Page 4 of Rules of Engagement

Chapter Two

"It's probably nothing," Francesca said, trailing off with a worried gulp.

"If your gut feeling says it's something, then it's something," I said. So far, it was a tried-and-true sensation that worked well for me so I was pretty big on trusting my intuition whenever something felt off.

"Do you think so?"

"That has always been my experience," I told her. "Why are you so worried about your assistant?"

"I'm not worried about her, not so much as I am about her behavior." She looked away, staring at the ceiling for a moment while she carefully chose her words. "I hired Keira four years ago and she's always been great. The best assistant I could ask for! She earned a degree in communications and had a solid career in event planning before she took the job with me. To be very honest with you, Lexi, I was surprised she applied to be my assistant."

"Why was that?"

"I know a few people at her former firm, so I know what they earn. Her salary would have been higher there and her prospects much better. This particular firm has a footprint in several US cities so her potential to climb the ladder is infinitely larger than what I can offer. I just own a small business. My turnover is good and I'm always busy. That's why I had to hire an assistant! However, I can't compete with her former salary, benefits, or prospects."

"Did you bring that up with Keira during the interview, or any time after?"

"Yes, I did. She told me she needed to scale back her life. The reduction in salary would be balanced by a reduction in her time commitment. Fewer late nights, weekends, commuting, and travel. She said she had already considered that factor and it worked out well for her. I believed her. She seemed so genuine."

"But you don't know?"

"I'm not sure now."

"Why did you hire her? The reduction in salary for less time commitment makes sense, but not the loss of future prospects," I said.

"I asked that question too. She said that her years in event planning made her realize she was no longer interested in smashing a glass ceiling and working every hour she could, while hoping one day to become a partner. She said she wasn’t happy doing that. She wanted to try an alternate route, one that would give her a happier life and enable her to do the things she couldn’t squeeze into her personal life."

"Did that seem true?"

"Until a couple months ago, yes. I know she took up some new hobbies and she went on her first vacation in five years. Keira is a great asset to me. She works so hard, she brings in customers, and her skills have developed far beyond what they were. Her background in event planning gave her plenty of experience in how to throw a big party and a wedding isn't unlike that; plus, she managed to bring new vendors to the business. All of my customers like her and I never had to worry about handing over the reins when I was sick or taking a vacation. She's more than capable."

"So far, this is all sounding good. Tell me what's worrying you. What changed and when?"

"Around two months ago, Keira took a few vacation days. She said she was heading out of town but a couple of my suppliers mentioned they saw her but they wouldn't tell me why."

"Is that unusual?"

"Very unusual. For one, Keira wasn't where she said she was; and two, she must have been talking to the suppliers about issues that weren't related to my business."

"Anything else?"

"One more little thing. She planned the entire wedding for a couple she knew. College friends, I think and we argued about it. I said she should have brought them to the salon as regular customers. She said she was doing it as a favor and not on company time. It blew over pretty quick, and I thought I made myself perfectly clear, but I caught wind that soon after that, she advised another couple about their wedding too."

"Against your wishes?"

"Yes! I can't have my assistant organizing weddings as a side business. What would stop her from taking my clients and running me into the ground?”

"Is that what you think she's doing?"

Francesca nodded. "I can't think of any other reason. There're other signs too. Phone calls that end abruptly as soon as I enter a room, and I’ve seen her approaching new vendors without discussing them with me. I even saw a realtor listing for a vacant store in her purse. Lexi, I'm afraid I brought a cuckoo into my nest and now, she wants to push me out."

"I can see why you're upset. Where can I find the listing for the store?" I asked, making a note when she gave me the address.

"I've puzzled over what to do for these past few weeks. I built my business from nothing. I used to work out of my house until I could afford to buy this building. I didn't even have a desk! I worked from a laptop at my kitchen table and I met clients in their homes until I could put down a deposit on the salon. I sunk most of my savings into turning it into the kind of place brides would come to from all over the county. I've had to wear many hats: marketing, publicity, vendor liaison, troubleshooter, even couples counselor. I don't want to lose everything I've worked for! And I'm nowhere near close to retirement. Can you help me?"

"I'm sure I can," I decided all at once. Francesca looked almost green at the prospect of losing her business and I felt sorry for her. It must be horrible to think someone she hired and nurtured was now working against her own interests. It was infinitely more stressful than choosing cake flavors. "What would you like me to do?" I asked.

"Find out if Keira is planning a hostile takeover and stealing my business clients so she can set up her own firm," she said.

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