Yesterday's Gone: Season Three (THE POST-APOCALYPTIC SERIAL THRILLER)

my name beside yours. You may be too old for me to be your legal guardian out there,” Will pointed past the wall of his office, “but in here, that’s exactly who I am, like it or not. I gave you full access and you abused your position.”
    “Sorry that your memory’s only working in bits and pieces, Pops, but the truth is that you brought me into Level Seven to bail you out, and we both know it.”
    “I never needed you to bail me out, Boricio,” Will said. “That’s ridiculous.”
    “Well, you sure as shit needed me to help you ‘deal with all the assholes and politics of the job,’ or is that not the exact words you used when you asked me to come work here?”
    Boricio took another step toward Will. “I’m the only one in here who gets you, and that’s why you need me. So what are you gonna do if you downgrade me, Dad ? How are you gonna get by?”
    “I managed before and I’ll manage again, but this is unacceptable. I will not be held hostage by my son, or made to feel as though my instincts are frail. You don’t know everything, Boricio. Some things you don’t know on purpose because you can’t. And there are times when you have to be okay with that. Despite your access, and our relationship, I am privy to classified information that I cannot legally share with you.”
    For the first time, Will’s eyes held a hint of apology. “I’m sorry, Boricio, but that’s the way it is. This is one of those times where you just have to trust me. Honestly, after all these years I feel it’s the least I deserve.” He shook his head. “You have no idea how much acid you give me.” He pushed his hand against his stomach, as though the acid was leaking.
    For a second, Boricio felt so bad he wanted to vomit, but the bear inside him knew it was all bullshit. Will was making excuses. If Boricio knew something that Will needed to know, then he wouldn’t give a dozen undigested kernels worth of crap whether it was classified or not.
    Boricio said, “What am I supposed to do with my day then, Will, huh? If I’m not heading into Level Seven, then what in the hell am I doing? Why even be here? I might as well go to New Orleans and be a cook.”
    “No need to be all dramatic, Son,” he shook his head, now standing beside Boricio. Will set his calm hands gently on Boricio’s shoulders, and looked him in the eyes. “This isn’t a forever decision. It’s temporary; difficult to make but the right thing to do. The downgrade is in effect immediately because I felt it was necessary. The second I no longer feel that way, it will fade like a hangover. I promise.” Will smiled at Boricio. “Okay?”
    Boricio didn’t say anything because he didn’t know what he could say. No, it wasn’t fucking okay. He was about to nod anyway when Will said, “There’s plenty to do, Boricio. Marshall needs all sorts of help on his lab work and filing. Wilson, too. Most of Level Five in fact. There’s more than enough to keep you busy for now.”
    Will suddenly brightened, as if only at that moment realizing the true abundance of available work.
    Boricio wasn’t smiling.
    “What in the hell are you saying, Will?”
    “I’m not saying anything,” Will shook his head, suddenly flustered. “Except that there’s plenty of work to be done and that you don’t have to worry about having nothing to do.”
    Boricio said, “Well, then maybe you can clarify. Because what it sounded like you said was that you wanted me to be an administrative assistant for all the Dilberts on Level Five. Did I misunderstand your message?”
    Boricio’s shoulders felt like they’d grown three feet. Something inside him enjoyed watching Will retreating back to his side of the desk, and the way his pores were practically bleeding fear.
    If Boricio couldn’t get the respect he deserved, he’d damned well settle for fear.
    “Boricio,” Will said. “Be reasonable. I’m not asking you to leave. I’m asking you to be patient, and to trust me.” He leaned across the desk, either less afraid or swallowing his fear. “I promise, I’m only thinking of you. As much as you think you deserve my faith, and you do Boricio, I deserve yours too. And I asked for it first.” Will gave him a weak smile then said, “Please believe I know what’s best. At least this time.”
    Boricio shook his head. “I can’t do that,” he said. “Because you don’t. You didn’t know what was best for Luca, and you don’t know what’s best for