Free Breathless by Laura Storme

on the cheek.
“Alex, morning girl, you look good.
What are you
doing here,” Adam answered returning the hug and
kiss.
“I work here. I gave up Washington almost eight
months ago. When did you get transferred?”
“Two months ago, this is my first field call.”
“Here? Is this a scheduled or reported
inspection?”
“Reported,” Adam answered.
“Jeff, would you like me to take Adam around the
plant? I have my boots under my desk.”
Jeff smiled.
Somehow, he was sure that Alex
would have the connection with the OSHA inspector
that they needed to pass a reported inspection.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m expecting a few calls.”
Alex nodded her head in assent, knowing full well
what Jeff needed her to do.
It was kind of a motto
at Hasani; “cover thy own ass.” Leading their
guests to her desk, she changed her shoes into her
steel toed work boots, offered them coffee and
talked about old times while they made their way to
the back of the shop.
Adam Griffin was an old friend from Alex’s college
days having attended Boston University with her
and her roommate, Pam.
Adam had eventually
dated and married Pam straight out of college, with
Alex being the maid of honor.
“So who called,” she asked as they entered the
paint area.
“I can’t tell you,” Adam smiled, “you know that.
“Okay,” she smiled back and watched as he took
notes.
She knew they were in trouble but didn’t
know how bad.
James watched the pair from the machine shop and
took immediate notice at the closeness they shared.
The way she laughed and touched him made James
wince inwardly.
Silently, he wondered if he would
ever share that with her.
Dismissing his brain as
having gone off the rails, he walked back into the
office to find Francine waiting for him.
“Who is that man with Alex,” he asked casually.
“Adam Griffin, OSHA. Jeff had her tour with him
because they’re old friends.”
“Really? Does that mean we’re going to get a
discount?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care,” she remarked
flippantly. “Hell, if she screws him, maybe we’ll
get off with a light penalty.”
“Francine, Alex isn’t you,” he remarked bitterly
returning to his own office.
Alex and Adam were making their way back to the
offices when James approached.
“Afternoon, James O’Reilly, assistant plant
manager,” he said introducing himself with an
extended hand.
“Adam Griffin, OSHA inspector,” he replied taking
the proffered hand.
“So how’d we do?”
“Not well; twenty violations in excess of
$15,000.00,” Alex responded.
James whistled; he didn’t think they were that bad
off.
“Let’s go into Jeff’s office and talk about these, shall
we?”
James led the way and Alex was about to detach
herself when Adam requested she stay with them.
Alex continued into the offices and closed the door
behind them as James explained the situation.
“Adam, what can we do about these? Obviously,
your inspection was a surprise and I know we’re
supposed to be within code at all times, but still any
suggestions?”
“Alex, I know. But the fact of the matter is that
Hasani Industries is a government contractor and
twenty violations is bad news on that front.”
“Okay, so what would it take to get up to code?”
“About two weeks of work,” replied Jeff.
“Is it a question of manpower?”
“Yes. Basically, we can’t really spare anyone right
now with production the way it is.
The contracts
have to be fulfilled.”
Alex sighed and looked at James and Jeff, “What if
we hired somebody strictly for maintenance
purposes?
Could we justify the cost of an
employee to keep us on OSHA regulations and
maintenance versus getting hit with the fines?”
“I’m pretty sure Hasani will agree,” Jeff answered.
Alex commented to Adam, “Can you give us two
weeks before filing your report?”
“Alex, how often have I said no to you since we
met,” Adam said smiling, “Hasani has never had a
bad report so we could say this is a warning.
You
have two