pte

mbling slightly, and she was having trouble chasing away the feeling of unease that had crept into her. Yet, despite the palpable tension of this first day, she felt determined

ing among themselves. They looked at her for a moment, exchanged a glanc

? » she asked

hesitant. " Yes. I've

e young woman with an amused wink.

fered her, feeling a little more

came forward in turn, a shy smile on her lips. "Don't let yourself be intimi

people here take their jobs a little too seriously. And above all.

her heart race again. "Jim

that very one. He's... let's say, special. If you've com

ere. He is the alpha of this place. He sees everything, hears everything. And he has t

used by what she heard. "W

gs. He doesn't trust anyone, especially those who come from outside. He runs this pla

so much respect and fear at the same time. "

f it is a real fortress with its rules and secrets, pays better than any other place in town.

made her shiver. "G

see you as a threat. If something bothers him, he won't hesitate to make it go away. Well, I mean..

by the arrival of a man carrying a tray of glasses. He glanced

ave us alone. We're just informing hi

rned serious. "It's not jokes. If you're new, you better listen

ing within her. "And... wha

ing questions, and above all... don't interfere in other people's affai

utine, an escape from her worries. But she gradually realized that she had set foot in a

mmy and what her colleagues had said. The tension reigned here, almost palpable, and although she tried not to le

d a slightly ajar door. By instinct, she slowed down, listening in spite of her

inds out what's going on,

g kept her from going away. Maybe fear or just curiosity. She knew she shouldn't

uestions, we get rid of them. We don't need

k. Was it a threat? Just a phrase? She was no longer sure. But the idea o

th her? » asked anoth

it. If she becomes a pro

s not like the others. The rules, the secrets, this atmosphere of distrust... She wondered if s