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Shipment from REBAR to Abruzzi must be delayed. Need two to three days. Saturday at the earliest.
Donald Walsh
Director of Quality Control
Several minutes later they got a confirmation of a new slip and time. Fergus and Charles were quite pleased with themselves.
“Brilliant, old boy!” Charles slapped Fergus on the back. “While the driver is cooling his heels in the overflow parking area, the International Maritime Organization will inspect REBAR’s shipment.”
Fergus gave Charles a sly look. “Do you want to tip them off or should I?”
“I’ll flip you for it!” Charles chuckled. “I’ll fetch more coffee and grab a few scones. We need to be fortified!”
Charles was fleet-footed as he sailed past Lady Liberty and gave her the customary salute. A few minutes later he returned, settled down in his chair and sent messages to everyone letting them know the shipment would be delayed, but they still had to finish by Saturday. He and Fergus had only been able to buy them two extra days. Otherwise someone from REBAR might grow suspicious waiting for a copy of the bill of lading to be sent to the office. Charles also sent Zoe an email letting her know, so she wouldn’t fret or feel compelled to do something rash. Besides, she already had plenty to stew about. The situation with Mason and his niece was unsettling. He’d look into that once they got everything else handled.
Santo Domingo
Clad in her ombre wig and olive-green pantsuit, Alexis carried a leather portfolio under her arm. She spoke with the guard at the entrance to the REBAR complex, notifying him that she had a job interview. He phoned the main office and then buzzed her through the gate. Alexis secretly took photos with her phone and sent them to Eileen. This way they would have an inside view.
The short walk from her vehicle to the main entrance was sweltering. The air conditioning inside the building felt good on Alexis’s skin. “Good morning. I’m Estelle Johnson. I am here to see Mr. Segundo.”
The pretty receptionist had a singsong Caribbean accent. “Take the elevator to the second floor. Someone there will direct you.”
“Thank you.” Alexis kept her phone in her hand, surreptitiously snapping photos along the way, ever mindful of any security cameras. There was only one at the front desk and one in the elevator. When she reached the second floor, she noticed it had a wall of windows overlooking the plant outside. Again she took several pictures and sent them to Eileen.
A short, round, middle-aged man with an accent greeted her. “Good morning, Miss Johnson. I am Alberto Segundo. Thank you for coming in.”
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“My pleasure. Please follow me.”
Not wanting to draw any further attention to herself, Alexis took mental notes of the layout. Segundo didn’t have an office. Instead he brought her to an area in the middle of the floor, where his desk faced the view of the plant and production line. There was little or no privacy.
“Please sit.” He gestured to the chair opposite his desk. “You have a very impressive résumé. Tell me, why do you want to work here?”
As rehearsed, Alexis gave him her tale of woe, her epiphany, and her desire to change her life.
Segundo nodded sympathetically. “I am glad you found our island to your liking. You have many years to look forward to and I believe you will enjoy spending them here.” He began to review her résumé again. “I see you have a broad experience in contracts.”
“Yes. Some people find it boring, but I look at it from a forensic point of view. They say the devil is in the details.”
“You are correct, Miss Johnson.”
“Please call me Estelle.”
“Of course. I tell you, Estelle, this is a stroke of luck for us. We have been in need of a contracts manager for almost a year. It is not my specialty, but currently it is my responsibility. It would take a big burden off me if I could fill the position.”
“I can start as soon as tomorrow, if you want me.”
Segundo’s face lit up. “Splendid!”
Alexis looked around. “Would you mind taking me on a tour?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Segundo got up from his chair. “Please, follow me.” As they meandered among the desks, the various employees busied themselves while also acknowledging their boss.
“Here is where you will be working.” Segundo gestured at a wall of filing cabinets where a desk was positioned. Alexis noticed it was as private as a football field. Looking through the documents would be challenging, although Segundo seemed anxious to get that off his plate. He introduced Alexis/ Estelle to several of the other employees and then walked her back to his desk.
“Could I get a peek at the production line?” Alexis hoped she wasn’t overstepping. “I’m always fascinated by how things are made.”
