Sons Of Libertea

Chapter 4: Rake It Through The Mud

"What is the meaning of this?" Washington stormed around the counter, stopping short right beside Lee's head. He was still on the ground, still groaning, and still holding both hands over his nose. Alex was pretty sure it wasn't bleeding anymore, if it had ever been bleeding in the first place.

He was way more worried about John. If Washington fired John, Alex didn't know what he'd do. He couldn't keep working at Libertea, he knew that. John had gotten him the job in the first place, and he couldn't even picture anyone else working the espresso machine. They'd probably make it wrong, they'd probably wear a hat instead of a hairnet, and they'd probably write names on cups instead of doodling tiny works of art. Gross.

"Mr. Burr," Washington said, turning. "You witnessed everything, you're impartial. What happened here?"

Lee was still on the floor. Burr steepled his fingers.

"Don't be a jackass," Alex heard Herc whisper.

"Lee was making comments," Burr began. "About you, the way you run your business, and the King takeover. John punched him. That's all I saw."

Herc let out a relieved breath. Lee finally sat up.

"I was in the right--"

"Like hell you were--" John started, stepping towards Lee, but Herc caught him 'round the waist and held him back, putting one large forearm right in front of his mouth. Alex jumped down off the counter.

"Mr. Washington, it was my fault that John punched Lee," he began, ignoring John struggling against Herc in the background. "I wanted to fight him, John did instead because he didn't want you to fire me, but if you fire anyone, let it be me. John didn't do anything I wouldn't have done instead."

Libertea was quiet. The only sounds were John's muffled grunts and Lee hissing every time he poked at his nose. Washington crossed his arms.

"Charles, I apologize for how these young men acted today," he began. "They do not speak for me, and shouldn't feel the need to fight for my honor."

He gave both John and Alex a very pointed look, and then turned back to Lee.

"Thank you for your service. Now get the hell out of this place, I never want to see you walk through that door again."

Lee took a step back. "Excuse me?"

Washington leaned forward. "You are fired."

Lee took another step backwards, shock coloring his face. Alex suppressed the need to scream in his face ("LEE, WHAT'S GOOD?") and instead watched, silently, as he spun and made for the door. Bells jangled, and he was gone.

"Shit," Herc said, letting go of John, who punched the air, curls flying.

"Take that, Lee, you stupid motherfu--"

"Mr. Laurens? Mr. Hamilton?" Washington asked, his voice quiet and deadly. Alex forced himself to meet his gaze.

"Sir?"

"Meet me upstairs."

He turned on his heel and entered the kitchen, and Alex listened as his footfalls got quieter and quieter as he ascended to his office. He looked at John.

"Shit," Herc said again, and that was all that really needed saying.

•

This was the first time Alex had ever set foot in Washington's private office, and he was absolutely sure it was going to be the last. He'd pictured scenarios in which John got fired, he'd pictured scenarios in which he got fired, but both of them?