Better Than New Ch. 01

"Just fine, thanks. All the kids and grandkids were here and I just shipped off the last of them this morning. I think I'm gettin' too old for a houseful any more. When Sarah was around, it was easier."

"Yeah ... I'm sure it was. What can I do for you?"

"I've decided to fully retire at the end of the year, Val. I'm going to travel for a while. Sittin' around the house isn't doing me any good. I need to get out and spend some of that money I worked so hard to get. I haven't got all that many years left."

"Yeah ... I've been trying to tell Mom and Dad that too. Anyway, if you're going to retire, I'm going to have to find myself a new accountant. Any suggestions?"

"Not really. You want someone that's certified and experienced in the business world. You run what's classified as a small business, so you don't need some superstar. Hell, you put up with me for ten years. That ought to tell you something," he laughed.

"Okay. I have an idea about someone if they are qualified and interested. Otherwise, I've got a few months to find someone. Thanks for the heads-up, Norm. I'm envious about you taking off to all corners of the world. How do your kids feel about that?"

"They're all for it. I think they're sick of seeing me mope around and doing nothing. It'll be a break for them not to have to worry about me."

"I guess. Well, we'll be talking off and on before you go, so I'll get going on finding someone and let you know. I may want you to interview them, if you wouldn't mind."

"Not at all. After all, I've got a stake in seeing that BTN succeeds."

"Yeah, that you have. I'll talk to you soon."

Strange, my business life seems to be full of coincidences right now, I thought. First Doreen, now maybe Carolyn."

I picked up the phone and punched in the familiar numbers. "Hey, Paul, it's me. Got a minute?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"Norm called and let me know he's going to retire at the end of the year. That means I need a new accountant. I heard from Doreen that Carolyn wasn't all that happy at Beeson, so I thought I might talk to her."

"Great! You're right, she's not happy. Ever since Doreen announced she was leaving, she's been combing through the paper looking for opportunities. I'm not sure what she earns, but I know it isn't as much as a controller or head accountant would. I'm not sure what her qualifications are, either."

"Yeah, well, first things first. I'll call her and ask her if she's interested. We can go from there after that. Have you got her home number?"

"Sure." He rattled it off and I had to get him to repeat it so I could write it down.

"Got it down pat, huh," I teased.

"Yeah. I've been using it often enough I ought to remember it."

"You're heading for a new record for consecutive appearances with the same woman," I laughed.

"Maybe. Could happen." He sounded happy and cheerful, not unusual for him. That was his nature.

"Good luck," I signed off.

Tuesday, July 7th, 7:10pm

"Hi, Carolyn, it's Val Keating calling. I'm a friend of Paul's. We played golf together a few Saturdays ago."

"Sure, I remember. Paul talks about you often. What can I do for you?"

"A little bird told me that you aren't all that happy at Beeson, and that you might be looking around for an opportunity. Is that true?"

"Yes, it is. Just which little bird told you, male or female?"

"Both, actually. My accountant, Norm Fielding, is retiring at the end of the year and would like to close down his practice. I need someone to look after my financial affairs at BTN. I wasn't sure if that fit what you are capable of, so I thought I'd ask."

"Yes ... I have a certificate and experience in business financial and tax accounting. For a business your size, I'd probably be what you're looking for, and based on what Doreen told me, you might be exactly what I'm looking for."

"Great. I'd like you and Norm to get together to make sure he's satisfied that you can handle my affairs, then I'd want to meet with you to show you the business and discuss my plans for expansion. That's going to take some careful money management, as you can imagine."

"That sounds fine. When would you like me to meet with Mr. Fielding?"

"Any time it's convenient for you. I'll give you his home phone number and you can call him and set up an appointment." I waited for her to get a pen, then gave her Norm's number.

"Thanks for thinking of me, Val. I appreciate it. I've been jealous of Doreen ever since she told me about her new job."

"Well, with any luck, you two might be reunited at my place. I'll wait to hear from Norm, then I'll call you."

"Thanks again, Val. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it works out in our favour."

Thursday, July 9th, 9:05am

"Hi Val, it's Norm. Got a minute?"

"Sure. For you, anytime."

"I talked to that young woman, Carolyn Findlay, last night. She came over to the house and gave me her C.V. She's got the necessary qualifications, Val. I liked her. Got lots of spirit and she knows her stuff. Doesn't have delusions of being a CFO in the near future."

"That's good news, Norm. Any negatives?"

"Naw, just the usual ones about hiring women. You know, they get pregnant and you have to replace them. But that's just me being old-fashioned," he laughed.

"Yeah ... it's real enough, but if she can do the job, I won't worry about that right now."

"Well, I'm satisfied that she can, but it's your business. You talk to her and satisfy yourself that she'll fit in. Good luck."

"Thanks again, Norm. I appreciate it."

I looked up Carolyn's number and dialed it.

"Hi, Carolyn, it's Val Keating."

"Oh, Hi Val."

"Can you and I get together at my office some time soon? I'd like to show you around and then we can discuss the job I have to offer."

"You mean you're offering me the job?" She sounded taken aback.

"Yes, does that surprise you?"

"Yeah ... well ... everything's happened so fast. I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. We haven't even discussed salary or other things."

"You're quite correct, we haven't. That's why I want to get together with you. When do you think it would be convenient?"

"I guess Saturday morning would be the soonest. I've got a lot on my plate at Beeson right now. I'd rather they didn't know I was looking around too."

"I understand perfectly. I've got Doreen coming in on Saturday for her orientation, but I'll have one of my guys handle some of that while you and I talk. Why don't we say about ... oh ... nine o'clock?"

"That's fine. I'll see you at nine."

Bingo! Two opportunities and two bullseyes. I'm on a roll.

To be continued.

Editing by ErikThread and DaveT with my thanks for their usual thoroughness and helpful suggestions. All errors are mine.