Carl was worried for his boss. Dave the Big Dog had never shown up to work late in his two years there. Now it was eleven. No message or whereabouts known.
"What do you think we should do?"
"Shush. Let me think, James."
Only the two of them knew that Dave hadn't come in yet. When Lenny had asked, "hey where's Dave?" Carl had been quick on his feet. "Went out for coffee." He said. "Thought the team could use an extra boost."
"He's right about that," Lenny snickered. "Fucking project is working me to the bone." He walked out while scratching his back. Carl shut the door behind him.
"What are you doing?" James asked.
"Buying Dave some time."
"But why though?"
"Team's morale will be crushed if they find out the boss is losing motivation."
"Wait, we don't even know what's going on yet. He might be sick--"
"What would be even worse."
"What? A man can't get sick now? Sheesh."
"Dave never gets sick."
James thought about this. Nodded.
This interaction was two hours earlier. Carl had forced James to sneak out the window and bring back coffee for the team. Carl served the drinks and said Dave was doing some
deep work
. Had to be left alone with some docs he was diving into. Nobody protested or investigated further.
Carl returned to the back office. Shut the door behind him. James looked up at him from his phone.
"How'd they take it?"
"They seem to buy it. Seem to be enjoying the easy morning actually."