My Word-of-the-Day Challenge

Directions: Use the Word of the Day from Merriam-Webster.com from the month of August in a scene; each day’s post must be a continuation of the previous day’s post.

Word count limit: 150 words

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August 14, 2021, Merriam-Webster Word of the Day: scuttlebutt (n.)

Definition:

1a: a cask on shipboard to contain fresh water for a day’s use

b: a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval or marine installation

2: RUMOR, GOSSIP

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Bjorn plucked up the papers from the floor. “Yes, sir,” he said. “But Chief Maddox wanted these forms—.” 

“It’s true that paperwork is tectonic,” said Dufort, shaking his head, “but so is mental decompression and repose. No, no, finish that tomorrow. I will speak to Maddox.” 

Bjorn indicated the last stapled forms. “This is all I have left, sir. Only this.” 

Dufort mumbled something in another language in a singularly exuberant way that Bjorn smiled. 

“Very well,” said the detective, waving the file dismissively, “but if you habitually work late, office scuttlebutt will denominate you as unwholesomely fervid about your profession as me, eh? Make sure you have a life while you’re young.” 

Bjorn had volunteered and worked in nine different stations since his teens in pursuit of a competitive resume, and Dufort was the first person, even among his family, to ever tell him such a thing. 

“Yes, sir.” 

word count: 150