You are interesting

“Well, I’m Max Warren,” you introduce yourself, “I was a thief and hacker and got three years after transferring money from some rich guys bank account.”

“A hacker?” G asks obviously interested and even Paula raises her eyebrows, “no jokes? You know how to hack into another computer?”

“He does, but he will not do it anymore,” officer Reno interrupts sharp, “and to be clear, a guy of our cybercrime department will regularly check your PC. If there is anything suspicious, your probation ends immediately. Do you understand?”

“I do,” you answer, “and I’m more than willing to help you with any kind of technical or digital problem, as long as it doesn’t violate my probation rules.”

“Good answer,” officer Reno says and nods.

“Well, I assume you could be useful,” Paula admits carefully, “at least in some way.”

“I think you are cool,” Abbie says smiling, “and I’m sure I will ask for your help sometimes. I know nothing about technology.”

“Very good, now that you know everybody, except Sophie, we can discuss how living here will work,” Rita says pleased, “as long as you not commit any crimes, you are allowed to stay here as long as you are on probation. And if you need some more time to get a job and an own apartment, you can rent your room for some time more. You are over 18, so you can legally buy **** and cigarettes if you need to, but you are not allowed to drink or smoke in this house. Everyone boy and girl we have here has a minimum work job to support the halfway house and learn necessary skills to find a real job. But I recommend you to look for a full-time job as soon as possible. Half of the money go the house to pay for food, power, water, clothes and such things. The other half you can use in every way you want, as long as it is legal.”

“Alright, sounds fair,” you agree, “what jobs do you have?”

“I work at a café as a waitress,” G answers not very happy, “Sophie should work with a hair stylist, but … there are some complains by her boss. And our little Abbie already works full time in the local hospital.”

“I’m a nurse,” Abbie says proud, “and after five years I have the opportunity to start to study again, says the college.”

“What about you?” you ask Paula, “I assume you have a full-time job too?”

“Smart boy,” Paula answers, “I work at the local bank. To be precise, I run the place. I’m the branch manager. And no, I can’t get any of you a job. My bosses are skeptically enough because of my mother’s engagement.”

“Well, let’s talk about that later, dear,” Rita proposes and goes on, “as long as you not work in night shifts or have to work longer for any reason, you will be back in the halfway house and report to me by eight pm. If you miss this rule three times, and I don’t care about your excuses, I will have to ask officer Reno to remove you from probation. Despite this, we have a list of chores that have to be done. It is not a rule, but I expect you to help. It’s worse enough that Sophie never moves a finger. And G permanently complains about our waste of water and CO2.”

“We could do better,” Mumbles G angry.

“Point is, it would make you much more popular among the people responsible for you,” Rita finishes, “For today you are free but tomorrow, I will put your name in the chore list. You can exchange chores with the girls or help them if you want. As long as the work is done I will not say anything. And I think that’s enough for now. It is a tradition in this house that every new guy or girl gets a special meal for welcome. Come on, girls. Show the new boy your skills.”