Mourning Dove by Donna Simmons Read Free Book Online Page A

it’s a remnant of manners my mama beat into me many years ago. I
see we both enjoy a bit of repartee. As you are probably aware from your
conversation with Jonathon, our corporate comptroller position is high-powered
with major responsibilities and long hours on occasion. The position requires
timely reports from all divisions within the company and ongoing communication and cooperation with both Jonathon and me. This position holds the pulse beat of
the company. We demand loyalty from all members of our team and expect 110%
dedication in work effort. It’s important that we find the right person to fill
these demanding requirements for the growth of our family here at Starr Shine.
I’ve reviewed your file and I’m impressed with your extensive experience in the
field and loyalty to former employers. Do you think you have the stamina for
this job?”
    “I believe I do.”
    “Any questions about our
company or the position we have available at our corporate offices?”
    “I have three, if I may.”
Butterflies began to take flight in her stomach.
    “And, they are?”
    “First, are you formally offeringme the position of corporate comptroller at Starr Shine Communications?”
    “That’s the reason you’re
here, my dear,” he nodded with only a slight grin.
    She could back off now,
but her gut told her not to. “Please forgive my forwardness, but what are you
offering as a salary package?” The room filled with silence and she was sure
she had just lost the job. Jonathon Pierce wasn’t the only one who could play
the silent intimidation game. This southern gentleman was well versed in the
art.
    After a lengthy pause, he
finally reached into his suit jacket pocket for an index card. His next words
sounded like the grand prize in Let’s Make a Deal . A starting salary
fifty percent higher than she made in Boston, the stock options, and benefit
package left her wondering if she was about to sell her soul.
    “At the end of the first
year, if your performance fits well with our company needs, you will see
another bump up and possible bonus. Does that adequately meet your needs, Ms.
Stafford, ah Sara?”
    “It’s very generous, sir.
And my third question…” She watched his silver eyebrow lift in anticipation.
“When do I start?”  Now she was the one with a full grin on her face.
    He leaned back and
laughed a pleasant sound that rimmed around the room.
    “We presently have
ourselves a situation, little lady. Normally, we would start new management
staff with two to three weeks of orientation training; then another two to four
weeks learning the ropes before we throw you into the deep end of the pool.
However, we seem to find ourselves a bit short-handed at the present time and
would like to start you on Wednesday, on condition that you pass the required
physical. I understand security and background checks have been completed with
no surprises. I would now like to have Jonathon join us to explain the
accelerated orientation we have planned for you.”
    Extending her hand Sara
gave what she hoped was a hardy handshake. Her arms felt like wet noodles from
her euphoria.
    “You understand you’ll be
working closely with Jonathon.”
    “I look forward to the
challenge.”
    The door behind her
opened and Jonathon Pierce walked in wearing charcoal gray and a maroon silk
tie. Quite a difference from the brown double stitched suit and bolo tie he
wore at the Macaroni Grill. He could be a model for GQ this afternoon. At the
restaurant, he could have been the poster for the Texas Cattleman’s Association
Man of the Year.
    “Jonathon, Ms. Stafford
has accepted our offer of employment. I’ll leave you two to hammer out the
final details.” He rose from his chair and bowed into a final courtly
handshake. “Sara, welcome aboard.”
    “Thank you, sir,” she
said as Mr. Starr walked out the door.
    “I suppose I’ll have to
explain our plan to get you working full steam in less time than it takes a
thirsty cow to