Page 74 of Powerless

He gulps and looks at the books. “It’s on my own time, sir. I’m sorry.” He moves to slam the books shut.

“Stop.” I lift my hand in gesture. “There’s no need to be nervous, I’m only asking what you’re working on.”

His jaw tightens as he closes his mouth. “Um,” he finally starts. “I’m doing some research for school.” He again looks to the books. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. What’s your name?”

“My name?” His forehead crinkles.

“Yes. Do you have one?”

“My name is Jamie, sir.”

“Good. What school are you attending?”

Jamie’s breath hitches as he averts his eyes. “A local community college,” he barely mutters.

“Fantastic. What are you studying for?”

Jamie quickly lifts his head. I wonder if he thought I was going to scold him for going to a community college? “A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.”

“Impressive,” I say as I nod. “And these are helping?”

“Absolutely.” The smile on his face is wide with pride.

“Then I want you to continue using them.” Jamie’s eyes light up as if it’s Christmas morning. “On your time.” I point at him but give him a small smile.

“Of course, sir.”

I’m about to walk away but have another question to ask him. “Why social work, Jamie?”

He hesitates and moves his gaze to the right. “Sir,” he starts once he’s thought about how he wants to reply. “In my opinion, the welfare of the family is the core of our country.”

I lean against the wall in front of the desk and fold my arms. “How so?”

He looks down again, his shoulders slightly turtling in. “Because, sir, without their basic human needs met, how can a person be a productive and healthy member of society? The most elementary needs of people are to connect, and feel safe.”

Hmm. Interesting. In one sentence, Jamie has managed to sum up the fundamental center of our nation. Without a happy, safe, and healthy core of citizens, the country can’t run efficiently. I push off the wall and nod. I glance at his books and offer him a small smile. “Keep working.”

“Yes, sir.”

I turn and head back to my office, only to find Liam pacing back and forth. “We’re late.”

“One of the interns, Jamie. I want him to interview for the position of my aide.”

“Why?”

“I like him.”

“He might not be qualified.”

“He’ll learn,” I counter. I reach for my glasses and slide them into my suit jacket pocket.

Liam moves ahead of me to let Esther know I want Jamie to interview for the position. When I meet them both outside my office, Esther smiles brightly. “You’re getting an aide?” she asks hopefully.

I click my tongue to the roof of my mouth and smirk at her. “I thought I better go easy on you.”

She lifts her brows in defiance. “So you should,” she quips with equal sting in her voice to match mine.

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