Honor Defended
I stepped into the apartment fully expecting to find Jane gone and it was somewhat of a surprise to see her rise up out of a chair at my entrance. "I got it, actually I got two. One is for a backup in case we need it."
"Excellent! Good thinking on your part." Jane responded.
I gave her an odd look, as she seemed rather bubbly. I passed over the two nondescript items that I'd almost gotten poisoned to death over in several different fashions.
I couldn't but help ask, "Why are you so upbeat?"
She glanced up from the items in her hands, "To tell you the truth I didn't really think you could succeed, but now that you have I see hope in this mission. It will be a good thing to see my research actually do some good."
I nodded and thought 'and get paid for it', but I kept that thought to myself. Her reasons for being bubbly seemed plausible enough, but there was just something about her that still didn't add up with me.
"Well you knock yourself out with playing with those. I'm getting something to eat and some sleep before round two of this scavenger hunt starts."
I headed back out to the town mindful to be cautious about being seen as I left the apartment. I thought about where to eat. Truthfully there weren't many places yet available in terms of providing a real selection.
The economy in the nation had really pulled together as a whole in America after the Code had come down. Nations around the world, not so adversely affected by the Code, had given generously and America was well on the way to getting back up on its feet, but the recovery was still tough going in places.
An old fast food restaurant had just reopened. I didn't really care for the food they offered, but perhaps because of the nostalgia of younger days I chose to eat at it. It seemed that everyone else had the same idea and there was quite a line, but it was moving along quickly so I stayed.
When I got to my turn at the register I ordered and paid and then went to stand off to the side with the other people who were waiting for their orders. Everyone behind the counter was busy, and they were doing their best to be organized against the rush. As each person stepped forward to grab their bag the manager himself would assist them.
His words became a constant repeating litany, "Do you need any sauces?" To which he fulfilled whatever their requests may be from bins on the other side of the counter generously. I stepped up to the counter to claim my bag and thinking to beat him to the punch I asked for honey mustard sauce.