By Bud Koenemund
A 200 Word Story
The two agents sat
side by side in a pair of dark leather chairs. The Director of the Office of
Professional Responsibility frowned as he stared at them from behind an
impressive, hand-carved, mahogany desk. Half a dozen Bureau lawyers, and the
agents’ union representatives, filled the rest of the room.
“Normally, we
don’t care if co-workers conduct a consensual relationship; as long as it
doesn’t become a detriment to job performance,” the Director said. “Though, we
do try to discourage partners from dating.”
“Sir,” one of the
union reps began. “We recognize this situation…”
“But,” the
Director continued, cutting off his response, “this will, in all probability,
result in a lawsuit for cruel and unusual punishment.”
The lawyers
nodded in an almost comical unison.
“While we do
acknowledge… an unfortunate equipment mix up… due to the agents being called into
service after their office received a tip in the middle of the night,” another union
rep offered, waving his hand toward the two, “these agents did manage to apprehend
one of our ’10 Most Wanted’ fugitives.”
“And, they
brought him in,” the Director exploded, “wearing fuzzy pink handcuffs!”
Agents, union
reps, and lawyers fought to muffle their laughter.
