"Just hear me out, buddy."
Morgan leaned across my desk at Carmichael Industries, hands steepled like he was pitching me the next big Silicon Valley app. "I know this is… not exactly your thing. But I wanted to ask a favor. A little one."
I set down the file I was reviewing. "Last time you said 'little favor,' I ended up helping you move a futon up four flights of stairs. What is it this time?"
Morgan grinned nervously. "Jeff and Lester."
I blinked. "Oh no."
"Oh yes," Morgan said, nodding hard. "They're… expanding their horizons. Buy More just isn't cutting it for them anymore. They need… purpose. A place where they can shine."
"Shine?" I repeated. "Morgan, Jeff's idea of shining is drinking antifreeze on a dare, and Lester's is writing love songs to women who've already blocked his number."
Morgan held up a hand. "Look, I know how they seem. But under all the weirdness, they've got something. Survivors. You can't deny that. And maybe here — in your company — they could finally put it to use. You've got the room. Why not give them a chance?"
I sighed, leaning back. "Morgan, this isn't the Buy More. It's not just plugging in DVD players. This is a think tank — research, consulting, contracts. Actual professionals."
"Exactly," Morgan said, leaning forward again. "They've never had real direction. But if anyone can give them a shot, it's you. Come on, Chuck — what's the worst that happens?"
I rubbed my face, groaning. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of."
But Morgan looked so earnest I couldn't shut him down completely.
"Fine," I said finally. "They can apply. Apply, Morgan. No promises. They'll have to prove they can handle it."
Morgan beamed. "Yes! You won't regret this. Jeffster in the think tank, baby!"
I muttered under my breath, "Or in the psychiatric ward…"
Still, as I watched Morgan leave, I couldn't help but wonder: maybe he was right. Maybe Jeff and Lester had some hidden value buried under the chaos.
Or maybe I'd just unleashed a disaster on my company.
Author's Note to Readers:
Now it's your turn. If Jeff and Lester actually do get into Carmichael Industries…
👉 What kind of job should they be given?
Tech support?
Security?
Coffee duty?
Or something completely insane only Jeffster could pull off?
Your choice will shape how much chaos they bring into Chuck's carefully built cover.