**Charismatic Shoemaker Lloyd**
Benton stacked the last of the files and carried them to the printer. The steady whir of the machine was a small comfort, machines didn’t judge, didn’t snicker, didn’t size you up and decide you weren’t worth respect.
It hadn’t been long since Old Charles had fired the worker who mocked him. The scene replayed in Benton’s head, Charles's voice cutting through the room like a blade, the man’s face draining of colour, and the sudden, unnatural silence that followed.
Benton didn’t feel satisfaction. Only unease.
He set the files down and followed Old Charles into his office, closing the door behind him.
“Will I actually learn anything here if you keep firing anyone who comes at me?” Benton asked. His tone was calm, but his eyes were sharp.
Charles turned
