The green fields returned to view as we made our way back to aiAI's workplace. The clouds had turned to a brilliant orange as the day began to close. We had finished the rest of the scheduled work for the day without much issue; as the rest were matchmaking requests or returning the data from already finished requests. It was nice having these moments of respite after the hell I was subjected to in the morning.

Not to mention the devil still sat on my left shoulder.

I thought as I glanced at my partner, focused on the road ahead. What had stuck with me however wasn't her, but her previous partner, Alexandre's actions. He had taken the time to orient me and get me situated with the job, but also most likely had full knowledge about Amanda being one of my clients, not to mention that the easy jobs that followed after were most likely also planned out.

He also tried to feed me his "usual", so I can't tell if it's just an elaborate prank the Gen Z do these days. Here I thought all of their humor amounted to repeating the same phrase over and over again or colored astronauts.

"So, what was up with Alexandre putting me through the wringer on my first day?" I asked the devil to my left.

"Who knows. Even being once his partner, his actions today seem enigmatic." She said more monotonically than usual.

"Still, one thing I am certain of is that he admires you in some way." She continued.

"Admire? In what way? In that, I didn't quit the moment I was paired up with you?"

"I am not sure myself, but after your interview, he seemed ecstatic to have you on board. It may be best for you to ask him yourself, as I don't have neither the answers nor the desire to help you."

Right, thanks, "dear partner". Still, it is odd for someone like Alexandre to "admire" me but also put me through this much trouble.

These thoughts together with the wounds reopened by me and Amanda's meeting, as well as my first-day experiences with the job all bundled up together in my head to make nothing less than a massive mess.

Not like that isn't the norm, but, oh well.

I was also tired of moving around the city and having to do the majority, if not almost all of the talking with our clients so I was more than ready for a few Zs.

"I'm gonna get a little bit of shut-eye. Wake me up when we're back."

"Mm." She grunted with a short nod.

It hadn't occurred to me, but as tired as I was, she was the one doing all of the driving, as well as the technical aspects of the job. Her tongue and speech lost their earlier sharpness which prompted me to ask.

"You seem tired too. I'm surprised you have to do this almost every day."

"Spare me your concern. I've been doing this for the better part of 3 years now, but I am still human after all."

"Thanks for the clarification. I didn't think you were one."

I said with a yawn as I reclined my chair and closed my eyes on the familiar scenery, and slumbered.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"We're here. Wake up."

I heard from the confines of my own head, feeling slightly better rested as I opened my eyes and let the dim light enter.

"Hmm? Ah, right."

I said as I raised my body from its drowsy state. I rubbed my eyes to see better and the once roaring orange of the clouds had been replaced by a darkening blue.

Ouch, I think I slept on my arm; it tingles but not in a good tingle.

I got up, arm in hand, and exited the car.

"I'll have to park this in the garage. Goodbye, and thank you for your work."

"You don't sound like my partner. Who are you, imposter?"

I said with as much energy as my groggy body could muster, and my partner had returned in a flash.

"Let me rephrase that then. Let this be our final meeting and shame on you for your terrible performance."

"That's more like it. See you tomorrow too."

I waved goodbye as she drove off. As much as I joke about it, her duller tongue and sudden kindness told me that she was tired, hell I was too, even after my power nap.

Guess it's a lot more than standing around with a clipboard and getting paid, huh.

I thought as I let out another yawn and entered the building. I still had my questions for Alexandre after all, and it came with the benefit of seeing more of the place. I opened up the door, and the cool air hit me at the same time as the warm smile from the receptionist.

"Ah, good evening, and welcome back, Mr. Blaithe. How may I help you?"

"Likewise, I just came back to ask Alexandre a few questions. Can I get a clue where his office is?"

"Take the elevator to the fourth floor and head past the common area for the execs; there will be two hallways leading to the meeting rooms and the personal offices. Alexandre's should be the 3rd in at the personal office's section."

"Alright, thanks," I said with a smile as I walked past and went into the elevator. I exited it and was met with the common area of the execs; it was fairly similar to the Surveyor's Division's common area but was more spacious. It had more sofas spaced about as well as a larger variety of vending machines. There was still modern art placed on the walls, but instead of small individual pieces, the walls were adorned with large, imposing pieces of abstract art. The fluorescent lights shone brightly as the large windows which earlier let in the natural light now only revealed the darkening night sky.

This, plus the pay and short hours, must be heaven.

I thought, seeing as I was the only one in the area at the time. I walked through and found the hallway leading to the offices.

"Right, third one...Third one...Ah, found it."

I exclaimed as I stood before the door with Alexandre's name on a plack placed upon it. I knocked and spoke through the door.

"Hello? Alexandre, it's me, Bridger. Can I come in?"

"Bridger? Yes, you may."

I opened up the door and was met by him typing away at his desktop. It was a fairly small office compared to the rest of the building's spaces, smaller than the one Myla and he had occupied, but more than enough for a single person. It was decorated with modern art across the walls and shelves, with a potted plant, folders, and notebooks atop Alexandre's desk.

"Nice to see you comfy in a new office."

"It's been planned for a few weeks now, but yes, it has been fun."

He said with his friendly smile as I sat down in front of him and wore a serious look.

"Alright, let's get straight to it. You knew about Amanda, didn't you?"

He stopped typing and faced me with a smaller smile.

"You also handled our schedule for today, so what's the deal, man? Looking to sabotage me to get revenge on all the years Myla stole from your lifespan?"

I asked in a genuinely concerned tone, but all that did was surprise him before he began laughing.

"You're a funny one, Bridger. Thank you, I needed that since the execs kept piling up work on me, y'know?" He laughed as I looked upon the folders on his desk.

Picking on the new guy happens from the top to the bottom it seems.

I thought, but Alexandre took my attention as he cleared his throat.

"But, to be completely honest with you, Bridger, I was well aware of the schedule and what it would mean. I am truly sorry." He said with a genuine tone of voice and gave me a saddened look.

"Hey, don't tell me Myla really did mess you up."

"No, it's not that,"

"Hmm?"

"It's just. I wanted to know if you were the right person for the job I have planned." He said with a serious look, and I was inclined to sit up in my chair and listen to what he had to say.

I just wanna go back home, man.