Today was the day most of the research team leaders at Muckle Research Center were preparing months on end for; evaluation day. The day where new research leaders progress and success would be viewed and judged by the head chief. People were promoted and demoted 6 months ago and today is the day that permanent placements will be made. 

Ezra Hollows was one of the lucky ones to be promoted to a research leader. His crew was made of some rookies and people he previously worked with. He walked into Muckle nervous, but extremely confident with the work that he had performed. His team worked great together and held high respect for him. 

No cases were being worked on  so he didn't have to show up at Muckle until the time his evaluation was about to begin. He showed up at 12:05, five minutes early, with papers at hand. The butterflies woke up in his stomach once he saw the people who had already gone. Many previous leaders were saying goodbye to their crews and some crews were made up with entirely new people. 

A smile came across his face when he saw his crew, still together, discussing about something. It made him happy to see his team together and working so well with one another. He was just about to walk over to them and give his thanks for all their hard work when his name was called, in a loud grouchy tone.

His posture became straighter and the smile on his face quickly faded as his face grew more alert. His team stopped in the middle of their chat to look at him with confused expressions and began discussing once more. 

Once in the office of the chief lab director his hands were shaking. "I hope I didn't scare you boy," the chief chuckled while glancing at Ezra's hands. Ezra forced a grin and set the documents of all his previous cases down. While turning his chair forward and resting his arms on the desk the chief said, "Oh I won't need to see those." 

Scared about the possibility of losing his job, Ezra sat down slowly and shakily said, "Why w-won't you need to s-see them sir?" "Don't get ahead of the evidence," chief said followed by a wink. "I know you lead your team well and your team is actually my favorite here. Your team already knows but I've given you guys a HUGE case." 

"That must've been what they were discussing about then," Ezra said while his grabbed all his documents. In his head he was thinking about how he would've thrown up if Cheif hadn't told him this sooner. "Well my boy," the Cheif started, "I'll let your team tell you about it since I am quite busy today." In Ezra's head he wanted to say a thank him for not firing him but he just left with a simple, "Thank you sir."