The Adventures of Alice and Max
Chapter 21: Max Is In Trouble
The time came when Devon had enough of Max. But Max wanted to patch things over. The first thing he did was approach him.
“Hey, D, I’m really sorry…”
Devon gave him a look so hideous, he froze mid-sentence and his eyes became like poisonous darts filled with malice.
“Next time you wanna speak, you better think twice before you say anything.
“Sorry? For what? It don’t matter. You and me we’re done. I ain’t helping you out ever. Ever again.” He brushed past him with force almost knocking him down. Max was helpless and distraught. Devon was going to even the playing field. Max could sense it.
Lauder came back the next morning and asked Bruce what happened.
“Well, the two of ‘em had a little spat yesterday after you left.”
“OK, well, what occurred?” Lauder asked.
“Devon said something that pissed the kid off,” Bruce said. “But I’m not sure what. Anyway, Devon’s been giving him the silent treatment ever since. But he’ll come around.”
“I don’t know, boss. Devon’s not the easiest person to deal with and now with this… You keep an eye on him.”
“You keep an eye on him. He’s your employee.”
“I’m the supervisor,” Lauder said, shocked.
“So? I’m delegating that to you.”
“Why?”
“I’m not gettin’ involved.”
“Wow, nice job, boss. Whatever.” Lauder stormed out and saw Devon unusually hard at work. Max got a new ship today and all had to be assembled and shipped out in five days.
“Alright, you guys, good morning.” They both said it flatly back. “So, what happened yesterday?”
Devon glanced back with a smile, “Oh, this guy’s always joking, man.” He grabbed Max by the shoulders smiling forcefully. “He’s a riot. It was just a misunderstanding.”
“Yeah?” He looked to Max for confirmation.
Max was confused, but beamed genuinely, “Uh… yeah, Lauder, it was all a joke.”
“OK, good. I heard otherwise.”
“Ah, it’s all good,” Devon said, chuckling. “We gotta move on, right?” He dug his fingernail into Max’s shoulder.
“Right,” Max said understanding the wickedness behind the man’s motives.
“Cool, alright, back to work.” They went back and Lauder tramped around the shop searching for a task.
After lunch, Max went back to his duties. Devon still gave him the silent treatment. This terrified Max.
When is he gonna strike? He didn’t know.
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