Shock

"Are you worried about ru

"Not really. With the hangover he's undoubtedly going to have, I don't think anybody is going to be seeing much of him today."

"You're probably right. Besides, he's probably not going to remember much about last night anyway."

"Well, good luck, partner," Deborah said.

"Same to you," Joa

"I forgot to ask if you remembered your cell phone."

"I certainly did. And you?"

"Yup! And I even remembered to charge the battery. So let's do it!"

With a sense of purpose and not a small amount of anxiety, the two women alighted from the car and entered the building. According to instructions they'd gotten the previous day they went first to Helen Masterson's cubicle, where they completed a bit more paperwork. They were relieved that no problems with their fake Social Security numbers had emerged overnight.

From Helen's office space they split up, with Joa

Joa

Christine had remembered Joa

"Come right it and sit down, Prudence!" Christine said. She removed some folders from the chair pressed up against the side of her desk. "Welcome to the Wingate."

Joa

In a no-nonsense ma

"Any questions?" Christine asked.

"What is the office policy on coffee breaks?" Joa

"It's a very reasonable question," Christine said. "We're not strict about coffee breaks, and we encourage people to do what's best for them. The important thing is to get your work done. Generally speaking, most people take a half hour in the morning and another half hour in the afternoon, either at one time or broken into several shorter periods. Lunch is also a half hour, but again, we're not sticklers for that."

Joa

"I should remind you there is no smoking," Christine said. "If you do smoke, you have to go out to your car."

"I don't smoke," Joa

"In your application it says you have a lot of computer experience," Christine said. "So I suppose we don't have to go over anything about our system. It is rather straightforward, and I know you. have spoken with Randy Porter."

"I think I'll be fine in that regard," Joa

"Well, let's get you started," Christine said. "I've got a clear cubicle for you and a full in-basket."

Christine led Joa

"I'm afraid it's not very cozy, Prudence," Christine admitted.

"But you are welcome to bring in any decorative items you wish to personalize the space."

"It's fine," Joa

Christine then introduced Joa

"Well, then," Christine said. "I think that covers the basics. Remember! I'm here to help, so just give a yell."

Joa

Next, Joa

At that point Joa

Joa

DEBORAH NODDED EVERY SO OFTEN TO MAKE IT SEEM LIKE she was listening. She was sitting in Megan Fi

Deborah's mind couldn't help but wander as the woman gave her a ca

"Do you have any questions?" Megan asked suddenly.

As if having been caught napping, Deborah sat up straighter. "I don't think so," she said quickly.

"Good," Megan said. "If any occur to you, you know where I am. Now I'll turn you over to one of our more experienced technicians. Her name is Maureen Jefferson. She'll be training you in nuclear transfer."

"Sounds good to me," Deborah said.

"As a final point," Megan said, "I'd like to suggest you wear more sensible shoes."

"Oh?" Deborah asked i

"Let's just say they are inappropriate," Megan said. "I don't want you slipping on the tile and breaking a leg."