Enter the Janitor (The Cleaners) (Volume 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

don’t care what he did. Ain’t no way I’m doin’ this, even if I have to mop the Sewers from one end to the other. You can shove whatever orders they gave back up your puckerhole.”
    Francis shook his head as he scribbled a note. “Pucker … hole. Why do you persist in coming up with new vulgarities? You know the Board will simply add them to the censor list.”
    Ben tapped his temple. “Gotta make sure the ol’ lump still has a spark or two left. Now stop tryin’ to distract me. I ain’t budgin’ for nothin’. This girl ain’t getting anywhere near me.”
    “All variables have been considered,” said a new voice . “You were unanimously voted to be her mentor.”
    A pale face gleamed in the depths of the glass, matching neither Ben nor Francis’ reflection. Ben glared at the projection, wishing he could wipe it away like any other unwanted smudge.
    “Destin.” He forced his tone to be a shade more respectful. “Chairman. It’d make my day if you told me Francis here is a few feathers short of a duster.”
    “Ascendant Francis’ sensibility remains intact,” Destin said. “You are her caretaker.”
    “You do remember what happened to my last apprentice? The one who drowned with his head stuck in a toilet? And that’s before—”
    “Any danger has been deemed insignificant compared to that which she presents to herself and those around her. You were and, in my opinion, still are one of the most capable janitors we have, despite the unfortunate circumstances.”
    “That’s a real squirmy way of puttin’ it.”
    “Sir,” said Francis, “this girl needs careful handling. Janitor Benjamin is hardly known for his subtlety and empathy.”
    Destin’s smile reminded Ben of an alligator’s—starting and stopping at the teeth. “Francis, your last performance review included the highest praise of many attributes. Subtlety and empathy were not among them either. That’s not the point here.”
    “What is the point?” Ben asked.
    “The point is I fought for you on this, Benjamin, and would not appreciate my confidence being misplaced.”
    “Shoulda figured your reputation would be involved.”
    “Consider this a qualified apology for the way we once treated you.”
    “An apology? Somehow it ain’t feelin’ like one.”
    “Despite your unorthodox views and position, I know you will provide the firm guidance that few, if any of the other Cleaners, could give Ms. Hashelheim. If you encounter any truly serious issues in the course of her training, I am making myself available, despite my busy schedule. But I know you won’t disappoint.”
    Destin’s visage faded. Ben let his forehead thump against the pane where the Chairman’s face had been. “I’m too old for this.”
    Francis coughed. “I once swore to never doubt the wisdom of the Chairman. In this case, however, I could make an exception. The consequences of fouling a job should never include being given more responsibility.”
    Ben glowered at him. “You think this is ’cause of what happened in the library? You think I bungled that and this is some sorta punishment? Didn’t Destin review the situation?”
    “I gave your report all due consideration,” Francis said, “and declined to pass it on to the Chairman.”
    “Meanin’ you put it through the shredder.”
    “The Chairman can’t be distracted by every fanciful account of reanimating blot-hounds.”
    “Fanci—for Purity’s sake, Francis, you think I’d let any regular blot-hound get the better of me? That thing not only popped back up after havin’ its core shattered, it at least tripled in strength and blasted through my defenses like they was made of soggy newspaper.”
    The Ascendant looked pointedly at Ben’s right arm. “With your current condition, I’m not surprised your measures proved inadequate.”
    Ben grabbed the man’s lapel. “What’d I warn you about makin’ this personal?”
    A thump made them both jump back. As they’d argued, Dani had