Lakefront and Mrs. Grey

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

Chapter Seven

Employment

Stepping into MacGregors again Kathleen was unsurprised to have the same male clerk approach her. “Have you come for the chair Mrs. Grey” Robert asked politely.

“Unfortunately no” she admitted, seeing that the object of her desire was still sitting in its place. “I came to inquire about that job you mentioned.”

“Ah yes. I did speak with Miss Thomas during lunch. She seemed interested in speaking with you. I would not hold out much hope though. For we have already had seven applications for that same job today.”

“If I don’t try, I canno hope to be hired” Kathleen agreed, again letting a touch of her native accent rise to the surface. “Where may I find her please?”

“Aimee” the man called, his voice catching the attention of a blond haired young girl. “Please take Mrs. Grey to see Miss Thomas.”

“Yes sir” the girl answered, walking quickly over. On her way she managed to bump a stack of books, barely catching them before they would have fallen.

“Aimee is a very nice young girl, but very clumsy” Kathleen’s companion explained. “She does try very hard.” When Aimee arrived Robert introduced them, then walked away to meet with an older couple who had just walked in.

“This way Mrs. Grey” Aimee explained, turning towards the stores far end. Kathleen followed, her eyes more interested in the buildings layout than in her guide. It seemed to be basically a very open floor plan, with several load-bearing, or what looked to be load bearing columns throughout. She was led through a door marked Employees Only, whereupon it almost instantly became darker. Aimee turned right, ending up before a green door with wavy glass and the word Accounting painted on it. Tapping lightly at the glass Aimee waited until an older voice told her to come in.

Opening the door Aimee leaned in slightly. “A Mrs. Grey to see you Mam” she announced. “About the job I think.”

“Very good Aimee, you may return to the floor.” A noise was heard, probably a chair being rolled back on the wooden floor and Kathleen soon found herself facing a woman her age, or so close as to not matter. Red hair that looked natural and friendly butter brown eyes stared from a freshly washed face. “Mrs. Grey? I am Patty Thomas. You’re the one Robert said might be interested in this hopeless job?”

“I am the one” Kathleen admitted, noting that Patty did not extend her hand in greeting. “I’ve jus arrived from...”

“Doesn’t matter” Patty said, breaking into Kathleen’s prepared story. “You need a job, I have a job available. Your Irish, so please don’t bore me with your story. You see, this is Irish town and I’ve heard about every one that exists. Children?”

“None. I am a widow” Kathleen answered.

“Better step inside” Patty ordered, waiting until Kathleen had entered the small room before shutting and pointedly locking the door. “No starving children, no drunken husband. No other family in Lakefront so we can discount an abusive or gravely ill parent. You’re a gun moll or Óglaigh na hÉireann aren’t you.” She said the words as one born to do so.

“I best leave now” Kathleen answered, stepping towards the locked door only to watch as Patty dropped the key down her amply filled blouse.

“No. Sit. I’m Scots, wandered over when I was twelve. That was fourteen years ago. You?”

“Fifteen” Kathleen admitted, taking the rooms only chair. “I am twenty-six now.” She could easily take this woman, but the coppers would be here before she found that key and escaped. Best to discover what this woman’s plan was.

“Twenty six, as I am. Well, we are the pair. All right. I’ll lay the entire deal on you Kathleen. Seven men have been by looking for a job I haven’t put in the papers yet. Tarkin vanished rather strangely. Some say he was working for the mob, using MacGregors as a ruse. I don’t care. You told Robert you know a little about books, but not a lot. How much education have you had.”

“Third grade in Ireland. Mah husband hired a tutor. He dinnah want tah be embarrassed by a numbskull. Eighth I think. Leastwise the last tutor told him taht. Was enough for him tah know I wouldn’t embarrass him in front of his family again.”

“Good enough. If your lying it doesn’t really matter. Robert selected you and he’s a darn good judge of employee, even if he doesn’t like women in his arms. Do you really want this job?”

“I like eating, so yes” Kathleen admitted.

“Well there is a test, and one rule. That rule is hide your accent at all times, les’ yo’ wahn tah tri ahn understoon mah hown. Here is the test. On that desk before you is the latest account book. You have one hour to discover what is wrong with it. It took me three, but I’ve only a fifth grade formal education. In one hour I will return, unlock that door and listen to what you have to say. Then I will either employ you, starting tomorrow morning, or thank you for your time and escort you out of the building. That would bother Robert, he likes your smile. Willing to take the bet?”

“A job, or not. With an hour to find why your man left. Its better than standing on a corner every night.”

Patty laughed. “Not by much. You’re a widow, so old man MacGregor probably won’t bother you. He likes them untouched by anyone but himself. One hour then.” With a flicker of her fingers Patty produced the key, unlocked the door and left.

Kathleen listened as the door was locked again before studying the room around her. A standing safe, open with cash inside. A desk, well used, two lights, a small fan built in one outside wall and one door along with the chair she sat in. Oh, and not to forget two walls of crammed bookshelves. Very good slight of hand or there were two keys. She was dead certain that key had dropped into that dress. Turning the chair around she opened the ledger, beginning her treasure hunt.

“What do you think Miss Thomas” Robert asked when Sherry returned to the main room.

“I gave her an hour, twice what I gave each of the others. They lied or tried to steal, if she doesn’t I will hire her. I’m pretty certain she is trustworthy. At least we saw eye to eye. And your right, she has a delicious smile. Maybe it will cause a few of our debtors to cough up some money on their bills.”

“I like her Miss Thomas” Robert admitted. “There is something strong about her. Perhaps she is the one that Mrs. Beckman has been looking for.”

“You read too much fantasy Robert. But your right. There is something about her yes. She’s dangerous, so don’t cross her. Now show me this chair she was so captivated by.”