[Cormac29Ru]

Courtney tried to remain still, not wanting to give Janelle the satisfaction of seeing her squirm, but not wanting to provoke her either. She heard the sounds of the day beginning, trucks starting outside, voices that were no more than murmurs off in the background, but which sounded like bellows to Courtney.

Janelle smirked, turned and tossed the green jumpsuit to her. Courtney lunged for it, taking her hands off of herself and exposing herself completely. She scrambled into it hurriedly, eager to cover herself. For a brief second, Courtney’s mind played with some unpleasant possibilities. But while the suit was snug, it fit without an issue. Courtney was slightly bothered by the gaps between the buttons on the front but the front laid flat. If it was looser, the fact that she was naked underneath would have been visible down the arm holes whenever she lifted her wrist above her shoulders.

Janelle shot a thumb towards her squad car. Courtney was bothered by being treated like a criminal, but didn’t have much to say. She even started to raise her voice about Janelle’s route, as that they seemed to be just tooling up and down the streets of the downtown. Paraded around like a common criminal, Courtney thought to herself. Tired of seeking people gawk, Courtney just stared down at her hands and ran over her options on when and where she would start over. Out west seemed appealing, she thought to herself.

When she looked up, she noticed her destination: the park. Courtney grimaced as Janelle opened the door and pointed straight ahead. Courtney took a few steps forward down the path and saw Erin waiting for her. She felt an urge to run, but could sense Janelle right behind her.

“Did you get my letter?” The softness of Janelle’s voice startled Courtney, but Erin seemed to take it in stride.

“I did. And I appreciate it. And I forgive you.” Erin smiled.

Janelle shook her head. “You’re so much stronger than I am.” She shook her head again. Alright, well, you’re all set here?” Erin waved her away and motioned Courtney to follow her. They made their way to the center of the park. Courtney was surprised to already hear voices and see people off in the distance at this hour of the morning. Erin followed her eyes and nodded. “We’ve seen a real uptick in events at the park since your…well…your story appeared and answered so many questions. Plus, we’ve got a few new projects that we’re just starting to break ground on. And that’s what you’ll be helping us with today.”

Erin led Courtney to a brick patio area that had been freshly laid next to the foundation of what appeared to be a deep reflecting pool.

“Well, you’ll be starting here today. We’re having some stones delivered later to fill this. Obviously anything this deep would be way too dangerous. But we need you to start sweeping up the loose gravel and dust down there first.”
Courtney eased her way down the ladder to the bottom of the empty pool. Erin handed down an old style straw broom. “Well, I’ll be back,” Erin said brightly. “We’re bringing the local media by and a few others in a little bit to show off our work. Unfortunately, since my promotion, I just don’t have time to stay and chat.” Erin threw a wave over the side and was gone.

Courtney slowly and uneasily began sweeping. She had done some labor as a girl, but little as an adult, getting her exercise from spin and Zumba classes. She was startled by the sound of the ladder clattering next to her. She turned to see it pulled over the side. She looked up and saw Rebecca smiling down at her.

“Hey Courtney! Sorry, I’ve been really busy lately, haven’t had a chance to get back to you. You’re working so I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know we’ve increased the number of people coming by to see the fountain. Not me, of course. I’m actually with Megan right now, picking up my brother from the airport.”

Courtney blinked and started to respond but Rebecca stopped her with a hand. “Well, I’m in a terrible rush. I just wanted to give you a heads up that I’m going to test the plumbing system before I go. Also, sweetie, you’ve got a lot of hours of community service ahead of you and green is really not your color.” Rebecca held up a jumpsuit the exact same styles as the one Courtney was wearing. "But I'll fix that.

Courtney blinked for a second. Fix that how? she wondered. But any thoughts she had were blown away by the sudden and brief impact of jets spraying her from a variety of directions.

Courtney coughed. Her jumpsuit was soaked, but her hair and face were relatively dry. And just as quickly as the water had turned on, it shut off.

She looked up at Rebecca with a sneer and opened her mouth to curse at her when she felt a button fall off her suit. Rebecca smiled down at her. "Oh dear. It appears you're melting." And with that she was gone.

Courtney turned in a panic, and as she did, felt the back of her suit split open. When she grabbed at it, her short sleeve fell off to her wrist before falling apart under it's own weight. In a panic, she considered her options. Without the ladder, escape wasn't an option. She looked around and saw the corner of the uniform Rebecca had left peeking over the side. She jumped up at it unsuccessfully, and felt her suit fall apart at the waist, leaving her naked from the waist down. She heard voices getting louder.

Giving up all hope, she clasped the broom to her breasts and tried to hide her bush behind the handle.

The loud voices immediately turned to laughter. Courtney opened her eyes gingerly, and saw a host of people staring down at her.

Erin's voice called out. "Courtney, what's the meaning of this? You're supposed to be sweeping along the brick path?"

Courtney opened her mouth to reply but saw Janelle next to Erin. She closed her mouth and felt her face burn.

Erin shook her head. "Well, let's get her out of there." Janelle pushed the ladder down into the pool. Courtney realized that She would have to drop the broom to get out. She stared hopefully at the remaining jumpsuit and climbed out as quickly as she could.

As soon as she climbed over the edge, Janelle grabbed her by the arm and cuffed her. Janelle nodded to Erin. "How should I take her back?"

Erin smiled. "Go with your heart, officer. After all, she's got 497 hours to go."