Adapt To The Time Zone

Cibo's, Henley Square.

Arthur is late.

No, he isn't.

He's talking to a group of cyclists at the far end.

He spots Sweezus and comes over.

Hey bro, says Sweezus. This is Philip Norgaard, our new rider. Philip, this is Arthur.

Nice to meet you, says Philip. 

I gave Sweezus a duck, says Terence. It's not lucky yet.

Not so loud, says Arthur. Café's have ears.

What about eyes? asks Terence.

Eyes too, says Arthur, noting Philip's.

Philip's eyes are checking out the room.

Who are those guys? asks Philip.

André Greipel's new team, says Arthur. Israel Start Up. They were asking about our new rider.

What did you tell them? asks Philip.

That you were a ring in, says Arthur.

Good, says Philip. Okay. Looks like they're leaving.

Indeed, Team Israel Start Up is leaving.

They pass Sweezus's table.

Hallo Sweezus, says André Greipel, eyeing Philip.

Hi, says Sweezus. You guys are here early.

We wish to adapt to the time zone, says André, And do some higher training and recon.

Good on you, says Sweezus.

André is looking at the Inanimate Duck, which is lying on the table next to Sweezus's espresso.

He is about to say something.

Sweezus stuffs the Inanimate Duck into the ovoid drinks pouch at the back of his jersey.

Don't hurt Lucky! cries Terence.

All of Team Israel Start Up's ears prick up when they hear the name Lucky.

They leave, muttering to one another.

Fuck, says Sweezus. That's how rumours start.

Philip dashes off after team Israel Start Up, without finishing his coffee.

Is he going to get the blue paint? asks Terence.

What blue paint? asks Arthur.

Sweezus fills him in on the issue.