Good Woman Blues

by Emery, Lynn

  Her part-time secretary of ten years came in and shut the door. “Five board members are here,” Shanae whispered.

  “Yes, Ms. Howard. I appreciate your patience. We can make payment arrangements.” Darlene nodded to Shanae.

  “They look really upset.” Shanae didn’t look too happy herself. She rubbed her hands together nervously.

  “Yes, an arrangement to make weekly payments on the balance for the next four weeks is a very reasonable. You’ve been very understanding. Thank you again.” Darlene hung up the phone.

  “They just marched in looking all mad and asked for you. Didn’t say good afternoon or nothing.” Shanae blinked in fear. “That’s not like Mr. Ledoux at all.”

  “We’re all under a strain right now,” Darlene said on autopilot. She’d used those words repeatedly in the last few days.

  ‘Tell me about it.” Shanae sighed. “I’m gonna tell ’em you comin’ in a few minutes.”

  “Right. Unlock the conference room and serve them coffee.” Darlene kept writing.

  “Okay. You need anything?” Shanae asked, as she put a hand on the doorknob.

  Darlene shook her head no without looking up. What she really needed was a break after a week of putting out financial fires, not another meeting with the executive committee. She was not going to get one today. After jot-ting down one last note, Darlene stood. Once more she wondered why Kelvin hadn’t called. Had he made up with his wife?

  “Don’t get that picture in your head. Not now,” Darlene mumbled to herself. She used the palm of one hand to press wrinkles from her skirt. As she left, Shanae came out of the conference room and closed the door behind her.

  “They’re all settled in. I did my best to soften them up for you.”

  “With friends like you, I just might pull through all this.” Darlene gave her a look of gratitude.

  “Long as you need me to watch your back I’m here.” Shanae gave a sharp nod.

  “Thanks,” Darlene said, and headed for the conference room again. She only hoped Shanae would feel the same when rumors became confirmed facts. When she opened the door conversation died away. “Good morning.”

  “Morning,” Harold Ledoux replied. He gave her a grave nod. Kelvin and two other board members greeted her.

  Darlene willed herself not to stare at Kelvin. “I just talked to Mrs. Howard at Scardina Produce Company. We’ll be able to keep buying bulk items for meals. At least for another thirty days. That should give Alexis time to get our line of credit approved.”

  “That’s all well and good,” Harold broke in. ‘The board knows you’re trying to patch up this situation.” “Yes, I’m making every effort to make sure the center doesn’t suffer,” Darlene replied. Their expressions made her feel cornered.

  The vice president of the board cleared her throat. Mrs. Walker seemed the most sympathetic of the four. “Darlene, we need to have a frank discussion, painful as it might be. As a member of the executive committee, you can trust us to be discreet.”

  “We can’t keep secrets that affect the center. And this is not a board meeting. Just want to make that clear,” Harold said. “We wouldn’t want anyone accusing us of violating the open meeting laws.”

  “Yes, yes, Harold.” Mrs. Walker waved at him to be quiet. She was probably the only one who could get away with that. He pressed his lips together.

  Though she knew what was coming, Darlene still hoped it wasn’t true. She wanted to shake herself awake and end the bad dream. Darlene glanced at Kelvin. He would not look at her. He wouldn’t risk his neck if they asked for her resignation.

  “We need to clear up this problem quickly,” Mrs. Walker said carefully.

  The silence after her statement seemed to suck air from the room. They all looked at Darlene for some response. Mr. Ledoux had a sour expression while the others and Kelvin remained silent. Mrs. Walker alone seemed in her element. Darlene drew in a breath and let it out.

  “Alexis hasn’t completed her review, but so far there doesn’t appear to be some error on the part of the bank. Checks were written for supplies and equipment at the center as usual. I’m going match every check to invoices I approved for the last three months,” she said. Darlene knew what they were thinking.

  “I see.” Mrs. Walker drew herself up in preparation for more “painful discussion.” “Then the figure we heard is correct? Almost twenty thousand dollars is gone?”

  “My Lord,” Mrs. Morrison, another board member, burst out.

  “We’re out of business.” Mr. Ledoux shook his head. He glared at Darlene.

  “Alexis is working to get us a line of credit. That should help. I think we should have a major fundraising event. My niece Erikka has experience in that area. Alexis is willing to assist us. She even has a few ideas,” Darlene hastened to respond, when the others glanced at her as well. “I’m in the process of finishing up a strategy. We can have an emergency board meeting to review it.”

  Mrs. Walker wore an expression of regret. She looked at Mr. Ledoux. “We have a problem, dear.”

  “Problem is right, with street credibility as the young folks say these days. Your niece has had her own problems. Add it all up and— how should I put this?” Mr. Ledoux looked at Darlene.

  “Are you accusing us of embezzlement? I’ve poured my heart into this place.” Darlene stood.

  “Being defensive doesn’t help.” Harold’s bushy eyebrows formed one fuzzy line in anger.

  “We can’t afford to sling accusations against a valued employee without evidence,” Mrs. Walker said pointedly. “She’d have every right to sue us.”

  “I never said …” Harold’s gruff voice trailed off. The idea of a lawsuit seemed to shock him into pulling back. He blinked rapidly.

  “We have enough to contend with as it is,” Mrs. Walker finished. “Unless we want to padlock the front doors, we’d better pull together. Darlene, is Alexis sure the money is gone?”

  Darlene sat down again. “Yes.”

  “Kelvin, what do you think?” Mrs. Walker said quietly. He cleared his throat and shot a brief glance at Darlene before looking away again. “We can’t afford more turmoil. I think we should allow Mrs. Mason time to come up with this plan.”

  His response sounded cold, but Darlene didn’t have time to feel sorry for herself. “I’m prepared to work twenty-four/seven to save this place. You can watch every move I make if that’s what you need.”

  “Frankly I think we need to appoint a temporary liaison between the director and the board.”

  Mrs. Walker nodded. “I agree. Darlene, have whatever plan you want to propose ready. Kelvin, present it, and we’ll review all options then.”

  The committee members left after muted goodbyes. Unlike most meetings no one wanted to linger for chitchat or more coffee. All seemed ready to get away. Darlene was just as grateful to reach her office and shut the door. Actually, she slammed it hard enough to make the walls shake. Her phone rang at that moment. She didn’t even have time for a good cry.

  ***

  “Wonderful.” Nadine beamed at the staff. She looked at the other two partners, Brinkhaus and Calder. “We have a list of happy, happy clients. Good work everyone.”

  Erikka basked in the glow when Nadine favored her with a special wink. Her second week back at work and Erikka’s brownie points just kept going up. The other four associates wore expressions that ranged from admiration to annoyance, especially Laurie. Her “I just swallowed a bug” grimace gave Erikka particular pleasure.

  “Now about Layton.” Brinkhaus, a lanky man with graying brown hair, steepled his long fingers.

  “We are working to switch their self-funded pension plan over to 401(k)s,” Erikka put in with confidence. “Health coverage costs will go down fifteen percent with a new company.”

  “The CFO had lots of warm fuzzy things to say about our Erikka,” Nadine said with a nod.

  “Bet the employees didn’t,” Jarvis said, as a low aside. His liberal leanings were well-known.
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  Erikka looked straight at him. “The employees have to pay more, but that beats the alternative. Layton had plans to cut benefits sharply.”

  Nadine seemed not to have heard Jarvis. She swiveled her chair toward Erikka, nodded, and turned to her two fellow partners. “Excellent. This firm is now known for being experts on employee-benefit plans. We already have an envious rep on expansion funding.”

  “Don’t forget our good works,” Calder added. Short and plump, he looked dapper in a dark olive green suit and gray tie.

  “Did I mention that our three closest competitors envy us?” Nadine’s satisfied laugh tinkled around the room. The associates joined in, except Jarvis.

  “Everyone has pulled together to give us a good quarter. Kudos,” Brinkhaus said in a bland tone. He wasn’t known for being ebullient. Compliments weren’t his style either.

  “Thanks everyone.” Nadine said to the associates, a signal that the meeting was over. The two male partners left. “Erikka, follow me to my office.”

  “Sure.” Erikka gave Laurie a serene smile as the rest of the staff walked out. Laurie pretended not to notice.

  “I won’t keep you long. I don’t want to keep you from the Bastion, Inc. matter.” Nadine marched ahead of Erikka without looking back as she spoke. She’d managed to remind Erikka not to dawdle in her signature-smooth way.

  “Right. I’ve just about finished the first review of the information they sent over.” Erikka followed her.

  “Really? We got the reports yesterday. I wasn’t aware they hadn’t sent everything.” Nadine entered her office and went straight to her desk, then sat down. She crossed her legs.

  Erikka closed the door. “I asked for more. They only sent their profit and loss statements. I want to look at everything down to how much they spend on office supplies.”

  “Excellent.” Nadine tilted her chair back. “You rolled right into the fast lane. I told the other partners you would.”

  “I appreciate it, too. I know you stuck your neck out for me,” Erikka replied.

  “Just a minute. We need to talk about Layton, Inc. A few disgruntled employees are making trouble. They’re even using scare tactics like threatening a lawsuit, saying the company is hiding something.” Nadine’s words came out fast like bullet points. “I want you to draft a counteroffensive. Talk about lost productivity through employee absenteeism, employee theft, etc.”

  Erikka felt her words whizzing by. The one that didn’t get lost in the buzz was lawsuit. “What about their income statements? That should—”

  “Smoke screen, my dear. The employees want to stop those changes. If the U.S Attorney gets involved—well, we both know what a nightmare that could be. Of course, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’ll swear to that.”

  “Excuse me?” Erikka stared at her in shock.

  “Not that it will come anywhere close to a criminal investigation. The entire thing is absurd. Which is why we need to hit back hard. I’m sure you see that.” Nadine wore a calm expression as she looked at Erikka.

  “No, I’m not sure I do,” Erikka said softly.

  “Let me see what you map out. Here, look over these, and I’ll get with you in the morning.” Nadine handed her a thick folder.

  “Okay.”

  Erikka took it without remembering when she reached out. In a daze she somehow made it down the hall to her office. She opened the expanding file and removed the stack of papers. Four hours and dozens of sheets later, Erikka left the office wishing she could satisfy her thirst for a stiff drink.

  Chapter 18

  Gabriel watched Erikka as she laughed at a joke his father told. So did Gabriel. His mother forced a tight smile that vanished quickly. At least he’d served dinner at his house. Whenever he thought Erikka was distracted, Gabriel would shoot a sideways glance at his mother. Glances she pretended not to see. Rachel had suggested they all have dinner. Gabriel had agreed to do the cooking. Rachel had objected, saying she wanted to prepare one of her specialties. They’d had a tug of war that Gabriel finally won. Rachel Cormier would have been even more imperial on her own turf. As it was, she kept looking for an opening to intimidate Erikka.

  “I can’t believe you’ve never heard those old Cajun jokes about Boudreaux. I know dozens of ’em. Why there’s the one about how Boudreaux became the first Cajun on the moon. See he drank rocket fuel and—” Charles leaned back to go on.

  Rachel gave a discreet cough into her linen napkin to get his attention. “Erikka hasn’t had much of a chance to say anything, Charles. Besides, I don’t think that joke is appropriate for the dinner table.”

  “Guess you’re right, sweetie. I’ll tell you later,” he said in a loud whisper to Erikka, then winked at her.

  “I’m going to hold you to that promise.” Erikka pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at him.

  Gabriel groaned inwardly when his mother gave his father a stony look. He jumped in to head off trouble. “Everybody save room for dessert. Erikka made lemon chess pie. She’s a wonderful cook.”

  Rachel smoothed her napkin carefully on her lap again. “Did you learn at home? A lot of girls from large families learn that way.”

  “I only have one sister. Actually, my grandmother taught me. I enjoy being in the kitchen, mixing and seasoning dishes. I find it to be relaxing after a long day at the office.”

  “Know what you mean. Fishing helped me unwind when I wasn’t working. Back then I’d head out first thing on Saturday mornings. Took the kids with me.” Charles was about to go on when Rachel silenced him with a look. He cleared his throat and drank deeply from his glass of iced tea.

  “You worked for a large accounting office in New Orleans. Guess adjusting to a slower pace took some doing.” Rachel nodded at her.

  “It certainly did,” Erikka replied, without elaborating.

  “How about that pie? I brewed us fresh coffee. Decaf.” Gabriel pointed a finger at Charles.

  “I know you’ve got some good Louisiana dark roast in this house, boy. Can’t wash down Erikka’s pie with brown water,” Charles complained.

  “No caffeine for you, Dad.”

  “That’s right, Charles. You men go in and get the dessert. Erikka and I will wait right here while you serve us,” Rachel said, with a sweet expression.

  “I thought—” Gabriel started, but Erikka cut him off. “Good idea. You guys show us what you can do. We’ll be fine,” Erikka said, with a smile.

  “Put us to work, huh? Come on, son. We’ve got our marching orders.” Charles slapped Gabriel on the back, and then started clearing the table.

  Moments later the two men were in the kitchen alone. Gabriel moved around quickly, putting the pie and dessert plates on a tray. “Grab that other tray, Dad. Everything is there. Just pour coffee into the carafe, and we’ll be all set.”

  “Don’t want to leave Erikka at Rachel’s mercy for too long, I reckon.” Charles gave a chuckle. He took his time, despite Gabriel’s instructions. “Relax. I do believe Rachel has met her match.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. Now come on.” Gabriel nodded toward the dining room, eager to return.

  “Slow down.” Charles put a hand on Gabriel’s arm and stopped him from picking up the tray with their dessert on it.

  “Let’s give them a few more minutes. If we time it right, we’ll go in just as Erikka sets Rachel on her ear.” Charles wiggled his thick eyebrows in mischief.

  “Not funny,” Gabriel retorted. “Get the tray and move.” Charles heaved a dramatic sigh. “No sense of humor. Getting as bad as your mother.”

  Gabriel only spared time to squint at him before he went back to the dining room. “Here we go. Erikka really nailed this recipe, Mother.”

  “How’s everybody doing in here?” Charles glanced from Erikka to Rachel.

  Rachel’s lips were pursed. She looked at Gabriel. “Erikka was just telling me about her community service.”

  “Community service? Good for you. Giving back to the community is a
commendable thing.” Charles gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. “Now let’s have some of that pie.”

  “The Senior Center could definitely use the help,” Gabriel threw in. He concentrated on slicing into the pie.

  “Hmm,” was his mother’s reply.

  Still, she allowed Gabriel and Charles to steer the conversation elsewhere. Gabriel looked at Erikka. She must have read his mind. She wore a relaxed smile when she looked back at him. After coffee, they went into the living room. Gabriel turned on music. Maybe smooth jazz would calm his nerves. Erikka was doing okay, but his neck hurt from the tension. When the doorbell rang, he started. Gabriel pulled aside the short curtain that covered the window in the door. Vince waved at him impatiently. When he let him in, Gabriel frowned. “What’s up?” “Hey, little brother. I was in the neighborhood.” Vince seemed a bit too jovial.

  Gabriel caught the whiff of beer as Vince walked past him. “You’re rarely in this neighborhood, if that’s what you want to call it. Anything wrong?”

  “Wrong, wrong. Don’t know why you assume the worst. Maybe I was feeling a need to bond with my little brother.” Vince walked with his shoulders back, each step taken too carefully, as though calculated to keep him upright.

  “Oh, crap,” Gabriel whispered, and tried to head him off. Vince had gotten ahead of him by several feet. In seconds he was through the foyer and into the living room.

  “Mother and father. Fancy meeting you here. Say, a pretty lady. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  Gabriel came up behind him in time to see Vince give a courtly bow. Erikka looked at Gabriel with a slight frown. “This is my brother Vincent.”

  “We certainly don’t need to stand on formality. Call me Vince.” Vince smiled at her.

  “Hi, Vince,” Erikka said. Her expression relaxed.

  “Did this little rascal tell you about me?” Vince reached back in an apparent attempt to ruffle Gabriel’s hair. He aimed too low, brushing Gabriel’s shoulder instead. “They grow up so fast.”

  Charles bristled as he stood. “You’re a disgrace.”

  Rachel lifted a hand. “Vincent, sit down. You’re just in time for coffee. Gabriel and Erikka, let’s all have another cup.”