The assembly line began to run.
"Application Number: PW-0001."
"Subject of Application: Repair of missing manhole cover at 452 Martin Luther King Avenue, Hill District."
"Requested Budget: 850 US Dollars."
"Risk Assessment: Extremely High. Involves potential legal liability for the city."
The rapid-fire clacking of keyboards filled the air.
The printer churned out paper with the rapid staccato of a machine gun.
Meticulously formatted budget requests were printed out one after another.
Attached to the back of every document was the original notice, complete with a photograph.
Wagner sat at the head of the table, official seal in hand.
"STAMP!"
He stamped it.
Next.
"STAMP!"
He stamped it.
His movements grew more practiced, tinged with a thrilling sense of vengeance.
He remembered Moretti's arrogant, dismissive face from every time he had to go to the City Council for budget approval.
