Straight to business

"So, you got something for me?"

"Ah. Yeah." Charlie fishes around in her hoodie pocket, then produces an envelope. "Your money."

Ethan takes the envelope, giving it a curious look. He'd never received an envelope of cash before, and the feeling was foreign. Opening it up, he notes it's loaded with fifty dollar bills. "Thank you."

"Nah, thank you." Charlie shrugs. "I worked you harder than I expected. Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Ethan plops the envelope on the end table, putting it out of mind, before taking a seat next to Charlie on the couch. "I didn't kill myself too much."

Charlie laughs at that. "Well, next time I'll be sure to work you harder." She tilts her head slightly. "Are you looking for work?"

Ethan cringes slightly, fearing he's being offered a job. The occasional stint outside was one thing, but what Charlie did was a bit too far. "Not really," he answers honestly, considering he' hadn't been looking at all. "Not yet at least."

Charlie smirks slightly, catching the cringe. "Well when you're ready to look, you should talk to Sam. She'll hook you up."

"Sam..." Ethan feels something in his brain stir, something forgotten almost waking up.

"Yeah. She, like, works at town hall. Dunno exactly what she does, but she can get you in."

"Doing what?" Ethan barely asks the question, still trying to recall why the name is so familiar.

"Fuck if I know. Town shit." She nods towards the envelope on the end table. "She's the one who paid for our services today."

"Huh..." Ethan blinks, glancing at the money. He still can't remember her at all, and the thought gnaws at him. But if she could find his well-paying work she might be worth looking up. So long as it's not quite so physical.

Ethan mulls it over for a few beats too long, making Charlie suspicious. "You have the hots for her for something?" The question is more an accusation, based on the slight tinge of venom in her tone.

Snapping to attention, Ethan considers how to answer.