there’s a Krispy Kreme not too many blocks from here.  Come on, I’ll drive us over and maybe we can decide what we need to do.”

Logan looked shyly up at Morgan.  “I like the sound of that, ‘we can decide…"

“Good.  Now let’s go.”

Back inside the women slowly returned to work still grumbling about the incident under their breaths.  Just as they started to cut the machines back on, Willie Mae screamed at the top of her loud voice. 

“NO MORE!! Ya hear me, NO-NUTS.  I am sick an tired of you running over our asses.  I QUIT!!!!.” 

Willie Mae thundered into the break room and grabbed her bags of lunch before making her way back to the time clock.  She punched out and threw her badge on the floor.  As she walked toward the door, she turned back to the shop and shouted.

“ANYONE ELSE COMING WITH ME?????”

That was all the incentive needed.  One by one, the women filed past the time clock, flipping their badges out onto the floor.  It was not yet eleven am and dead silence filled the shop.  The door banged shut as the last of the women walked out and began milling around the picnic table where Willie Mae was spreading out her feast.

“Well what do we do now?” one of the women from the group asked aloud.

“We sit and wait.  They’ll come lookin’ for us in a bit.”  Willie Mae answered as she ate her third sandwich.

Most of the women dropped to the ground where they stood.  Cigarettes were passed around as the silence continued.

Meanwhile at Krispy Kreme, Logan was ranting even more than usual.

“Pick up the phone you jack ass.  Where the hell can you be this early?  Come on Addison, pick up the god damn phone.”  It continued to ring until the answering service picked up the call.

“Addison, Logan here.  Call me back as soon as you get this message.” 

“Where the hell is she? We need to intervene right now before we lose any more employees.”  Logan said to Morgan even as she stuffed a doughnut into her mouth. 

“Give her time to call you back, brat.  Sit down and quit pacing.  NOW!”  Morgan said as she sipped her coffee.

Logan moved across from Morgan and sat down.  She reached out and pulled two more doughnuts from the box.  Morgan simply shook her head.  She would never understand how someone as small as Logan could put away six doughnuts in less than ten minutes.

Back in the plant, Addison and Gayle realized that they no longer heard any sounds from the shop floor.  Hazel poked her head through the door, saying, “I think there may be some trouble in the shop.  All the machines are off and the only person in the building besides you, me and Addison, is John Noodle.” 

“WHAT!”  Gayle said as she jumped up from behind the desk.  She quickly made her way out of her office and down the stairs to the shop floor.  Addison followed her.  Hazel smiled a tight smile and stayed in the office.

Gayle walked toward Noodles’ office and rapped on the door.  Addison walked across the shop floor toward where all the badges were thrown all over the floor.  As she passed the cutting machine, she noted a piece of paper on the usually clean floor.  She bent over and picked it up.  It was a pawn ticket from Triple Golden Ball Pawn Shop.  It was made out to John Noodle along with the sum of $1300 for a listing of ‘parts’.  Addison pocketed the ticket as she turned back toward Gayle.

“John, where is everyone?”  Gayle asked as John Noodle opened the door.

“What do you mean where is everyone.  They’re working, aren’t they?”  John asked as he rose to come around his desk.

“No, the shop is empty.  What the heck is going on?”

“Well shit.  I fired Fox and Hart for insubordination and making physical threats toward me.  I don’t know where in the hell the rest of the crew has gone.” 

“What do you mean, you fired them?  On whose authority did you make that decision?”

“Mine, of course.  That is what your father would have let me do.”

“I am not my father.  You had no right to make decisions that would affect this entire shop.”  Gayle said in anger.

Addison walked up and placed her hand on Gayle’s arm, helping to diffuse the situation and to add support for Gayle against John Noodle should he try to become physical.  As she stood listening to the conversation, her cell phone rang.  She squeezed Gayle’s arm once in support and then stepped backward several steps in order to answer the phone in privacy after noting that the number calling in belonged to Logan.

“Lipton here.”  She stated as she redialed the number.

“It is about damn time.” a voice mumbled into the phone.

“What?  Who is this?”  Addison asked as the voice slurred as if trying to muffle the words.

“I said it is about time you answered your phone,” Logan replied as she finally cleared her mouth of doughnut.

“Yeah, where the hell are you?”

“I got fired about an hour ago after nearly being assaulted by Noodle.  Unfortunately, Morgan came to my defense and she is now sitting here with me without a job too.”

“You two are not the only ones.  There is not one person but Noodle left in the building.  Everyone has walked off the job.  Only thing left behind is a bunch of badges thrown on the floor.”

“No SHIT!  Hey, Morgan, all the workers walked off the job after we left.  We need to get back over there as soon as we can.” 

“Have you seen any of the workers yet,” Logan asked as she returned to Addison on the phone.

“No, we’re with Noodle right now.  He is being a real asshole.  Oh, I found a pawn ticket with his name and list of items from a pawn this morning.  Can you run by and check it out before coming back?  I’ll take him upstairs and hold him until you come back.”

“Sure, what is the name of the place?” 

“Triple Golden Ball Pawn Shop.  Haven’t we had some cases linked with them before?”

“Yeah, Clyde James is a regular suspect of ours but we have never been able to tie anything to him.”

“Well you may be in luck.  I think you will find that it links him directly to parts from the plant.  Oh the receipt is for $1300 dollars.

“Good.  We should be able to wrap up this case in just a short time.  We’ll swing by there on the way back.”

*******

Logan and Morgan quickly drove to the pawnshop.  There were no other customers inside when they entered the store.  Logan walked up to the counter and leaned toward Clyde.  He looked up and stepped backward after recognizing Logan from the last time she had been in to question him regarding some stolen goods.

“Hello Clyde.  How’s business been?”

“Fine, Hart.  What can I do for you?  You looking for some rings?  I have some new ones that I just bargained for yesterday.”

“Not this time, Clyde.  I am looking for some specialty parts though.  Do you have any switches for a Renoit cutting machine?”

“Renoit?  No, don’t think so.”  Clyde replied nervously.

“My partner says differently.”  Logan remarked as she felt Morgan moving up close behind her.

Clyde looked over the counter and noted the muscular body of the woman standing behind Logan.  He assumed that was her new partner.

“Ughh…..let me think.  No….I don’t have any parts for that machine.”

“Come on Clyde.  John Noodle showed me the receipt written out this morning from your store.  He also showed me the amount of $1300 that you paid him.”

“The Bastard!  Goddamn son of a bitch! I’ll tell you what you want if you go easy on me.”

“Clyde, you know I can’t do that.  I can put in a good word for you should we have to pull you in.  Come on, either cooperate with me now or I’ll call and have you taken downtown right now.”

He glanced over her shoulder one more time and noted Morgan sternly glaring at him.  He did not want to tangle with the overgrown Amazon.  He sighed and began speaking

“Yeah, John was in this morning.  He had a few ‘items’ he said he needed to pass along because he wanted some cash for the week.  Wait here and I’ll show you what he traded me this morning.”

Clyde rose and walked toward the back of the building.  Morgan stepped back away from Logan in case she needed to run and grab Clyde should he try to dart out the back door.  She watched as he stopped short of the door and reached under the counter.  She was on alert in case he pulled out a gun.  She positioned herself where she stood between Clyde and Logan should he turn and fire a weapon.  To her relief, he pulled out a box, the same box she had placed on Noodle’s desk this past Saturday.

“Damn son of a bitch,” she mumbled under her breath as Clyde walked back toward Logan with the box. 

Clyde sat the box on the counter and opened the lid.  Inside were the replacement parts for three of the broken machines on the shop floor.  Morgan leaned over and looked in the box.  She nodded her head as she said, “Yes, those are the parts and this is the box.  Look, it still has the factory shipping label on it.”

“Good.  Clyde, I’m taking this box with me.” 

“Whoa, wait just a minute.  What about the money I paid out for this box?”

“Let me see.  You bought stolen goods, are in the possession of stolen goods and in the process of attempting to resell stolen goods.  I don’t think your money loss is the big picture here, do you?”  Logan said as she reached over and lifted up the box.

Morgan reached around her and took the box from her hands.  “Come on.  We need to get back to the factory.”  She said as she turned and walked toward the door.

“Clyde, as usual, it has been a pleasure NOT doing business with you.  We’ll be seeing you later I’m sure.”  She quickly followed Morgan to the truck.

There was silence as they drove back across town to the plant.  Logan wondered how Addison was handling the situation.  Morgan was worried about her co-workers and what the loss of jobs would do to many of them.  Both women were anxious to get back into the middle of the activity to see what was happening.

Meanwhile, back at the factory the employees continued to wander around the yard while waiting for further direction from Willie Mae.  She remained calm and collected as she finally finished her fourth sandwich.  No one else was able to eat but that did not stop Willie Mae from offering her meal to the others.  She knew that it was just a matter of time before Ms. Shoemaker realized what was happening and would be looking for them.  She figured that if they just sat tight, Shoemaker would take care of No-Nuts before she lost her entire plant.

Inside the building, Gayle was trying to talk Noodle into coming back upstairs to her office to get the information straightened out.  He was arguing with her and constantly inching toward the exit door.  As she hung up her call, Addison noted his movements.  She quickly walked over behind him and placed herself between him and the door.

“Noodle, I would advise you to go upstairs with Ms. Shoemaker right now.” 

“I’m not going anywhere but out of here,” he stated as he charged toward Addison.  She could hear Gayle’s gasp as he charged toward her.  With a quick move learned in her training, she had flipped Noodle over her hip and had him face down on the ground with a knee lodged tight in the middle of his back as she pulled out her handcuffs and proceeded to cuff him.  Once she had his hands cuffed behind him, she stood and pulled him back up by the arms.  He was cussing and ranting the whole time but made no further attempts to run.  His nose was bleeding from where he had hit the concrete floor.  It trickled in steady drops onto his pristine white shirt.

“Come on.  I believe the boss has asked that you go up to her office.” 

“Get these god damn cuffs off me.  Who the hell do you think you are. I haven’t done anything wrong.  Those bitches walked off the job without me even knowing it.”

“That’s not why I am cuffing you.  Here let me read you your rights.” Addison stated as she began reciting the Miranda rights.  “Do you understand these rights as I have given them to you?”  

“Yeah, yeah.  I hear what you are saying but I still did nothing wrong.”

“Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?” Addison asked as they walked down the hall toward Gayle’s office. 

“I don’t have anything to hide. Now get these damn cuffs off me.” He fumed as he walked past Hazel Goodall’s desk.  She looked up startled, wondering what in the world was going on today.  She watched as Gayle opened her office and led the trio into the inner chamber.   

“Hazel, can you come in here with us and take notes as we talk with John?” Gayle asked as she paused while Addison nudged Noodle to enter the office before them. 

“Well…ughh…I have some things that I need to take care of first.”  Hazel answered as she shifted anxiously around in her chair.

“This is more important that anything else we have to do.  I believe this will get to the root of all the problems we have been having recently.” 

"If you insist." Hazel remarked as she picked up her steno pad and followed Gayle into her office.  She hung back near the door as she rolled her chair into the office and pulled the door closed. 

Addison reached out and removed the cuffs from in back of Noodle but quickly refastened them in front of him.  She was not willing to let him completely loose after his behavior downstairs. 

*******

Noodle flopped down onto the other straight chair in the room as Addison and Shoemaker loomed over him.  He reached up and wiped the now dwindling blood from his nose with the sleeve of his white shirt.  He glared at the women in the room while wondering how he could talk his way out of this mess.  Ten minutes passed as all the parties sat inside the office waiting.  Waiting for what, no one was sure.  Suddenly the door opened.  Hazel jumped as Logan and Morgan burst into the room.  Morgan had a box tucked under her arm.  She walked toward Gayle’s desk where she sat it down in the middle of the desk.  She turned and leaned her backside against the desk as she settled in for the events taking place. 

Noodle looked up at Logan, narrowing his eyes as he said, “I thought I told you that you were fired.  What the hell are you doing back here?” 

“John, if I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut and not say another word to Logan unless you are answering her questions,” Gayle said as she moved over and sat down behind her desk. 

“Bitch,” he snorted under his breath as he slammed aback against the chair once more. 

Hazel sat nervously not knowing what to expect as she watched the four women focusing on John Noodle.  She fiddled around on her notepad as she tapped her pen on the paper while waiting for the interrogation to begin. 

Addison reached out and pulled the coffee table toward the area where Noodle was sitting.  She sat down on the edge of the table so that she could look into his face as she questioned him.  Pulling out her notepad she asked the first of a series of questions. 

“Can you tell me what has happened to the merchandise that you signed for but never used in the plant?” 

“I don't know what the hell you are talking about.” He grumbled while glaring into her eyes. 

Addison looked at her book and then said, “Tell me about the safety guards for the stretching machine that were delivered last month but never installed.  What about the belt covers for the pressing machine that was delivered over two months ago but was not installed?” 

That little incident nearly resulted in me losing my scalp, Morgan thought to herself as the questioning continued. 

“So you deny having seen or handled any of the packages I just read out.” 

“Damn right I do.  No way did I see or touch that shit.” 

Morgan stood up from her lounging stance.  She reached behind her and picked up the box she had placed on the desk earlier.  Moving toward Noodle she opened the box so the parts could be seen. 

Addison shifted on the table.  She looked directly into Noodle's face and asked, “Did you sell these items to the Triple Golden Ball Pawn Shop this morning?” 

“Ah…. Hell no.”  Noodle said adamantly but with less volume. 

“That is not what Clyde told me,” Logan stated as she walked over to where the others stood. 

“Well shit, the traitor.  Yeah so what.  I sold him a few extra parts.”  Noodle replied as he squirmed around in his chair. 

“What have you done with the money that you have been depositing into your banking account?”  Addison asked, as she flipped further into her notebook.

Gayle sat up at her desk, doodling on a notepad as she listened to the questions and answers.  She was beginning to realize just how easily her business was being destroyed by the actions of this man sitting in front of her. 

“What money?”  He asked in surprise. 

“The large sums of money that you have been depositing into your off shore account.” 

“I don't have a banking account.  Never used one in my life.”  He replied in surprise. 

“No, that can't be right.  I have subpoenaed records that show periodic deposits that coincide with checks issued from the company for payment of fake invoices.”  Addison stated as she checked her facts once more. 

“I don't cut no checks.”  He looked quickly over at Hazel who looked as if she were ready to run from the room. 

Logan had moved across the room during the questioning of Noodle and stood between Hazel and the exit door.  She watched the back of Hazel as she became more tense with the line of questioning that was now taking place. She could see she was getting ready to bolt from her chair and to run out of the room.  Logan reached out and clamped her hand down on Hazel's shoulder holding her in her chair. 

“You aren't planning on going anywhere, are you Hazel?” she asked as Hazel sank back down. 

Hazel dropped her notebook onto the floor as she wilted into the chair.  Her chin dropped toward her chest as she closed her eyes, not saying a word.  The room remained silent until Noodle spoke up. 

“If I have money, why am I the last to know it?” 

Addison rose from where she was sitting on the table and walked toward Hazel.  Gayle sat behind her desk with tears welling in her eyes and flowing down her cheeks.  She shook her head in disbelief that Hazel might be involved in the criminal behavior at the plant.  She was like a surrogate mother to her.  At one time before her father's death, Gayle even believed that her father and Hazel were going to be married.  Plans changed and instead of Hazel being a member of the family instead, she was destroying what was left of the family and the business. 

WHY! Gayle wondered as she shook her head in disbelief. 

Addison stopped beside Hazel, waiting until she looked up.  The anger emanating from her face made Addison take a step backward.  Logan walked around in front and stood next to Addison. 

Logan quickly read Hazel Goodall the Miranda rights.  She watched as Hazel nodded her affirmation that she understood her rights. 

Logan began quietly. “Hazel, Can you tell us what you know about the overpaid invoices?  In addition, do you have any information regarding John Noodle's savings account?” 

Hazel's dark eyes blazed as she stared directly across the room at Gayle. 

“It should have been mine.  All of this,” she said as her arms flung out in a sweeping gesture.  “He should have married me years ago.  But no, he had to see his precious, little lesbian daughter situated before he would commit fully to me.  Then he died and I was left with nothing.  NOTHING GOD DAMN IT!  After years of being his right hand person and helping him keep this company running.” 

Gayle gasped as she felt the anger fanning in her direction.  She could see Hazel's lips curled in disdain as she glared across the room toward her. 

“If I can't have it, no one will.  I'll run it into the ground.  I'll take every penny it makes and more.”  Hazel continued to rant as spittle flew with the force of her words. 

Logan reached out and snapped a set of cuffs on Hazel as she tried to rise of out the chair, lunging toward Gayle.  Addison placed her body between Hazel and Gayle, making sure Gayle was protected from any aggressive moves from Hazel.  John Noodle simply sat with his mouth wide open.  He couldn't believe what he was hearing. 

“Damn, makes the shit I pulled look like stealing candy instead of parts.”  He remarked to no one in particular. 

Logan had Hazel easily under control as Addison turned toward Noodle and pulled him up from his chair. 

“Gayle, Morgan, we are taking these two down to the precinct and booking them for grand theft, endangerment of life and any other felony we can throw at them.  We'll check back with you later.” 

Addison pulled Noodle toward Logan.  As they got closer together, she yanked up on his cuffs and stretched his hands out toward Logan. 

“Can you watch him a moment while I tell Gayle good bye?” 

“Sure, go ahead.  If the little rat bastard tries anything, I'll sweep him down flat on his ass.”  Logan remarked as she pulled John closer to her.  He did not attempt to resist his arrest, as he knew Logan would do exactly as she said. 

Meanwhile, Addison walked around the desk and knelt down in front of Gayle until they were eye to eye.  Gayle was still crying with disbelief over Hazel's actions. 

“Baby, it's going to be better now.  No one can hurt you anymore.  I’m swing by your house after we finish booking these two if that is all right with you.” 

Gayle nodded her consent but was unable to speak without bursting into more tears. 

Addison stood and leaned toward Gayle, kissing her gently on her forehead.  Turning back toward Logan, she spotted Morgan still standing in the middle of the room. 

“Morgan can I ask you to please take Gayle home for me?” 

“Sure, I'd be glad to.  I'll make sure she gets home, situated, then come back, and close up the shop until she can sort out what she wants to do.” 

“Thank you, my friend.  Later.”  With those last words, Addison rejoined Logan and escorted Goodall and Noodle out of the office. 

Logan looked over her shoulder and yelled out.  “Call me later, Morgan.” 

“You know I will.” Morgan returned as she watched until Logan was totally out of her sight. 

Morgan turned back toward Gayle and helped her to stand.  Walking beside her, she led Gayle to her truck where she preceded to take her home without any problems.  She stopped in front of the house to let Gayle out. 

Gayle turned toward her and said, “I don't know how to thank you for continuing to push the safety issues.  Without your attention, this whole incident would have ended with the entire company going out of business.  Morgan, give me a few days, then please come and see me.  I understand from Addison that you have some plans for the company.  I believe at this point we have nothing to lose by starting over.  We may as well look at all our options.” 

“Thank you.  I will.  How about I come over on Thursday and we'll see if you are ready to discuss the business?”  Logan remarked as she assisted Gayle out of the truck. 

“That sounds perfect.  Morgan, thank you again.”  Gayle leaned over and lightly kissed her on the cheek.  She walked up the stairs and entered the house as Morgan drove away.

Epilogue:  Six months later

HONK!  HONK!   Morgan held her hand on the horn as she looked again at her watch and then back to Willie Mae’s front door.  Finally, she could see the door opening and Willie Mae coming out.  As the door swung wide, Willie Mae turned one last time and kissed WJ before walking toward the truck.

“It is about damn time,” Morgan stated teasingly as Willie Mae pulled herself up into the truck. 

“Oh honey child.  You know I can’t leave home without my sugar for the day.”  Willie Mae laughed as she pulled the seat buckle across her lap.  Looking out of the front window, she asked, “Where’s my sweet baby this morning?”

“Logan left early.  She had to meet Addison to close some files they were working on.  She’ll join us later at the plant.”  Morgan stated as she pulled the truck back onto the street.

“I am so glad she finally decided to move in with you, baby.  I was worried with the house being empty so much and you coming home all those late hours.”

“Yes, mama, I know,” Morgan said with a satisfied laugh.  “I can’t begin to tell you how happy she makes me.  I never thought that I could love anyone again the way that I love her.  Living around the clock with her this past two months has made me realize how much I want her in my life all the time.  Here, take a look at this.”

Morgan reached down and pulled a small ring box out of her pocket.  Willie Mae took the box in her hands and slowly opened the lid.  Lying inside, nestled in black velvet was a beautiful ring circled with emeralds and diamonds.  The sunlight caught the gems making fire bursts of light shine from the rings surface.

“God, this is beautiful,” Willie Mae said in a whispered voice.

“I am going to ask her to be my partner, the love of my life, forever more.”  Morgan said in a trembling voice.  “I pray she tells me yes.”

“Don’t worry, sugar.  I’ve seen the hunger and love in her eyes when she watches you walking around.  You are the only person in the room that she sees.  I am surprised you have waited this long.”

“I wanted her to be sure.  Every day that we share together, strengthens my conviction that I am making the right decision.  I love her with my entire heart and soul.  I can’t imagine life without her.” 

“Good.  That is the only way to love someone.  Go for it kid.”

The truck pulled into the parking lot at the newly enlarged factory.  The lot held many more cars than it had even six months ago.  Morgan glanced up and noted that Gayle Shoemaker was already at the plant as her parking slot marked President: Gayle Shoemaker was filled with her silver BMW.  Morgan slowed down as she carefully pulled her truck in next to the BMW.  As she got out and waited at the front of the truck for Willie Mae, she ran her hand softly over the sign, which stated Vice President: Morgan Fox. 

It had been an amazing six months since the arrest of John Noodle and Hazel Goodall.

The plant began to see a reversal as revenue finally began to come in correctly.  All past bills were reconciled and relationships with vendors reestablished.  Morgan had been given free reign to redesign the shop floor.  As the line began to move more efficiently, business began to boom.  Gayle recognized the business potential that Morgan had and quickly promoted her to Vice President of Operations.  Her decision was paying off in higher profits, increased business and higher employee satisfaction.

Morgan walked up to the main offices after leaving Willie Mae to clock in.  As she passed the secretary’s desk, she stopped and spoke a few words with Mabel Dressler, the employee who had quit months ago following the incident that triggered the current changes within the factory.

“Morning Mabel.  How is the family?”

“Great, Morgan.  Jeremy was accepted into City College yesterday.  Without you calling me about this job, he would never be able to go to college.  We simply would not have had the money.”

“Mabel…All I did was made the recommendation.  Your work stands on your merits.  I am glad you are back with us.”

“Well…thanks anyway.”

“Is Gayle in her office?“

“Yes, Morgan, she is.  Do you want me to buzz her?”

“No, don’t disturb her.  We’ll be meeting later this morning anyway.”

Meanwhile across town, Logan and Addison were finishing their report and getting ready to drive over to the Shoemaker Factory.  Today was the dedication of the new building and both were invited to be present for the event.

As Logan and Addison sat in the black sedan headed toward the factory, Logan turned to Addison saying, “Well, did you decide?  Come on, you know I am dying to know.”

“Logan, this is a pretty big step for me.  When Gayle asked me to move in with her at the ‘Big House’, I was stunned.  I know my heart races every time we are together….”

“Which is nearly every moment you are not working.”

“As I was saying…I have fallen deeply in love with her.  I am trying hard not to let her money be a barrier between what I am feeling and the decisions I need to make.”

“The question is do you love her enough to not let anything stand between you?”

“Oh God…yes.  My every waking thought is about her.  My arms ache at night when I have to leave her alone.  I can’t get enough of her even after all these months.  She is my life.”

“I believe that is your answer, Addie.”  Logan said softly as she looked closely at her friend.  She could see the tears welling in Addison’s eyes as she spoke of her feelings for Gayle.

“I know you are right as usual.”  Addison acknowledged as she pulled into the visitors parking spot and stopped the car.

“Are you ready?”   Addison said to Logan.

“Yes, let’s go.  I know both Morgan and Gayle are anxious for us to be here this morning.”

The two women walked side by side, a starling contrast in features.  One was short, red headed and vibrant with pent up energy.  The other was tall, dark and very regal, walking with panther-like grace.  Together, they walked toward their chosen destinies and the women they loved.   In the distance, Morgan and Gayle stood side-by-side, waiting on their lovers to walk up to them.

As the two women moved closer, Morgan reached out and pulled Logan into her arms, giving her a robust kiss on the lips.  Gayle held out her hand for Addison.  Addison reached out and pulled her closer.  She looked deep into the sky blue eyes and said one word, “Yes.”

Gayle looked into the chocolate eyes and saw the love beaming from them.  She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Addison, following with a soft, long kiss to seal the commitment that Addison had just made to her.

“I love you so much,” she whispered into Addison’s ear.  Addison drew back and looked into Gayle’s face. 

“I love you too baby, forever.”

Once more, the four women turned and walked back into the factory together.  The ceremony would begin shortly but their own personal ceremonies would continue long into the future as commitments were made to one another that would last a lifetime.

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Copyright © February 2005 by Shadylady & T. Stratton. All Rights Reserved.

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