episode 1 – career movesThe lofty goal of becoming a figurehead of hope for men who need second chances is not as straightforward as it seems.
The lofty goal of becoming a figurehead of hope for men who need second chances is not as straightforward as it seems.
⚠️ This story contains plot details that reveal key twists from earlier episodes. If you haven’t read the previous installments, consider beginning the anthology with Something Old, Something Blue to experience all the surprises as they unfold.
Early Choices
CHARACTER BACKGROUND FOR BLUE SERIES
LIKE most boys, Theodore likes sports in school. Every game-winning point makes him believe that he might be among the few selected by scouts for the National Basketball Association. But as high school years flash by, the dreams become more elusive. His school counselor recommends choosing a career with a more certain future.
“Theodore, you’re a good baller,” Mrs. Jackson says, “But statistically, you should have a backup plan to keep from living at home while playing basketball in the park.”
“Do you think I should become a doctor or lawyer?” he asks, “Is that what success is to you?”
“Success is choosing a path that brings rewards to you and those with whose lives you intersect.”
“What do you recommend, Mrs. Jackson?” ready to absorb suggestions like a sponge.
“Your grades are good. Sociology or psychology degrees can open a wide variety of doors. Look over these brochures and I’ll help you choose a college.”
Theo, as he calls himself after high school, goes on to major in criminal justice with a sociology minor. His journey begins with idealism, largely driven by the advice of his high school counselor, Mrs. Jackson. To pursue a career that would positively impact others, Theo chooses to become a probation officer—a conduit between the men in blue and the criminals they bring to justice.
After training, he receives a personal caseload that includes a parolee from juvenile detention named Jim. With his massive size, he served time for assault after both parents died.
There is a measure of compassion for someone who grew up in the system. Emotional attachments can interfere with objectivity. The things Jim learned for survival don’t reflect the nurturing Theo received from his school counselor. The weight of Theo’s obligation to help Jim succeed matches that of the man who fills the doorway on his first visit.
Early Transition
Theo, himself a reasonably large man, tries not to appear intimidated while sitting behind his old wooden desk in a small, low-budget government office. It’s far from the plush office of a psychotherapist or the engraved mahogany in a law firm. The photos of state officials and potted plastic plants are strikingly reminiscent of Mrs. Jackson’s office.
“Sit down,” Theo invites while gesturing toward a seat.
“That’s okay. I rather stand. Chairs and me don’t get along.”
“Oh. Right. Whatever’s comfortable. You’ve been dealt a crappy hand in life,” Theo admits, conveying a measure of compassion. “I’m here to help you turn that around.”
“So now you’re gonna try to be my father?”
“Not at all,” Theo endeavors to establish firm boundaries. “I’m not your parent. I’m not even your friend. Our relationship is purely professional. We’ll get you a job so you can earn some cash in your pocket.”
“How about getting me out of that dank halfway house?”
“After establishing a reliable work history and saving up some money, you can transition into your apartment.”
“What about a job as a pro wrestler?” Jim asks smugly.
“That’s not on the list of options for you right now. You can choose between a dishwasher, unarmed commercial security, or a nightclub bouncer.”
“I ain’t sitting behind no desk looking at a computer screen or washing somebody’s nasty dishes. But a bouncer sounds like a good use of my skills.”
Theo warns, “Jim, you can use your massive presence to intimidate, but you can’t assault anyone. Call the cops if things get ugly.”
Jim smirks. “You’re supposed to believe I’m a law-abiding citizen,” he says as a form of mockery.
Theo pauses to read the body language and inflection. “Good, then I’ll approve this request,” he replies warily.
Early Troubles
Weeks later, Theo stares at a report on his desk, the one detailing Jim’s latest run-in at the nightclub. A part of him wants to crumple it up, pretend it doesn’t exist. Jim is supposed to be his success story, the one who proves Mrs. Jackson was right about choosing a career that helps others. But deep down, Theo knows something isn’t right. Every time Jim skirts the line of the law, Theo feels the walls closing in on his optimism.
“Jim’s slipping,” he thinks, though he refuses to say it out loud.
Theo tries to downplay what he’s reading. Jim’s too rough with inebriated patrons. More concerning are complaints about the treatment of women. When he questions Jim about it, he is dismissive.
“Everybody gets some benefit from what they agree to,” Jim reasons.
Theo tells himself it’s just a rough patch. He has to believe it. But in his gut, there’s a knot tightening, a feeling that no amount of hope can untangle. Jim is slipping, and Theo feels powerless to stop it. The thought of surveillance makes him uneasy—it feels like a betrayal. But what if something happens? What if this is his last chance to intervene?
“My role is to help someone without social skills to adapt. However, Jim may be trying to con me by deflecting the gravity of each situation.”
A mother named Reba files a complaint before leaving town. It suggests he took advantage of her vulnerability, but she has some culpability by inviting him over, and she is no longer around to testify. This accusation may be the tip of the iceberg that Theo doesn’t want to uncover—not personally. Jim needs closer monitoring, so Theo has a detective keep an eye on him.
Detective Rick Garcia quickly learns that Jim is a womanizer. After transitioning from a nightclub bouncer to restaurant security, he becomes smitten with a female bartender. They seem to share her tips, though it isn’t obvious why. But Rick intends to find out.
Continued…
Scope: These terms apply across the platform, not per-story. Viewing and evaluation are allowed. Express agreement required for downloading, redistribution, adaptation, or production. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. About 3200 total words.
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