Go to the workshop

Alex decides that the best way to make a good impression on his master is to busy himself in the workshop. He can tidy things up and perhaps get somewhat acquainted with the area he will be working for the next few years.

He enters the workshop and notes how different it looks in the daylight. He glances over at the area where he and Elaine were just a few hours ago. His cock twitches at the sight of the blanket and the memory of her soft body against his.

He shakes his head to drive the distraction away and looks around for a broom. Seeing one leaning against a wall, he walks toward it and then freezes when a slight motion catches his eye. He turns toward it and sees a young man, slightly older than him. It looks like he is attempting to hide behind a shelf, but when he sees that his presence has been discovered, he steps out, holding up his hands in a gesture intended to calm Alex and prevent him from acting too hastily.

“It’s ok; I’m not here to cause any trouble,” he says.

Alex looks him over and sees that he is wearing dirty clothes, and he gives the appearance of someone who hasn’t slept under a roof in quite a while.

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my master’s shop?” Alex demands.

“Your master?” responded the young man. “Oh, so you’re my replacement! I was the apprentice here until just a short time ago.”

Alex frowns. “Jack?”

The other fellow nods. “That’s me. I’m surprised Murphy found a replacement so quickly.”

“What are you doing here?” Alex demanded. “I thought you were dismissed.”

“Chased away, is the better description,” he responds through a bitter smile. “But yeah, he doesn’t want me around anymore.”

Alex recalls the words of last night’s overheard conversation, remembering how angry Mr. Murphy sounded as he recounted finding Jack in a compromising position with Elaine. “But what are you doing here?” he asks again.

“I just came back to get some of my things that I left behind. I really had to run out of here in a hurry, and I couldn’t exactly pack my bags. I’ve been homeless ever since, and I thought if I could at least get my things, I’d be able to sell some of them and get some spending money.”

Jack really did look pathetic. Alex could tell that he hadn’t been living the most comfortable of lives lately, and his nose told him that it had been more than a few days since Jack saw a bath.

“What is it you need?”

Jack took a breath, realizing Alex was at least somewhat sympathetic. “I have a few tools that I earned during my time here. And then there are my clothes; I assume they’re still in my room — although it’s probably your room now.”

Alex tried to remember if there were clothes in his room. He brought so few things with him that he didn’t even open the door to his closet.

He looks around the shop. “I don’t know about letting you take any tools. What will Mr. Murphy say if he finds out I let you carry anything out of here?”

“Just pretend you know nothing about it. Look, I’m ****. I really could use your help.” Thinking hard, he says, “If you’ll help me, I can return the favor.”

“Return the favor? You don’t look like you’re exactly swimming in a bounty of gifts you can dispense!”

“No, but I can tell you something you will really want to know.” Jack looks at Alex with desperation in his eyes. “C’mon.... Please?”