John Appleton was enjoying himself for the first time in months, his involvement with Nigel’s unjustified incarceration made him uneasy. He had come to Ellen’s family to make amends, and she welcomed him. He’d never had a family of his own, and it was nice being a part of Ellen’s family, even if it was just for a short while. It was nice to enjoy a home-cooked meal for a change. He sat at the dinner table watching Nigel play with his little brother Ralphie.
The doorbell rang. Ellen went to answer it.
“Can I help you with something?” Ellen said, greeting the visitor.
“I’m here to see Nigel.” It was a young woman in her late twenties.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Natasha, Nigel’s recruiter at Collective Systems.”
“Right. Come in, it’s cold outside.”
“Can my companions come in as well?”
