Page 27 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
“So, we’re all agreed?” she said.
“Yes,” Gene said, but a chorus of nods and coughs echoed his words.
“Gene, you and Miss Beadle will assist the accounting firm with the audit. Mike, you and George will assign one man each from your departments to conduct inventory. Carol will assist you. Each of you will produce a full report on your department’s needs by the end of the month, including any difficulties with current suppliers and recommendations on how to handle those problems.”
“What about the marketing/public relations position?” Mike spoke up.
“Gene and I will look into hiring someone to set up and run marketing and public relations. It’s past time for Carson’s to change its advertising strategies, and we need a professional for that. I’ll start the search while Gene is doing the audit. He’ll come on board at the interview stage.”
“If you want me to manage the office much longer, you’ll need to hire an assistant. I’m too old to run things on my own.” Miss Beadle’s thin lips unclosed, permitting the words to leave her mouth.
Sara ground her teeth and wished she could give Beadle her walking papers right this moment. “I can’t spare time to do an employee search right now. And knowing your standards, I suspect you’d prefer to conduct the search yourself.”
Beadle unbent enough to nod.
“Then place the advertisement at your convenience,” Sara continued. “You can start interviewing as soon as the audit is complete.”
The other woman heaved a sigh. “I don’t know.”
“I’d really appreciate you staying on until these other projects are completed or my father is back on his feet. With the staffing problems we have and the Mega Motors deal, I need all the experience I can get in management.”
A tight smile blinked on the office manager’s face. “I won’t delay my retirement for a whim. But I’ll be pleased to stay on until the Mega Motors situation is settled.”
Gene studied some papers in front of him. “Speaking of Mega Motors, where will we locate the RV showroom?”
“Since McKinley refuses to move, I’ll be taking on the job of finding a new showroom site in addition to PR and my regular duties.
That just about covers it.” She stood, and they rose with her. “Thank you.”
They all filed out, with Gene Reynard bringing up the rear. Sara reached out and stopped him. “Sit for a bit, Gene.” She gestured toward the chair next to her and sat down herself. “I want to discuss Carson’s security needs with you in a little more detail.”
“What did you have in mind, Miss Carson?”
“First, I want you to look into hiring a professional security firm. I want someone on the property at all times.”
“I can do that, but it may take a week or two to research the available firms.”
“Fine. Second, Josh McKinley’s agreed to help defray the cost of lighting in the alley between the back lot and the warehouse. I need your staff to work up an estimate and agreement and get those over to him before 5:00 p.m. today.”
“I can manage that.”
“Look into the requirements and restrictions that the city might place on such an endeavor. Also find out how maintenance will be handled, if McKinley agrees.”
“Will do, Miss Carson.” He paused, as if weighing his words. “Your daddy wouldn’t be happy knowing you dealt with McKinley.”
“I know, Gene; I’m none too happy about it myself. But since I can’t get him to move, I have to deal with him.”
Gene nodded. “Is there anything else?”
“No. I know you’ll find us the right security firm, and that will go a long way toward decreasing the vandalism. I just don’t know if it will help reduce the petty theft.”
“I’ll discuss plain clothes security with each of the firms I interview.”
“I hate to think that any of Carson’s employees would steal from us.” The air cracked as she smacked the table with her palm. “We pay good wages and have an excellent benefits plan. Why would a person jeopardize that for a carton or two of oil and some nuts and bolts?”
He patted the hand she’d slapped onto the table. “Now, let’s make sure that it is a Carson’s employee who’s stealing before we borrow trouble. Maybe all we need is tighter security after hours.”
“You’re right, as usual. Dad and I have been lucky to have you all these years. Especially since Sampson McKinley took the Caddy away from Dad and started the feud.”
Gene started to leave, then turned his head away from the door to look at her. “Reviewing ancient history won’t put roses in your cheeks or help Carson’s out of this slump. You look a might peaked, Miss Carson. Why don’t you go on home and get a good night’s rest?”
“I couldn’t rest. Not until I know Carson’s is headed back into the black. Anyway, I have a lot of work to catch up on.” Sara got up and turned from the table. Through the doorway she saw a sheriff’s deputy approach Carol’s desk. Sara felt the skin between her eyebrows pucker.
“Gene, did you call the sheriff’s office?”
“No. Why?” He must have seen the expression on her face. He swiveled his head and looked to the outer office. “Oh.”
“I must see Miss Carson in person, so I suggest you stop running interference and tell me where she is.” Clearly, the officer refused to accept Carol’s polite brush off.
Sara stepped forward, determined to greet the deputy and whatever new problem he represented head on.
