The Peacock 1483

"How about you, Jason", says Francois, and it seems that he is taking quite an interest in both our friends right now. "About the same as Sable. I was already doing a lot of stage acting, though I was also waitering in a tea room in Victoria. It was very twee. Kitty corner from the Empress hotel." "The thing is", says Lazarus to Carl, "Jason and I have both been thinking and talking about this, and, we greatly greatly apprecite how generous you are and have been towards us, but..." "..But you want your independence", says Carl, who appears to be struggling not to let his lower lip tremble. "But we still want to be associated with you guys", says Jason. "You have become for both of us our real family." "We also want to give back", says Lazarus. "This is going to be more than a little complicated...for both of you", says Francois. "You are both in your forties and haven't worked at a job in twenty years, and you Jason, look extremely young for your age, so you might have a bit of a struggle convincing an employer of how old you really are, but that could even work to your advantange." "How about college or vocational training", says Carl. "We couldn't afford it," says Lazarus. "But I can..."