"So, you guys taking care of those kids over there, what's that like? How are you managing with that?"
My chair groans loudly as I lean my arm to its side.
One of the girls gives me the side-eye, another smiles, but the last one stays quiet. Focusing on her tea she swirls it around in her lap.
"I'm sorry if I asked something personal. You don't need to answer if you feel—"
"It's not that," Smiley interjects.
"Yer just admin, ain't ya? Why yer stickin' dat long nose in our yonk business?" Side-eye removes her hat with a rough grab, giving me her hateful stare.
"I'm new here and I would just like to help the community out where I can. I've seen a lot of drunk people, a lot of loud people—I'm simply not used to that where I'm from."
"Typical."
"Hey, hey, don't be rude. The Missus vouched for him." Smiley look at me apologetically.
Tsk. Side-eye clicks her tongue, craning her neck away from my gaze to watch the kids eat.
"Have I offended you in any way? I apologise if I have. Like I said, if you could teach me some of the town's social customs, I'm more than happy to learn."
"AHHHH, why doesn't he get it?" She snorts loudly, folding her arms.
Bro, I'm really trying here. You just like making me suffer, don't you? One more word out of your mouth and I'm gone.
"What—" My brow furrows.
Tim, recognizing my distress, discretely gestures his head toward the smiling Maple.
Oh, I see. You know something I don't, old coot. How humorous.
I smile at her back, leaning against my chair.
"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, I was only asking earlier, because, Missus Maple showed immense concern for you three lovely ladies." I pinch my nose, looking down as I sniff loudly, "She seemed very worried. Even though she wouldn't admit it, I saw her pacing around the stall when she talked about what's been going on in town recently." My voice tightens.
"I was worried on her behalf, to make such a frail woman pace around. You must mean a considerable amount..."
After wiping beneath my eyes, I fold my hands in front of me and return their stares.
"She what now?" Side-eye spins around so fast her hat nearly flies off her lap.
The silent one—I'll call her Quiet—finally looks up from her tea, meeting my gaze for the first time.
Even Smiley's grin falters.
Missus Maple keeps her head down, fingers working the yarn with deliberate focus. But I catch that small smile on her face.
Didn't expect that, did you, bitch? My forbidden technique is called 'lying,' just so you know.
"What exactly did she say?" Side-eye's chin juts forward, so stiff it could cut grass. The other two stare back too, studying me.
"Sit."
Quiet's single word shifts the atmosphere making it feel tense.
"I-uh, am already doing—"
Her dark eyes reach past her curly bangs, grabbing at my throat.
"You're admin." Not a question.
Dang, she saw through my act. I clear my throat.
"Yes, I am the newly appointed Vice-leader."
"Working under Nelson."
"'Working under' is a strong phrase. I prefer the term... 'collaboration.'"
Every second she stares my throat tightens.
"You with Maverous?"
My airway squeezes with each word of her words she asks.
"I-uh-"
Focusing on Tim, I force out a coherent sentence.
"To be honest, never met the guy. But from what I've heard, he sounds like a prick, though."
The feeling dissipates and I look up at them and smile in relief.
At my smile, something flickers across all three of their faces. Quiet's expression remains neutral, but her fingers tighten around her cup.
"How did you do that..."
"Magic." I wiggle my fingers in their direction, remaining entirely clueless what they mean.
Even Missus Maple stares at me now, pale as a ghost.
The three women exchange looks. Some silent conversation passes between them.
Finally, Quiet speaks up again.
"They call us Norts, as you can see by the color of our skin. We represent those who didn't stay in their place; because we teach orphans that their skin color doesn't define their worth. Because we organize and preserve the forgotten parts of our culture. This makes many people... antagonistic."
"Our farmers; only those boys help us out," Smiley echoes. "No one else does."
"Why?" I look at them, inquisitive.
"Uncomfortable enough to cause problems?"
"Uncomfortable enough that Maverous and his goons tried to strong-arm our lessons twice last week," Side-eye snaps. "Uncomfortable enough that we get followed by his entourage every other day. Uncomfortable enough that—"
"Enough." Quiet cuts her off with a gentle hand on her arm. "He doesn't need the full story."
"Actually," I lean forward.
"I do. If I'm going to offer my help.."
"Help?" Side-eye barks out a raspy laugh.
"You're admin. You are the problem."
"Then I'll just fix it myself." My words hang in the air.
"Huh? What can you do?"
"Well, if his men are as present as you say, then I'm sure he's just seen us talking. Talking means I'm complicit, stuck with you guys regardless of either of our wishes."
"I suppose you have a point there," Quiet mutters.
"Still, that doesn't mean we'll work with you."
"Don't you want some representation in admin? Give me some tough-looking bodyguards and I'll hook you up, if you know what I mean." I wink.
"You'll need to convince Zerbus for that," Smiley adds.
"And you're only vice-head," Quiet whispers back.
"I'm sure you three ladies can help a brother out." I clasp my hands together.
"Are you serious about this? Things could get troublesome, especially for you. Why would a Mort go out of their way.."
"I have a plan. Don't worry." I look over to Tim and nod.
He nods back.
"Truth is." My voice deepens. "I'm very opposed to how this current administration is run. And that Gianna Bitch. I want her gone. Maverous he can go too from what I've read. I would prefer a clean removal so it doesn't make much mess for me to clean."
I bend forward until I'm uncomfortable and they follow.
"How do we know your not a filthy bograt?" Side-eyes grunts in that gruff tone.
"You said earlier you are organised, but frankly, I don't see it." I shake my head.
"A couple of school children and part-time farmers can only protect you for so long. But from what I've read in the reports, they'll all drop dead before they can really do anything." Pausing for effect, I gradually pull away from them.
"What I provide is simple: Connections, influence and a way to resist. I know you can't trust me, but that's the point, I know I can't trust you neither. Either we bring ourselves to the negotiation table, as we are, and make this work despite our differences," my fingers interlock, "or, will you perhaps lose the one singular golden opportunity you will ever get, as it arrives before you. Dying with the knowledge that as it stood, our opposition had the ability to squish you without even going to these lengths if they so desired."
Standing up, I brush my hands along my apron.
"By coming here I've shown you confidence, now show me yours."
I grab at Quiets drink and skull down her hot and spicy tea; choking as I place it back down.
"Was thirsty." Cough. I stain my shirt sleeve wiping the wet from my lips.
"Please give me a decisive answer, dragging this decision out, benefits neither of us."
I dawdle over to Missus Maple handing her my breakfast charge and turn away.
"Jimson. Jimson, is that you?" She claws back, a tear rolls down her face as she grabs ahold of my hand from behind.