Page 44 of Saving Veronica
“So, in order for this to take place, we’ll have to do as he requested.”
“Probably.” Maggie grinned.
“Okay.” Finn looked at Lorna and nodded. “Proceed.”
“I’ve come up with a venue, it’s in the information packet I’ve presented to you. I’d like to send out invitations to all of Dr. Appleton’s patients. He is willing to give us their names and addresses. I’ve listed ideas for door prizes, raffles, food for the humans as well as animals, in the information packet. There will be a contest for best-dressed couple. Meaning human and their pet. I’ve lined up several donations from locals that cater to pets, i.e. free grooming, a week of pet walking, or pet sitting, and several others. The list is in the packet.”
Finn started asking questions and it was Eric who stopped him. “Finn, Lorna’s five minutes was up fifteen minutes ago.”
“Oh, sorry,” Finn said, and made a comment in his notes. “Thank you Lorna. I look forward to reading the information you provided.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Larson,” she said, and quickly sat down. He went through the rest of the contestants and then after the last presentation, he dismissed them, stating he would make his announcement on Monday. This would allow the three Larsons to read over the information provided to make an informed decision. Once the employees left the conference room, Finn grabbed the folder Lorna had given him, and grinned when the others did the same.
Twenty minutes later he looked up and asked, “What do you think?”
“I wasn’t here when you proposed this fundraiser, but I’m the one that suggested it in the hospital. I would say out of all the presentations given today, only two stuck with me. Lorna’s and Marc’s. I know they didn’t, but it was like they worked together on it.”
“How do you mean, Maggie?” Eric asked, as he grabbed Marc’s presentation folder and looked it over.
“Marc hit some things that Lorna missed, and vice versa. Are you set on only picking one person to work with you?”
“No, I was willing to go up to five. I see what you mean about them,” Finn said. “I don’t mean to say anything bad by any means, but most of the presentations were too high end for what I’m looking for. If that makes any sense.”
“It does,” William said. “Everyone who works here is used to doing fundraisers for big money. Meaning they plan for the clientele for a thousand dollars a plate, black tie, with the women dripping in diamonds. I think this is the first one we’ve ever done for—and don’t kill me for this, but—normal people. If you want my opinion, then I would ask Lorna and Marc to work with you on this. I’m sure we can find someone to fill in for them.”
“I agree,” Eric said. “I like both Marc and Lorna’s presentations. But the ultimate decision is yours.”
“Thanks. Maggie? Do you think Veronica would come to the fundraiser?”
“I do. Her casts should be off by then, as well as yours, so I don’t see a problem with her attending. And she has a pet she can bring.” She grinned. “And don’t ask, I’m not telling.” At their expressions she gave them one hint. “It’s not a horse.”
They laughed, and Finn admitted, “I’m going to invite Marc and Lorna to work with me. I know Lorna was Janis’s assistant, and since she’s been fired, I don’t see her having a problem, but I’m still learning everyone here, where does Marc work?”
“He’s Simon’s assistant,” William said, and grinned when Finn swore. “Hey, when you make the announcement, you could always put in that clause that if anyone gives them a hard time working with you, or threatens them, you could fire them.”
“Done,” Finn said, and gathered all the information and made his way out to his office. He turned for Major and laughed when he saw Eric taking him in the elevator.
“Finn,” Maggie said from beside him.
“Yes.”
“I hate to ask, but is Major fixed?”
“No, why?”
“First, I want to invite you to my house for Labor Day. We’re going to get another BBQ together for Ronnie’s birthday. At this party there will be some new friends we’ve made, and one of the gentlemen has a female Shepherd that has the same markings and coloring as Major. Her name is Molly and he wants to breed her to another that looks like her. I immediately thought of you and Major.”
“I’ll be there. I can talk with the guy, and maybe if it goes through, make it a condition that I get one of the pups.”
“Why?”
“Grandpa needs something to keep him busy after he retires. What better way to help him ease into retirement than having a puppy to train?” Finn turned and looked toward the elevator as the door shut, before he turned back to Maggie. “I’ll be honest with you, Maggie, it concerned me what Grandpa would do all day when Dad and I were at work. I think this would be perfect for him.”
“Good idea.” Maggie laughed. “I’ll mark you down for coming to the Labor Day party. That’s what we’re calling it, not Ronnie’s birthday.”
“Okay, I’ll be there. At least we know this time she won’t be going to that meadow on horseback.” He grinned when Maggie groaned before going to her own office.
Chapter 15
