My suspicions were confirmed when, just as she was walking out the door to work, she said “I have good news for you! On the last Saturday of this month we are going out so don’t make any plans.” Then she ran to her car and drove off. I was unaware that we had anything going on that Saturday night but this seems to be my week to be surprised.

Beth usually calls me every morning to make certain that things worked out all right the day before. I always ask about the baby of course. His name is “Leo, like the lion” she said. She then gave all the information that every new grandmother in the world thinks is so important for everyone to have. I am happy for them, really I am, but there is a point where I am ‘babied out’ and cannot take anymore cuteisms.

I usually have to remind her that I have to get started on my routine of counting what was on the shelves first before moving to the storage units from hell. Beverly also calls me every morning to check that I am all right. She knew about the baby being born and wants to make sure that I am not being “dumped on” too much. I tell her that I am fine of course. But it is nice to have a boss that cares about me for once.

One day Beverly “happened to be in the area” and stopped by around one. She brought me a sandwich from Subway and a big bottle of water that she insisted I drink so I won’t get dehydrated. I am not used to working for people like that. She is a very special person.

* * *

Watching Sarah work with a single minded purpose brought a great deal of satisfaction to Beverly. Something that working this account was not doing. Three months ago this had been a thriving part of Mr. Kostas’s company and now it was steadily losing money, even with sales being up and labor costs staying the same. This branch of his company would be out of business soon if the problem couldn’t be found. The owner, Mr. Kostas, was a long time old client, one who had stuck by her when things had turned bad and she knew she owed him for that. Added to this of course was the professional pride of being able to pinpoint the problem. The opportunity of putting Sarah in these stores was a stroke of luck. While it was unlikely Sarah would find anything, at least her being here would eliminate several possibilities. Because right now she didn’t have a clue as to the cause.

* * *

After three days of crawling around dirty storage sheds in the daytime and logging in plenty of computer time at night I was due for a break. Unfortunately Beverly wanted me to go over some paper work for the Spartan’s Automotive account, mostly receipts and invoices from their vendors. Lots and lots of invoices. Ann still hadn’t told me what the story was for next Saturday, only that we were going out someplace with dancing and alcohol. (How someone, who makes her living dancing, can want to go out and do more dancing on her night off is beyond me) I am not so much with the dancing part. However I could use more than ‘just a couple’ of drinks at this point.

Also, something about the invoices from Spartan Automotives was bothering me, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. Maybe I was trying too hard.

Ann came over to my place early Friday morning while I was getting ready to head for Beverly’s office and finally let me in on the plan.