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Word that Colleen had been fired spread all over GSTS before lunch, and everyone was being especially quiet The phones still rang, the machines still buzzed in the basement, and the printers still printed, but the eie's coworkers were an interesting collection of people Half were natives of other countries, and it was anyone's guess if they were there legally or illegally A few of thelish, but reat asset when it can custoual people on the nightshift as well as in tech support

With her back to the isle that ran between the row of cubicles, Maggie had a sically placed so she could see as behind her Nicole walked past Maggie's cubical at least once every hour to go outside for a s

As soon as Nicole carabbed her lunch sack and went outside She rounded the corner, and went to the picnic table along the side of the building that sat in the shade of a big oak tree Since they were taking a late lunch, no one else was there

"Nicole changed her hair color again, I see," said Jiie

"I know It's hard to get used to when she goes froie asked

"She says it's to keep the man in her life interested"

"Oh She can't keep hihed, opened his sack, and pulled out an apple "I guess not"

"Does Hanna keep you interested?"

"See, there's the difference I love Hanna and she doesn't have to work at keepingbetter in the world than when Hanna curls up in et tired of it and I doubt I ever will"

Maggie sighed "I hope to be in love like that souy first"

"Very well, I shall have you ht one"

"Deal"

Maggie opened her store-bought salad, added the dressing, found the plastic fork, and took a bite She glanced around to make certain no one could hear, and then asked, "Did you find out why Colleen got fired?"

"They fired her for not going to the company picnic Friday"