Some time passed, and sooner or later, everybody made it back to the HQ unscathed - and in Leonard's case, with a new protégé of the Speedwagon Foundation in tow. About five minutes total were spent waiting in the same entry hall as before, until the receptionist informed them that the boss was ready to see them again, and yes, that included the newcomer, who was by now clearly calmer and more self-assured than he had been. He was not any less clumsy than he had been, however; yet somehow, the way he took his trips and stumbles in stride was far less pathetic than his former self-pitying, and he even chuckled to himself once or twice in the process before they entered the CEO’s office for the second time that day.
‘Hello again,’ Louis greeted them, nodding politely to each, and taking a moment to look Bugsy over. ‘I think it’s safe to say you’ve succeeded with flying colours, team. I’ve been informed, in fact, that Laurie handled the initial encounter solo, and with no violence whatsoever.’
‘Oh, she did, she did,’ Bugsy interjected, grinning lopsidedly. ‘She’s, uh, she’s given me a new lease on life. I’m very grateful to her.’
Louis’ silence conveyed his annoyance with the interruption aptly, he felt.
‘And well done to you for that, Laurie,’ he continued calmly once he decided he’d been quiet long enough. ‘It’s nice that a mission has gone without incident for once. Aside from anything else, that greatly reduces the amount of paperwork I have to do. If only every Stand battle was so relaxed.’ His lips quirked upward briefly, only to drift back down once more as he added ‘Of course, fate is not so kind. I would be shocked to see another person who comes along so quietly as our man here.’ Now did he nod to the man who, evidently, wanted to say something else.
‘Yeah, I was a wimp, caved in immediately. But, uh, Leonard’s confidence charm has really helped, too!’ the would-be comedian explained excitedly, prompting the boss’ eyebrow to raise as he glanced at the hired gun. ‘Gotta thank both of them. And, I’m really happy you guys are gonna help me master my- what was it, my Stand, and help me out on the way to the comedy circuit!’
‘...quite,’ Louis stated, again glancing at Leonard. ‘Well, if you head out to the receptionist now, sir, she can direct you to the people you want.’ Thusly waved away, Bugsy quickly thanked Blue and Leonard once more before heading out, his stride awkward as ever, but nonetheless confident.
‘And that’s that. Debriefing aside, ladies and gentlemen, is there anything else I ought to know?’ Louis asked, leaning forward on his desk and clasping his hands together in front of his face, his thoughts a mystery.
