Epsd 1

"I don't ever want to catch sight of you near my farm again, you mischievous rascal," bellowed the elderly man, hobbling as he pursued a young woman.

"Apologies, Mr. Bradley. I'll seek your permission next time I return," she hastily exited through the door.

"I'll turn you into a metaphorical Guinea pig if our paths cross again," retorted the old man, shutting his modest farm gate and retreating indoors. "What's the story with this little girl?" he mused, chuckling to himself.

Curious about why the young woman was being pursued by the old man? Here's the backstory:

She rose early that day, determined to secure a legitimate job. Strolling through the streets of Armsville, a notice snagged her attention, bearing the words:

"Workers needed for various tasks at Mr. Bradley's. Strong men wanted. Compensation to be discussed with Mr. Bradley. I'll be waiting."

She knew she was in trouble when the store owner, where the notice hung, snapped her back to reality.

"I've warned you to keep away from my store, you brat," scolded the middle-aged woman.

"My apologies, Ms. Tiffany. It slipped my mind. I'll make sure not to forget again," she replied, retracing her steps home.

Her home was in the attic of the Thompsons' mansion, a grand house at the edge of the vast forest marking the start of Armsville. Unbeknownst to the Thompsons, they unknowingly shared their residence with a stranger who regularly helped herself to their food at night.

About a year and a half ago, she had lived with Mr. Bradley, her godfather. However, due to her series of misbehaviors, he decided to evict her. Believing she had left, she found refuge with the Thompsons. Yet, her luck ran out when Mr. Bradley discovered her snoozing in his stables.

At that time, she was already employed by the Thompsons, enjoying the comforts of the mansion. The notion of accepting Mr. Bradley's job offer began to take root in her disorganized mind, leading her to transform herself into the description on the notice.

Dressed in blue baggy pants, a brown-belt with a cobra buckle, a collared shirt, dark inner vest, black hat, fake mustache, white socks, and black thread boots, she admired her disguised reflection before venturing out.

The two-mile journey to Mr. Bradley's took an hour as she practiced her masculine voice.

Arriving at Bradley's house, she found several strong-looking men waiting for interviews. Despite initial apprehension, she took a seat, greeting and squeezing into the empty space between three men.

"Good morning, gentlemen," she said, maintaining her male voice. A few responded.

"So? Um... we are... hmm... good, right?" she awkwardly asked, receiving no response. Opting for silence, she awaited her turn.

After several comings and goings, it was her chance.

Entering the room clumsily, she found Mr. Bradley seated with a teacup, sporting ridiculous fake eyeglasses at the start of his nose.

"Please come in, young man," he beckoned.

"Thank you, sir."

"What's your name, son?"

"My name? I'm... um... Patrick Smith, sir."

"Oh, a newcomer to town, Mr. Patrick. I haven't had a Smith in Armsville."

"Yes, sir. I arrived yesterday and saw the notice, thinking it could be my chance for a job. I really need this since I just started over in this new town."

"Oh, yes? Where are you from, Mr. Patrick?" Bradley inquired.

"Um, I'm from Hemingsville, sir."

"Oh... Hemingsville? A nice town with nice people. I can see you're a good man. Since you've just arrived, I'll have you as my new worker."

"Thank you, sir."

"So, can you do farm work? Care for the animals?"

"Absolutely, sir. I can handle that."

"When can you start?" Bradley asked.

"Right away, sir."

"Good. James will show you around as I continue with the interviews. Welcome to Bradley's, son."

"Thank you, sir," she said as James led her out, Bradley smirking with delight.

From the house, they passed the quarters and lily gardens to the farm.

The land teemed with maize, pigs, sheep, cows, goats, and a courtyard of hens. "You'll need to feed these animals, Mr. Smith," James instructed. "And clean up after them."

"Alright," she replied.

"Follow me. I'll show you where to find the food and where the waste is dumped."

"I think I can figure that out for myself, James. Mr. Bradley needs you now. Thank you again."

"Sure you can handle it on your own?"

"Of course, James. You're an honorable man. Mr. Bradley is lucky to have you," she praised as James returned, leaving her alone. Smirking, she wondered where to begin and entered the stables.

Five hours into her shift, James returned to check on her. To his surprise, she was nowhere in sight, and the animals appeared neglected. No work had decreased, but a lot had been added.

Searching for her, he found a leg protruding from the horse stables and investigated. There, he found her other leg stuck in a hole, attempting to free herself.

"Hey, Patrick, are you okay?" inquired James.

"No! I've been stuck in this hole for some time. Can you help pull me out?" she pleaded.

"Alright," James said as he grabbed her underarms and gently freed her.

"Thank you."

"Hurry up. The boss is almost doing a roll walk to inspect what the new guys have done."

"Sure. I'll be there as soon as I can," she assured as James returned to his work. "That was close. I really needed that rest," she admitted to herself.

Despite claiming to complete her duties swiftly, she indeed did – clearing cuttings, discarding waste, and feeding animals. It was a breeze for her, having lived a similar routine before.

Three hours later, Bradley arrived with James, both impressed by the outstanding work "Patrick" had accomplished. Bradley instructed her to stop for the day and receive payment.

She arrived early, waiting calmly as Bradley collected other new workers from the fields.

After about thirty minutes, Bradley returned to his office, finding "Patrick" seated patiently.

"You did an excellent job. I think we've found a permanent employee-employer relationship here."

"Thank you, sir."

"Here's your compensation for today... ninety-four-seven cents," Bradley said, handing the money to "Patrick," who accepted it.

Then, as she took the money, the fake mustache fell from her lip, and Bradley immediately recognized her.