#kc_necropolis

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The African American woman is young by Bill's standards, 26 . But old enough not to be considered a child herself. She's pretty enough, no knock out. Her resume shows quality but is a bit thin.

And she seems to be quite mortal. If she has fae blood in her it's so weak he can't ken it.

"As you can see, Mr. Stodgepole, I've worked babysitting all my life, cared for church nurseries and youth groups too. " The woman, one Monica Sawyer, says with confidence.

He nods, flipping through the papers. They are in the home he shares with Calidora. He looks for her educational credentials.

High school.. and... some college? A drop out

(What was her major, if anything?)

(Psychology)

(Other than this work with children, her employment experience is thin.... what areas did she work in?)

Miss Sawyer waits patiently.

The list indicates substitute teaching... church care... but apparently she did have some part time fast food jobs, but still not many. What did she do with the time?

"Ms. Sawyer, your resume does have some gaps. Can you tell me more about that?"

A breath "Yes, Sir. My grandfather was very ill. I had to focus on being with him in his last days."

"Well, last year and a half" She continues "it was rough, and tending him was a full time job"

"I am so sorry for your loss." Sincerely sympathetic.

"Thanks" She says "Normally I'd say he had a full life, but honestly, I think he could have gone another ten in a better world"

"And since then?"

"no excuses. Bounced around from child care to child care, helped my sister with her kids... I'm hoping to get myself a regular job again in this. I'm good, I'm dedicated, and despite waht I just said ahbout 'bouncing around' those jobs were listed as temporary"

Stodgepole nods. "Not to minimize your experience, but your experience is, unfortunately, not unique. What sort of situation are you looking for?"

"Regular job for good folk, where I get to deal with new life full of promise. Nothing like watching an old man you loved die thanks to sickness and age combined to make you appreciate new life, Mr. Stodgepole. Seeing living signs of hope crawl and then learn to walk and so on? That's ... that's the best job I can think of right now, for my own well being"

He nods. "I notice you have a chunk of experience with church child cares and the like."

"Some of it was charity, others was pay.. yes. " She smiles "You do not know fussy mothers until you run into church mothers. They have opinions on how God wants their children raised... and will quote chapter and verse to explain how they're right"

"And you agree?"

"Depends on the mothers." She says

"Can you give me an example?"

"I won't name names, you understand? " She says "There's a certain amount of confidentiality in this calling."

"Of course!" He hastens to assure her. "In better times, I run a nightclub. Bartending has a similar code." He assures her with an impish smile.

"Hmm you didn't strike me as a bartender type" Monica nods but then continues "Well, one woman sprouted some nonsense about not getting her kid vaccinated because of some bible verse out of context ...measles, not Covid. I told her it was dangerous, not just to her kids but others. That woman acted like I was an agent of the devil." a roll of her eyes, "Now on a counter example, I knew one lady who thought I wasnt' get paid ENOUGH, said the worker was worthy of her hire. Now her? Her I liked" A touch of a smile

"Understandably!" He encourages her to continue.

"Well, those are the two that come to mind as examples" She says "Though eventually I did have to 'out' the woman who wouldn't get her child vaxinated to the pastor. Voiced my concern. I ended up getting fired to keep the peace. " A sigh

He tsks. "My understanding is that won't be an issue here."

"Well, not so much fired as asked to step down. I agreed. I had violated some boundaries to tell even my boss when you think about it...but itw as worth it to let the children be safter"

"Glad it won't be a problem"

He nods. "Would you be willing to return and speak with Ms. Carolos for a second interview?"

"Be delighted, figured I'd be seeing more than one person, no offense sir, but you don't look like the typical father unless you started very late in life"

"Ah, yes, well.... on that note...."

She listens "yes sir?" Clearly expecting him to mention when /if she could come back

"Our .... family arrangement is .... non-traditional. I would prefer to save all of us time if that's not something you care to work with."

"I've got a Lesbian cousin who friended me on Facebook if that works as a reccomendation" she says without missing a beat

"Well, it certainly steps in the right direction."

"No problems, Sir. Long as folks are all consenting freely, not my place to judge"

He clears his throat. "I am not the father involved. I am a.... well, let's say an uncle once removed. However, Ms. Carolos is the grandmother. We need care for between 2 and.... ah, 7 children." A pause. "Needless to say, with higher numbers would come an increase in compensation. And additional hands to help."

"Oh my , Seven? Well, yes. I can adapt to that, Church nursery had more than that somettimes"

He nods. "Very well. My expectation is that the three of us; that is, you, myself, and Ms. Carolos will meet and based on that we'll meet with the parents."

"Be delighted, Mr. Stodgepole. Now, I don't want to keep you as I know you have others to interview, but you have my contact information and I hope to be in the lead of the options"

The portly man stands and starts to offer a hand, then stops. "Pardon. Old habits. Yes, indeed, we'll be in touch. I would normally walk you to the door......"

"Yes, me too" She admits her own hand had started to rise.

"But Social distancing.. oh, I'll submit to any health test you want before hand, long as you pay for it" matter of fact and to the door she goes

A small smile. "What fools these mortals be, no? Yes, indeed, I will make note of that. Thank you, and do be safe."