Dr-Fix-It! Notebook Archive:
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John left Carlos and crossed the parking lot toward the Administration Building. The General Manager's Office door was open and John was able to see Todd working on a spreadsheet with his back to the door. John quietly rapped on the door jam. In response, Todd called over his shoulder, "Door's open", then typed a few more lines until he was able to spin around in his chair to face John. He placed both elbows on the desk, clasped his hands together and rested his chin on his outstretched thumbs. Giving John his full attention, Todd queried, "What's up?" John took a seat in the plush leather chair closest to Todd's desk. "I think we have been invaded by some sort of Alien Life Form. Correction: Make that Elfin Life Form. That would be E.L.F's for short. These E.L.F's seem to massing on our Front Parking Lot to perform some strange operation on our trees . . ." Todd interrupted John by raising a single index finger in front of his mouth, "Before you go too far with this, I will tell you that 'Santa's Holiday Decorators' is a brand new corporation. It is owned by Raquel Fitzgerald." John repeated the name, "Raquel Fitzgerald . . . As in Misses Warren Fitzgerald? . . . As in the Wife of the President of the Company?" Todd relaxed his index finger but maintained his thoughtful pose, "The One and the Same." "Uh-huh" Todd continued, "Yes, 'Santa's Holiday Decorators' is owned by Raquel Fitzgerald. When she started this business, Warren Fitzgerald - her husband - thought it was such a wonderful idea that he not only financed the whole startup but signed a contract for 'Santa's Holiday Decorators' to provide Christmas decorations for all of 22 hotel properties that he owns. Furthermore, I am under orders from the President - who, if you will recall, HAPPENS to be Warren Fitzgerald - to cooperate fully with 'Santa's Holiday Decorators'. That means, YOU JOHN will also cooperate fully with 'Santa's Holiday Decorators'. " John's smile melted into disappointment, "Aw Shoot. I have to work with E.L.F's ? " Todd nodded, "It is Top Priority. Warren Fitzgerald issued a press release to announce a gala lighting ceremony scheduled for next Friday. He will be here personally to throw the switch. He is using the publicity to promote the Hotel as well as plug his wife's new business. John wondered, "What if no reporters show up? After all, it is just another business turning on some Christmas lights. That isn't really NEWS .. . . Todd winked, "All attendees will be able to snack from a buffet. In the mailing, Warren Fitzgerald included the buffet menu along with the press release. I think every reporter in town will be here. Probably not for the story but for the buffet. Who can resist ribs, tenderloins, crab, shrimp and champagne?" John stood up and started for the office door, "The 'Old Man' sure knows how to fill the audience! OK, Then. I guess I just take a walk in a winter wonderland and offer my help to the merrily dressed gentlemen in the front parking lot . . ." "Now, that is the Christmas spirit, Todd smiled, "But . . ." John stopped and turned toward Todd, "But what?" "John, I know how you think. And, you will be working closely with 'Santa's Holiday Decorators' for the rest of the week.", Todd pressed forward over the desk, "So, be advised that anything you say or do can and will be reported to the Wife of the President. If what you say or do is particularly juicy, I can almost guarantee it will be in the ear of the President at bedtime. So, ask yourself: 'Just how do you want to play this?' " "It will all be OK." Todd smiled, "Good. The foreman of the decorating crew is a gentleman named 'Moore' M O O R E 'Moore' ." "OK" , John started for the door again, I am off to find Mr. Moore." Todd shook his head, "Moore is his first name. I don't know his last name." John scratched his chin and looked at the ceiling, " 'Orrless' , that would be a good last name. Maybe 'Ateleven'. How about ' Tastelessfilling' ? Yes. 'Tastelessfilling' ! That would be a great name : 'Moore Tastelessfilling' ! Todd continued to shake his head, "What did I just get done telling you about being a smart-ass? "Relax, I was just teasing", John reassured, "I will do all I can to make 'Santa's Holiday Decorators' first job a total success . . . with one exception: don't ask me to wear that E.L.F. uniform." Todd suddenly started to chuckle as he sat down again and swung his chair back into position in front of the computer screen, "One false move", Todd cautioned, "One smart comment, and not only will I put you in that uniform but I will put you ON STAGE next Friday night. Those reporters would love to snap a photo of such a BIG elf ! You could be front page news next Saturday ! " John stopped again. Dramatically pulling his hair theatrical anguish, he sobbed, "My Boss is resorting to blackmail !" Todd did not take his eyes off the spreadsheet, " 'Blackmail ' is such an ugly word. Let's just call it 'Making a List and Checking it Twice.' "Don't worry, Boss, I won't be naughty. I'll be nice." Todd was busy typing, "We'll see . . ." Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next |
