Benton felt a certain level of satisfaction after cleaning up the mess he made with his rage over losing out on a hostile takeover of Tachibana Enterprises. Reveling in a clean albeit empty study devoid of rare books and precious mementos; Taking the last of the trash and tossing it on the pile that has accumulated in his large garage, Benton wonders what to do with all the trash. Remembering a reality show depicting people forced to make difficult decisions with their possessions; Benton calls the toll free number asking if they do pickups in Moon Lake. Much to his satisfaction they have a depot in Seattle and can do pickups. He informs them that there are about forty black bags of trash sitting in his garage. Giving his address he is informed that a truck will be by sometime Saturday morning. Happy with the prompt service Benton hangs up and heads to the kitchen to reward himself another cup of coffee.
Benton noticing the pot is dry remembers what Frieda did this morning when he was pining for java to start his day. Emptying the hopper and placing a fresh filter, he grabs without realizing it a bag of civet coffee from Amanda’s favorite coffee house; Café Luna. Putting the grounds on the filter, he refills the water reservoir and starts the brewing process. The smell of the fresh brew spreads throughout the kitchen and trickles all over the house. If the servants where still around, Benton knew they would probably be driven mad with the intoxicating smell. Instead, Amanda bolts into the kitchen; knowing the smell of her favorite blend; she gleefully waits for Benton to pour himself a cup.
“Why are you grinning?” He asks.
“That’s my favorite blend you have in there,” Amanda pointing at the coffee machine.
“Well I made plenty,” Benton responds, pouring himself a cup a taking a sip; “Oh that’s good joe.”
Amanda just laughs, “You just drank coffee made from the droppings of a civet cat.”
Benton looks at her funnily and then at the coffee; “Still good,” he responds neutrally.
“It better be,” Amanda respond pouring herself a cup; “It’s fifty dollars a pound.”
Benton gags upon hearing that, “fifty dollars a pound? That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s worth it, when you factor in that the Civet cat is from southern China, South and Southeast Asia;” Amanda answers; “plus the coffee is roasted in small batches to help enhance the flavor.”
Benton just sips his coffee; “fifty dollars a pound.”
“It’s not as if we can’t afford a two pound bag twice a month,” Amanda sipping her coffee. “Changing the subject; how have you made out with your mess?”
“All done,” Benton responding; “Even called a junk removal company, they are coming to pick it all up sometime tomorrow morning.”
“Nice,” Amanda responds; “And the plan to deal with the elementary school?”
“After I finish this coffee,” Benton responds; “While it’s rather late in the day to hold a press conference today, I was thinking of issuing one tomorrow or Sunday.”
“A press conference?” Amanda asks.
“It’s the best way to get the news out there, before someone tries to hijack your ideal,” Benton winks.
“Well then,” Amanda states; “I suggest you make those calls, while drinking you cup of coffee.” With that she ushers Benton out of the kitchen. Mostly to try and cook something, but mainly to deprive him of a chance to pour himself a second cup of her coffee.
Benton walking back to his Study with his half-finished cup of civet coffee, already knows who he needs to call to get the ball rolling for his press conference. As he gets behind his desk he speed dials the local news station and requests to talk to the news anchor. Relaying the exclusive scoop as it were; Benton requests that he personally sets up a press conference outside of Moon Lake Elementary. While trying not to spoil the surprise, Benton assures the news anchor that this is a news piece worth covering. Agreeing to do it Saturday Afternoon means that Benton will not be able to oversee the junk removal pick up while he gets ready; but Benton isn’t worried. Thinking he can get Amanda or Frieda to oversee that, Benton gleefully gets on the phone again to talk to a couple of the town’s council members.
After only getting their voicemails, he realizes that today is the day that they vote on next year’s fiscal budget; while such matters are something he likes to sit on; with the events of the yesterday and today’s aftermath, Benton clearly forgot to attend. Leaving a message to the council members regarding the press conference and promising that it will be a benefit to the town; Benton hangs up and goes back to enjoying his cup of expensive coffee. Smiling, Benton knows that this event will put him back on top. He makes one more phone call to the same architect that helped design his house; giving him the details about a new project regarding a new school in Moon Lake. Said architect is giddy with the news of a plum project being dropped on his lap. He eagerly agrees to be at the press conference tomorrow.
Benton once again hangs up, feeling excited and thrilled for a change; he gets on his computer to begin whipping up a speech detailing the schools current problems and his promise to fund regardless of cost the construction of a brand new elementary school for the town.