Warning! The following may contain bad spelling, grammar, punctuation, cardboard characters, cheesy plots, offensive NSFW material, and / or puns. Reader discretion is advised.
Angie and Tom worked side by side in the lab. A large bench covered with beakers, test tubes, flasks and burners served as their working space. Tom added a small amount of the concoction he was working on to a test tube and watched the reaction. He frowned and set the tube in a rack.
“That one didn’t work either.”
“Let’s take a break. You want some coffee?”
“That depends. Was it made from the tap water?”
“Good point. There’s a soda machine down the hallway.”
“No, I’m good, but thank you.”
Tom looked at Angie as if sizing her up. “Do you like your work here?” he asked.
“Yeah, I guess its all right. The work is interesting, the pay is OK, and I get to help put the bad elements away.”
“Have you ever considered doing something else?”
“You mean a different job? What else would I do? Be an administrative assistant?”
Tom smiled. “No, not like that. I mean have you ever considered working somewhere other than the police department. Perhaps something in the private sector.”
“You offering me a job?”
“Yes, yes I am. You have exceptional scientific skills. You are motivated to help people. I think you would be an excellent addition to our organization.”
Angie was mildly surprised. “What, join you at The Good Guys, Inc.? I appreciate the offer but I think I’ll stay where I’m at.”
“If that is your decision, then of course I will honor it. But, the offer remains. If you ever want to change positions I’d be happy for you to join us.”
“From what I understand, you guys don’t do ‘normal.’ I’ve heard you deal with that New Age freaky shit, weirdos, crazies….”
“I admit that our cases and clientele could be considered odd by societal standards. We like to think of it as handling the more interesting social dynamics of our culture and civilization.”
“Whatever you call it, it’s still freaky.”
“Well, somebody has to do it.”
Tom stopped for a moment, a look of revelation coming over his face.
“What is it?”
Tom grabbed several test tubes and lined them up in a rack. He grabbed various chemicals and measured out small amounts into the different tubes. “Could you hand me one of the samples of Zooper, please?”
Angie passed Tom the sample and started looking at the chemicals he was using. A look of comprehension spread across her face. “Oh, that’s inspired.” She went to a cabinet and got out a flask and another bottle of chemicals.
“I think you’ll need these.” She passed the items to Tom.
“Thanks.” He was busy mixing the various chemicals and finally dumped them into the flask. At last he poured the sample of Zooper into it. He stirred the mixture and used a dropper to prepare a slide. He placed the slide under the microscope and peered into the lenses. “Take a look,” he said and moved to allow Angie to see.
Angie looked into the lenses. “It seems to have stabilized. I think you’ve done it.”