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An idea bubbled up in his mind, and his smile turned into a grin. And while it wouldn’t cover the whole debt he owed Christian, it was at least a good start. David glanced at the clock on the computer, calculating when the end of the workday would come.

David steppedout of his office, stopping as he watched Oscar Reyes limp toward the elevator. The man looked like he’d slept better since the last time David had seen him, but his mood had darkened since that morning.

David looked at Christian. “Something go wrong?”

Christian shrugged. “He was like that after I came back from lunch.”

David thought back, just as mystified as Christian. The only significant thing that happened was the monthly check-up visit from one of the clinic workers. Normally, David would go to the clinic, but since he sometimes forgot, Christian had taken it upon himself to bring one of them to David’s office.

“Oh yeah, speaking of, how was Troy?” Christian asked.

David snorted at the thought of the chipper doc. “The same as usual, though quieter.”

“Well, we chatty folk have our quiet days too.”

“Today must have been his. When should I expect yours?”

Christian stuck his tongue out. “I reserve those for my days off.”

“Ah, so a special occasion then.”

“Yeah, it’s not like I get much time off.”

David inched closer to the desk to lean on it. With Christian watching him, he was suddenly more aware of what he was getting ready to say and felt a strange nervousness. Quietly, hereminded himself what he was offering was nothing unusual, especially considering what Christian had done for him.

“How’s our schedule looking for the rest of the week?” David asked.

Christian hummed thoughtfully, turning his attention to his screen. “Not our worst week. I’d say we’re doing pretty well. Though the Staff Sergeant was by again.”

David winced. “From Maelstrom?”

“The very same.”

He sighed. “I suppose I should have expected that. I’ve been getting reports that the team hasn’t taken well to their newest member. Or rather, their newest member and the team leader aren’t getting along. The rest are getting dragged along for the ride.”

“That bad?”

“Yes, apparently, there was an issue during training. Well, a few, but one of them required a visit to the docs, who were not too pleased.”

“Oh, that sounds nice.”

“Yes, very nice.”

It was a problem he’d foreseen, but it had once again prompted Philip to call him and warn, not so subtly, that he had been against the new addition to the team in the first place. David wasn’t bothered, and he’d assured Philip everything was under control and he didn’t need to worry. There were bound to be bumps in the road when bringing two different groups together, especially when strong personalities were involved.

David shrugged lightly. “I have something in mind for them anyway. I’ve just been letting them...get acquainted. Once the last of the paperwork has gone through, I’ll give them something to focus on besides how much they don’t like one another.”

“Mm, another dastardly plan?”

“Something like that.”

“I’m sure they’ll love it.”

David leaned forward. “So, I did have a reason for asking.”

Christian looked up, blinking. “Oh, what’s that?”

“Is there any point this week when things can be shuffled around so we can get out of here a little earlier than usual? Or better yet, a lot earlier?”