The Underground by Tim LaHaye Jerry B. Jenkins; Chris Fabry

Author:Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins; Chris Fabry
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9780842387149
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Published: 2004-10-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

“If I go on one date, then you promise to leave me alone?” Shayla said.

“I promise,” the Queen said, trying to suppress the joy in her voice. “I’ll arrange it.”

Shayla said, “No, just send me his information and I’ll arrange it.”

“Whatever you prefer,” the Queen said, thinking that Shayla was finally coming to her senses. Having Shayla back in Washington was wonderful. It was a big step toward getting her to return to the Palace.

“He comes from a good family and is very handsome, and went to finishing school,” the Queen said.

“Oh, great. Sounds formal,” Shayla said, sounding deflated.

“You’re confusing formality with good manners,” the Queen defended. She tried to see where Shayla was coming from, but sometimes she just plain did not understand her daughter’s attitude. Shayla lived an extremely privileged life. Why did she have to be so negative?

“I’ll send you his contact information,” the Queen said. If Shayla agreed to go on a date, it meant she was, finally, starting to get over that derelict. The Queen periodically asked Gerald if there was any more news about Nathaniel DeLuca, but apparently the trail had dried up. He was probably living in a tent in the wilderness to avoid being forced to marry that wretched fiancée. In any case, Shayla seldom mentioned him anymore. Thank God.

“And how is Steelco?” her mother asked, taking a sip of tea, from the cup that boasted her crest. Now that she had Shayla’s commitment to date a suitable man, it was best to switch subjects before Shayla changed her mind.

“Not so great. I’m a little disappointed, honestly. Lorraine is back-peddling on promises she made when I signed on,” Shayla said, annoyed.

“Like what?” the Queen asked. She wasn’t really surprised, and figured she’d have to manage this relationship, but didn’t think it would be so soon.

“I’m trying to improve working conditions. Do you know there is no overtime pay for steel workers? They often work fourteen hour days, or longer, and get the same pay as if they worked eight. They don’t even get breaks. It’s not right,” Shayla said, shaking her head.

“Those steel workers are amongst the best paid laborers in the country. They have a steady job. Believe me, they are happy. Besides, men like to work hard,” the Queen said.

The Queen watched Shayla roll her eyes and wondered if Shayla would ever grow out of her pie in the sky idealism. She was 29. It was time to get real about the world.

“Better working conditions means better productivity. As it stands, there are costly accidents at the plant from exhausted, overworked men,” Shayla said with a sigh.

“Steelco’s system works,” the Queen said, thinking she would need to call Lorraine and insist that she throw Shayla a bone. Otherwise, she could tell Shayla was going to stir up trouble. That was the last thing the Queen needed. She hated to admit that the stress of the recent protests was bothering her, but it was true. She crossed her fingers that the protests were done.

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