As the bell rang signalling the switch between Freshman and Sophomore lunch, Frieda Knight briefly kissed Eric Anderson on the cheek before saying, "Tell Yin that I really appreciate her offer Yang," she began, using the nicknames for Spencer and Eric she coined, based upon their pelt colorings when furry, "but I really can't condone skipping school and risking us getting into more trouble tomorrow or any day, no matter how horny I might be. Especially not with my father involved."
"I will Whole," promised Eric, using what Frieda called herself around them, as they started to walk out of the cafeteria. "Spencer won't be happy to hear that, but personally I agree with you. Even if both my parents weren't teachers, I know how important education is."
"Good. Can you guys at least stay with me after school until whoever comes to pick me up arrives this afternoon?" Frieda asked hopefully, as they started heading to their respective fourth period classes.
"Just try to keep us from doing so!"
"Great! I'll see you two later," Frieda said with a smile, before leaning back toward Eric and whispering, "I still think your's and Spencer's outfits would look great on my bedroom floor," she said, before kissing Eric on the cheek again and heading off to class.
The teenager simply smiled and watched Frieda disappear into crowd, not even thinking about the rising in his pants, before heading off to his next class.
MEANWHILE...
"Sir," began the aide over the phone, "do you know a Daisuke Tachibana?"
"I know of him. Why?" asked Navy SEAL Evan Lawson, sitting at his desk on the military base he was serving out his last tour of duty at.
"Because the gentleman is out here requesting an audience with you," replied the aide.
"REALLY?" said Evan. "Send the gentleman in immediately," he told the man stationed outside, even as he started hiding the classified documents he was working on from view.
A moment later Evan rose and shook hands with his visitor, before offering the man the empty guest chair in front of his desk. Lawson wore everyday military dress, while Daisuke was attired in a custom tailored all black suit.
"Can I have my aide get you anything?" asked Evan, as Daisuke sat down.
"No thank you. My visit is strictly business," replied Daisuke, as Evan sat down behind his desk. "I'll get right to the point. Is my information correct that you plan to retire from the military soon?"
"Yes. Barring anything unforeseen, January 10th of next year. It's just that time," said Evan, while silently forming a V with the second and third fingers of each hand before bringing them together to create a W. Although currently in their human forms, it was a private signal from the werewolf to the werefox of what they both were, and that Evan's impending retirement had more to do with hiding the fact he was a were from the US Military than anything else, since weres lived a LOT longer than normal human beings.
"Any plans in the private sector?" wondered Daisuke.
"There's a few projects my wife's been after me to tackle around the house, and we're hoping to take a family vacation with my daughter Spencer during the school winter break in February, but nothing long range. Why?"
"With your experience, I would like to hire you as my assistant in the security division of Tachibana Enterprises, with the eventuality of one day taking over that section completely when my grandmother retires and I assume her duties as head of the entire corporation."
"I see. Why me?" asked Evan, while eyeing the other man.
"Shrewd question, and proves my point in your qualifications, for most in your position would already be asking me about their future salary and benefits instead," pointed out Daisuke. "After your family moved to Moon Lake, we ran a cursory background check, just as a formality of course. Based upon just what was available in your public record, you are more than qualified for the position I offer you."
"Does this have anything to do with Benton Knight?" wondered Evan.
"Again, your intuitiveness proves my point. In this case, while the... gentleman in question created a necessity to change our schedule, I still would have made this visit and offer before the Christmas holidays," explained Daisuke.
"I take it you don't like Benton Knight," said Evan. Then added, "The pause before you used the word gentleman," he pointed out.
"I see," said Daisuke, while nodding his head affirmatively. "Mister Knight, while doing some good for our town and the world at large is... shall we say, a bit of a glory hound. His covert takeover attempt of Tachibana Enterprises through shell corporations that we've only recently discovered is just the latest in a long line of ill dealings with the man and his business practices."
So that's how you want to play it, leaving my daughter, her boyfriend, and their friend Frieda Knight out of it. Good, thought Evan. "I've never met the man myself, but his reputation precedes him."
"Count yourself fortunate. He paid our headquarters a very displeasurable visit this morning. One that might have far reaching consequences for him with the Town Elders," replied Daisuke, emphasizing those last two words while making a W with his fingers.
"Really?" asked Evan in disbelief, while leaning forward in his chair toward the desk and his guest. "Then in the interest of full disclosure, I presume you are aware that my family and the family of my daughter's boyfriend may all feel his attempted display at displeasure soon because of our children's relationship with his daughter Frieda," he said in a lower tone of voice.
Daisuke simply nodded his head affirmatively. "A brewing storm that me and my associates will help those we can weather when necessary," he said, referring to the Skulk. "But that potential ill wind does not change my opinions of you or my offer. Only the timing of making it," he added, back in a normal voice.
"I see," said Evan, thinking things over. "Officially, I cannot make any promises while I am still a member of the United States Military; but if you come by my house tonight, say around 7? We can discuss things in more detail there."
"Very good," said Daisuke with a smile as he rose. "If that is a dinner invitation, should I bring anything?"
"No, but I hope you like take out pizza. My wife has to work tonight and I'm cooking."
"Very good. I shall see you then," Daisuke said. Then he bowed, shook Evan's hand, and left the office.
Maybe some good will come out of this mess with Benton Knight after all. Just hope the kids are doing well, thought Evan, before he went back to work.