Drone

17 Fight Pit.

"Why did I hear about this from Chelvin, of all people?" Robin demanded, almost red in the face.

"What did you hear from Chelvin?" Niklas asked dumbly.

"Don't play stupid. You're staging a gambling brawl tonight!" Robin hissed.

"It's not something I haven't done before. And besides, I didn't tell you because I guessed you might react like this."

"Niklas, this is illegal! You could go to prison if you're caught!"

His words were familiar. Words Niklas had spoken countless times to Edgar!

Niklas smiled at his frantic friend, "If I'm caught." It was the same smile and the same answer Niklas had always gotten from Edgar. Niklas felt more and more like Edgar with each passing day.

"Niklas, I can't do this with you! Please! Don't!" Robin pleaded.

Robin's pleading reached Niklas, making him reconsider for a moment. Robin's earnestness was so sincere. Maybe he was right. Niklas shook it off. Edgar was always sure of himself. He had to be as well. "Robin. I didn't ask you to do this."

Robin looked at him through hurt eyes. "Nik," he pleaded.

Niklas shook his head. "The shift is over. Go home. I'll take care of this."

Robin shook his head sadly and backed up a few steps before turning and leaving Niklas.

Niklas smiled as confidently as he could, watching his friend leave stung. He hadn't planned for Robin to know about the fight pit. Any number of things could go wrong tonight. He had to keep the yard under control even in the rowdiest circumstances.

Niklas continued to work late as he had every night that week. Workmen filed past him and out of the yard, many tired and ready to go home. But most of them shot Niklas eager and excited glances. They would be back in a short while, with full pockets and with all of their teeth. Many of them would leave without so much.

"Niklas!" Osred called as he left his little wooden office.

Niklas waved him over with a nervous smile.

Osred approached him with a respectful nod. That made Niklas relax a little. So, Osred still didn't know about his after-hours plan. "Take a look!" Osred said as he handed Niklas a sheet clipped to a board.

Niklas accepted the board and reviewed the figures. "It all looks good. We're up by over fourteen shelves."

Osred smiled. "The mill manager has been pleased with our progress. He got approval to cut out yard bonuses. He's also said that he might make me Mill Foreman. If that happens, the western yard will need a new foreman... "

Niklas nodded. "Sounds good."

Osred pulled out a purse and counted out coins.

"What's this?" Niklas asked.

"Payday." He smiled.

That was right. How could Niklas have forgotten? He was so engrossed in his plans that he had lost track of time. Osred handed him a neat handful of coins with a satisfying chink.

"A little extra for your help," he smiled.

"Thanks, Os," Niklas said.

"You staying?" he asked.

"I'll be working late again," Niklas lied.

"Keep it up, Niklas. I'll leave the gate unlocked." He started for the exit, but Niklas stopped him.