Page 48 of Backwater Justice
Kathryn noticed a slight flinch from Oliver. She made a mental note.
Oliver spoke up. “Chain of command, Dad?”
“Ah, yes. Benjamin, do you have any suggestions?” Milton asked. Technically, both jobs fell under the supervision of Oliver.
“Since Dickie is transportation manager, perhaps Kat should report to him,” Benjamin offered.
“Maybe she should just report directly to me,” Oliver replied. He wanted to keep a sharp eye on this new hire, and Dickie wasn’t up to the job. He had screwed up too much lately.
Both he and Bart. What a nightmare.
“Now, Isabelle. I’d like you to report to Benjamin, if you’re okay with that?” Milton looked at him.
“Of course,” Benjamin agreed.
“But the Inns are under me.” Oliver was almost whining.
“I know, son, but there is already enough for you to do. Izzie can send her dailies to both of you.”
“Alright,” Oliver acquiesced.
“Then it’s agreed. Benjamin, Oliver, have Isabelle and Kat follow you to the main office, and you can get them settled in.”
“Perfect,” Izzie said. “Thank you for the opportunity.”
“I should be the one thanking you for agreeing to come onboard with such short notice.”
“I always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest. This is the perfect opportunity,” Izzie said warmly.
“Right now, you are smack-dab in the middle of Willamette Valley. The real beauty is on either side. The Cascades fill the eastern horizon, and the Oregon Coast Range is to the west. Beautiful on the coast. We have a summer house in Bandon. Don’t spend enough time out there, but maybe after this episode, I’ll make it a point to stay there more often. If either of you want to use the house over the weekend, it would be my pleasure.”
“That’s very generous of you, Mr. Spangler,” Isabelle replied.
Milton replied, “Somebody might as well use it. Benjamin and his family went out every weekend before the kids became teenagers.”
“You’re right, Dad. We all should spend more time out there together.”
“It’s almost a four-hour drive from here.” Oliver was half apologizing, half explaining why he rarely went there, even during holiday celebrations.
“You’re the one with the fast car,” Milton teased. “It would take you three.” He chuckled. “Well, enough of this family talk. Let’s get all of you down to business.”
“The coast is quite beautiful,” Kathryn added. “I know these roads like the back of my hand. It will be a very short learning curve.”
“Wonderful.” Milton was smiling. “They’re letting me out of this jail tomorrow. I’d like for all of us to meet at my house at the end of the week. A quick briefing.”
“Dad, are you sure you’re supposed to be working?” Oliver asked.
“I told the doctor that sitting idly would add to my stress levels. As long as I know things are being handled, then I’ll be able to relax.”
“You know you can count on us, Pop,” Oliver offered.
“And us,” Kathryn said, looking at Izzie. Then she remembered they weren’t supposed to know each other. “Sorry. I just figured . . .”
“No worries. We’re all here to assist the Spangler family.” Izzie was quick to cover Kathryn’s gaffe.
“Splendid. I’ll let you all be on your way. Figure on meeting Friday afternoon. I’ll ask Ruby to fix tea. One of the boys will give you the time and address.”
Everyone shook hands and said their adieus. Benjamin gave his dad another peck on the top of his head. “I will be so glad when you’re done fussing over me.” Milton waved him off with a chuckle.