Benton back home and already feeling exhausted despite the thousand and one tasks he needed to get done for tonight; he was about to unload Eric and Spencer’s overnight bags when his phone rings. Seeing the caller I.D. he does a double take.
“John,” Benton looking shocked as he answered the phone; “Didn’t you and the rest of the staff quit last Thursday?”
“Well what did you expect would happen,” John replying; “after you knocked out Jeffery?”
Benton couldn’t give an adequate answer to that statement. He realizes that his unprovoked attack was uncalled for and that he did owe the man an apology.
“Well I am glad you called,” Benton doing his best to sound genuine; “I heard from Frieda that you and Ethel got married. I guess congratulations are in order? Are you off on your honeymoon?”
“Ethel and I are currently enjoying a two week all expenses paid holiday here in Caracas, Venezuela,” John answering; “Didn’t you know? Amanda arranged it all and you’re footing the bill. Your wedding present from what she said.”
“My wife has been in the hospital thanks to injuries form a car accident and hookworm infection from drinking tainted civet coffee,” Benton making a beeline to his study; “how the hell was she able to arraign this without telling me?”
John laughs; “perhaps you should ask her. From what I heard from the other staff members, she has been busy making phone calls.”
Benton is silent for the moment; pondering what John just mentioned. Taking the note book that Frieda wrote down all the staff grievances from last Friday from his desk drawer; Benton sighs. He knew Amanda had a sharp memory, but did she have an eidetic memory? Benton would have to talk with her, but not right now.
“So if I may ask this question,” Benton pausing because he never once thought he would have to say these words; “does this mean you, Ethel and everyone else are coming back to my employ?”
“Ethel and I are,” John answering; “for Frieda’s sake, but not without conditions. Amanda will talk to you about that. As for the rest of the staff? That I cannot give an answer to; but we will not be coming back until after our honeymoon is over.”
“So you would have no idea if Jeffery would come back;” Benton asking.
“Actually,” John sighing; “I know for a fact that he will not be returning ever. I can only assume it is because you assaulted him without cause.”
“I guess that answers that then,” Benton sighs; “I’m surprised though that I haven’t heard from his lawyer. Or has my wife been dealing with that as well while in the hospital?”
“Ask her,” John answers; “I’m going to have to go now. Ethel wants me in the bed.”
Benton closes his eyes and manages a slight smile; he knew what that meant, “Alright. I’ll see you in two weeks then.” Benton hangs up and leans back in his chair. He gets his phone and texts Amanda.
‘John just called me. Did you just arrange a two week honeymoon for him and Ethel? Also, who else staff wise has agreed to come back? And why didn’t you tell me any of this when I came by to visit and check up on you?’
Benton hits send and gets up to head to the kitchen. Feeling a bit hungry he rummages in the fridge and grabs some of the luncheon meat he bought when trying his hand at grocery shopping on Sunday. Taking a couple slices of bread and sticking some of the processed meat in-between; Benton puts a slice of process cheese and some mustard. Mistaking the English mustard for the regular yellow variety; he bites into it and is immediately deluged with the spice and heat from the ground mustard seeds and turmeric. Not caring that it could be too spicy, Benton quickly finishes his sandwich snack and cleans up.
Seeing his phone vibrate; Benton grabs it to see a response from Amanda.
‘You were busy with dealing with your Bipolar diagnoses, those edicts from the elder council and Jack Crawford making a play for your company. Plus with handling tonight’s were-panther gathering, I figured you could do with one less stress. John and Ethel will be back in two weeks. Just in time for the Christmas festivities. As for the rest of the staff, I’m still working on that. Jeffery will not be back, but I guess you already know if John just phoned you. I have instructed the lawyers to deal with his. Please look after Frieda tonight. I know she is inducting Eric Anderson and Spencer Lawson and the three will be ‘intimate’; but I still worry for her. When you visit me tomorrow, I want details as to what happened.’
Benton about to put down the phone, fires off a quick reply.
‘Lance told me that Eric Anderson’s fursona is a pure white were-panther with a subtle hint of brown on his head. Apparently he met the kid while he, his mother and Frieda were waiting for him to come home on Sunday. Lance and I theorize Eric will be sought after by all the were-panthress’ tonight. Also Lance has girlfriend. I have yet to meet her.’
Benton hits send and waits to see if Amanda will reply. Its not before his phone buzzes again with a reply from his wife.
‘Pure white you say? I want details tomorrow.’
Benton shakes his head; “and here I thought you would be texting me ‘I’m hailing a cab and making a beeline to home,” Benton chuckling to himself. “Well since Amanda is dealing with the staff issue,” Benton talking to himself; “that gives me more time to deal with getting things ready for tonight.” Benton grabbing a soda from the fridge heads back to his study. Wanting to confirm the time the catering staff will arrive to begin preparing for tonight’s festivities.