Cranberry Red: A Novel

19. Business Office

So, how’d it go yesterday?” Brittani asked when Ben arrived at his office on Thursday. It was 8:00 a.m., and obviously Brittani had already been at work for some time, as her computer screen was glowing and she had a pile of papers beside it. “Okay,” Ben said. “Learned a lot about Osborne University. Ira Osborne was quite the man.” “Yes, he was,” Brittani replied. “I met him once a few years ago. Nice guy. Made a pile of money in his business. Started out with nothing, too.” “Anything happening here?” Ben asked, expecting a “no.” “Lots going on. We’ll be in the parade on Saturday—Fourth of July, you know. Then I’ve arranged for us to have a booth right next to the bratwurst and beer stand. Should have lots of customers stopping by.” She laughed as she said it. “I’m in the parade? Why?” “We, Ben, we. We’re both in the parade. I’ve arranged for a convertible from Link Lake Motors. I’ll drive. You’ll sit in the back, smile, and wave.” “Smile and wave,” Ben said under his breath. “People need to know about us. Need to know our office is open and that we’re in business,” Brittani said. She was the picture of efficiency as she talked and worked on her computer at the same time. “Nothing for you to worry about, Ben. I’ve got it all set up. I’ve also made several appointments for you, too. Starting next Tuesday, when your orientation meetings are finished. The schedule is on your desk.” 78 Business Office 19 79 Business Office Ben walked into his office. A big picture of Ira Osborne hung on the wall, next to a photo of the Osborne University logo. Brittani must have hung them up while he was gone. Ben glanced down at the big appointment book that lay open on his desk. Starting Tuesday morning, nearly every hour of the day had a name written next to it. Brittani had been busy. What Ben didn’t know was that Brittani received a percentage of the billable hours that Ben worked—she had plenty of incentive to fill up every hour she possibly could. That afternoon Ben drove once more to Oshkosh, this time to learn about the business operations of Osborne University. Arriving at the business office on the third floor of the old refurbished building, he opened the door and found a room full of people working at computers. At the counter he faced a serious young woman sitting in front of a glowing screen. She wore no makeup and had short, bobbed black hair. Her long fingers moved effortlessly over the keyboard. “Can I help you?” she asked, looking up from her work and smiling. “I’m Ben Wesley and I have an appointment with Joe Schneider,” Ben said. “Mr. Schneider is expecting you, Mr. Wesley. I’ll let him know you’re here. Please have a chair. Would you like some coffee?” The young woman smiled again. “No, I’m fine,” Ben responded. He looked around the office. Everyone was staring at a computer screen. Before Ben could sit down, a youngish man wearing a white shirt and tie and wide blue suspenders came from the side office. He extended his hand. “I’m Joe Schneider,” he said. He was tall and thin. His handshake was firm. “Dr. Phillips asked me to spend some time with you this afternoon. Let’s meet in my office.” Schneider’s office, not different from Sara Phillips’s, had but two pictures on the wall, one of Ira Osborne, and the second of the Osborne University logo. “First, welcome aboard, Ben. I can call you Ben?” “Of course; everyone calls me Ben.” “Well, let’s get right to it. You know of course that you will charge for your work?” “Yes,” Ben said. “It’ll be different from my previous job.” “Actually, it’s pretty simple. Brittani Stone will take care of the details, the actual record keeping and the sending of invoices to clients. I can proudly say I trained Brittani. You’re fortunate to have her as your office manager.” “We’re just getting acquainted,” Ben said. “Basically, our billing system is modeled after a law office. You will charge hourly rates, plus...