Lennon:What gossip? I haven’t heard any. Why would somebody hurt Bowie? And I haven’t seen Kari around either, why is that?
Isley:Yeah, Kari canceled the office meetings we had planned for this week, and next week too.
Frey:Next week Bowie has his heat. I noticed in the heat calendar he’d penciled to be out of the office. That could be why Kari canceled next week's things.
Isley:Could be. That doesn’t explain why anyone would want to hurt Bowie, he’s a total sweetheart.
Hollis:No one said that Bowie was assaulted, Isley. Bowie is working from home. The reasons are his to discuss, if he wishes to. No one is to pressure him into talking. Do you hear me? No one! Monty, give me five minutes and I’ll drop some cake to you.
Monty:Thanks. If it’s not Bowie, who was it? Wilder, what did you hear about the assault?
Wilder:I overheardone of the security guards talking about it and how they had to call the police and an ambulance.
Lennon:Are you sure it wasn’t Kodi losing his temper with someone? He really needs someone to spank his backside, he’s so naughty.
Ziggy:I know a great shop that sells paddles. Lennon, I could send you the link.
Hollis:Good gods, no. Do not even mention things like that, I can’t unsee it.
Ziggy:It’s only paddling, Hollis. Some folks love that type of thing. Don’t you remember from the club we visited?
Hollis:I took off my glasses so I wouldn’t see. Now shall we get back to what we are paid to do because otherwise I’ll need to paddle you lot!
Chapter Twenty-Six
Alphaholes
Booker:Where are you, Kari? You aren’t at home, I checked. In fact, it looks like you moved out? Anyone know what gives?
Taylin:I’m more interested in why Hollis is wittering on about paddles?
Booker:I don’t know anything about paddles, but Kari’s up to something. I can’t find Bowie either.
Kodi:Kari’s dealing with work stuff, just ring him and stop bitching.
Booker:You got a damn nerve telling me to stop bitching. I could hear you all the way down the corridor bitching at Lennon.
Jupiter:Have you checked the heat calendar, Booker? Tay, paddles? Hollis doesn’t sound so boring after all!
Booker:No, why would I check the heat calendar when I live with my PA?
Taylin:Are you the reason he’s talking about paddles, Jup?
Jupiter:No, he’s your mate, Tay. Lucky you, Booker, not! But I think you’re forgetting that cross cover and PA swapping requires some knowledge of what’s happening in the other calendar.
Booker:Point taken, asshole.
Kodi:I wasn’t bitching. Seriously Booker, are you going deaf with all that baby crying you’re having to listen to?
Booker:Emmy is not a teary baby!
Jupiter:Emmy is an absolute sweetheart for Uncle Jup. It must be you she doesn’t like, Kodi.
Kodi:You keep believing that, Jup. And this weird baby planet you’re living on is freaking me out.
Rue:Silas is just as elusive. Anyone know where he’s disappeared to?
Dad:Rue, Silas is with Popi.
