Robert Coleman

I pulled out some paper and a pen and sat them in front of him. "Start writing."

I picked up the pen and started to write the best I could. It took awhile but I finally got everything written down, including my involvement with the missing McCall girl.

"I'll be in touch. Go home, or wherever you're staying. Get some rest. Stay away from the drugs and alcohol."

"I know that I'm going to prison. Everything is in there, including the crimes against my wife. I'll see you later, Robert." I slowly got up from the chair and made my way to the door.

I sighed. "I might... be able to get you... a plea bargain. I don't know. I'll have to see what I can do. At any rate, get some rest. I'll be in touch."

"Thank you." We'd discuss the plea bargain another time...but I truly didn't want it. I made it to his door and left the office.

I sighed and watched him go, then set the paper aside. I'd deal with... all of that... first thing in the morning. Hoping the party would wrap up soon, I left my office to go back downstairs, almost running straight into Ivy. "Damn, I'm sorry," I said, steadying the tray she had in her hands. "I didn't think anyone else was up here. Are you alright?"

"I...I'm fine. I didn't mean to run into you, I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault, I wasn't paying attention. Too much on my mind. Are you alright? You look a little shaken up."

I met his eyes and then glanced away "I'm alright, really. I just needed a break."

"Of course. It's been a long night." She didn't say anything and I wondered what was up with her. "Why don't you take the rest of the evening off. There are plenty of servers downstairs."

"I shouldn't do that, this is my first event."

"Well you look like you could use a break. And I'm in charge. Not a big deal, you're new here and this was a pretty big party to get thrown into. They're usually bigger than this though."

"I appreciate it then, thank you." I said and thought of something "Oh. Before I forget...one of the pipes underneath a kitchen sink was leaking. I gave it a temporary fix but you should probably have it checked after tonight. Could turn into a big mess."

I didn't say anything for a minute. Damn that was sexy. "Um... wow. Thank you. I'll get a plumber out here first thing in the morning to take a look at it."

"You're welcome."

"Can I walk you to your room?" I asked, very aware of how stupid I sounded.

"I'd like that, thank you. What about this tray?" 

I smiled as I took it from her, moving a flower arrangement on a random table so I could set it down. "There, it can be dealt with later."

I smiled back and nodded "Alright." we started walking along side of each other down the hallway.

"How are you liking working here so far?"

Robert

"I like it. It's different than what I'm used to though."

"What did you do before you came to work here?"

"My Father is a handy man, I grew up helping him work and fix things."

I nodded. "That sounds like an interesting way to grow up. So do you know how to do more than fix pipes?" I asked, curious.