So, whenever she caused trouble, even though Gem Atkinson would save face for her in public, he didn't hesitate to punish her in private.
After each punishment, he would apply ointment to her wounds.
Fred Andrews always bought this ointment.
Lost in thought, Forsythia Brown was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Then Fred Andrews came in, with his usual smile, handing the all-too-familiar ointment to Gem Atkinson's hand.
Not only was Forsythia Brown surprised, but Gem Atkinson was a bit taken aback as well.
Could Fred Andrews say 'I've had this ointment ready since Miss Atkinson's first day at the company'? No, he couldn't, that would be like cursing Miss Atkinson to be hit, right?
Instead, he explained, "I got this as a freebie when I bought cold medicine at the drugstore a couple of days ago."
Having said that, he glanced at Forsythia Brown, who was standing by the sofa, greeted her with a smile, then left the room.
