Story 11 – Part 4 – Anniversary Celebration

“So, apparently,” Vire said as she held up the newspaper, “the only person who got buried alive was an unnamed jogger who went into a collapsing building to save some other unnamed person’s life.”

“Wow,” Agent Driver said as he snatched the paper away. “I haven’t gotten a chance to see what Bosere was doing about a cover story. I suppose it works for now.”

“I don’t mind remaining anonymous,” Carmine interrupted as he shifted his leg on the lobby couch.

He had apparently sustained a minor fracture along with his various scrapes, bruises, and dehydration from being trapped for so long. Agent Michaels was about in the same physical condition, only instead of a fractured leg he had some bruised ribs. Carmine tilted his head and looked over at Regg who was trying to not laugh at the cover stories that Vire and Dev were coming up with. Laughing really looked painful, judging by the wincing.

“So, why the cover up story anyway?” Vire asked.

“Cause it’s easier,” Dev said. “Besides, some famous person will do something stupid within the month and everyone will forget about a random building that collapsed.”

“That’s actually believable,” Vire said. “So, are you guys on break while Michaels is recovering?”

“Desk duty.” “Catching up on paper work,” Regg corrected.

“And they’ll be at the party next week,” Owens said.

“What party?” everyone asked in a dysfunctional unison.

“The one year anniversary party of the Freelance Agency,” Owens stated. “I’m thinking of expanding.”

“Expanding?” Dev asked.

“Well, you don’t need the Agency all the time,” Owens explained. “I was thinking of seeing if I could find other part-time opportunities for my minions.”

“Now, dear,” Wilanna interrupted, “they obviously can get into trouble without your meddling help. Now do you boys need anything?”

“No thank you, Mrs. Owens,” Regg said.

“I’m fine as well,” Carmine told her.

It did not take long for the rest of the conversation to turn to the party. The very idea that the apartment complex had been in operation for an entire year was actually the impressive thing. True, some part of the building was in construction because Vire liked to tinker, but that was not a bad thing. Actually, with how deluxe this place was getting, Carmine was starting to think about moving in. It was like a suburban neighborhood without the lawn care. That and Vire had converted the entire top floor area into a recreation center with pool, playground, and gym.

“Hey, Michaels,” Owens called over the conversation. “When do you want to move in again?”

“Um, is next month all right?” Regg asked.

“Perfect,” Owens replied. “Now if we manage to get Driver and Carmine to move in, we’ll have the whole party.”

“My wife likes our current home,” Driver answered. “Not to mention my kids like the neighborhood.”

“In other words, you have no say in the matter,” Owens interpreted. “Carmine? How about you?”

“I’ll think about it,” Carmine agreed. “For now, I’d like to be able to walk properly in time for the party.”