"These have been living in the wild"

  Back in the 1990s rednecks were already listening to songs like Welcome to the Jungle and developing their own senses about "public" and encroachment.

  "In Denver we call it Urban Sprawl," a tight-jeaned and high-top sneaker 'dude' caught part of the conversation running room to room.  He was collecting up the loaned painting supplies.  Some of the sober-for-the-dayworkers reached for laid down five-in-ones and adjusted rags on pant loops.

  "And the Valesters try and keep it within the city limits?"

  "No honey.  Turned out to be a bunch of hipster environmentalists who were more interested in microbrews and having foreigners run their dope errands."

  "They were cool?"

  "Cold as snakes."

  "Not good people."

  "So, doing the dirty work?"

  "A whole class of stagnated workers."

  "Easier to rope in beaten mules."

  "White people."

  "Not just white people Tan Man."

  "I'm not tan.  I AM LATINO."

  "I'm Native American but I don't go around announcing it like it's one of those uptighter's labelmaker's things to box."

  Conversations with more than five people in a room were rare at the time between "clean" and "dirty" in the social scene; workers investing in the companies they were working for and so avoiding "insider trading" accusations; and the sometimes volatility that doing therapy and working can bring into group dynamics.  And once a bunch of people start chit-chatting it can turn into a train wreck for crew.  It just gets going and can be like an organ adding more and more sounds to what was rally and workmode.

  Usually it takes one or two people to suggest or example....keep working, keep working....and a wiseass to ask or imply, Or?  Some crew chiefs are quick to let it be known: Or....

  Or we don't make as much?  Someone may ask.

  Then the "boss" has to employ a style if it hasn't been predetermined or if there were some other variables involved.  The best have the numbers worked out in their heads (and as "estimates") before taking the job and over/underhiring.  All professionals have "scripts" about certain things.  Actually talking business with co-workers helps people stay on message and navigate consumption flow and image.

  A cologned business-shirted and pressed slacks man came hurriedly into the main room.  He picked up a bag of jerky sliced in half and a can of mandarin oranges, unopened.  Another well-dressed man came downstairs.  "Why did you call for me?"

  "They'll be here soon."

  "Oh?" He popped open the oranges and slurped the juice.  "And who praytell are these they?"

  "They've been all over the country and bring news of

  "BECAUSE YOU'RE A HOT FUCKING MESS," A door that had been slammed, opened, saying.

  Another door closed firmly but wasn't slammed.