parade of forced smiles

ays observing. It was a habit he couldn't

too hard at something Chad said,

htened someth

more, it was more a dull r

s choosing, a

ad, his face flushed with alco

two yes-men trailing be

boomed, loud enough for

s shoulder, reeking of expen

hot, buddy, that old clunker

y removed

ing oka

a predatory gl

y, everyone knows that,"

or Jessica's sake, you kno

ick envelope from

a severance package, a little something to help you st

gasped, then fell in

envelope, then at

y, her face pale, her eyes d

flustered

ispered, but there wa

ve hand at her. "It's

iserable, Collins, can't you see

mmered, "Mike, you're just... you're neve

him, didn't deny

, so blatant, hit Mike

ld calm sett