To Find Her Place (Redemption's Light #2) - Susan Anne Mason Page 0,2
the finances, but the agency as a whole. We felt it would be beneficial to get an objective outside opinion about what we are doing right and what we could improve upon.”
Jane’s chest suddenly felt hollow, as though all the air had seeped out. An auditor? This could not have come at a worse time. She didn’t need an outsider casting judgment on her methods right when she planned to make a bid for the director’s job.
“Mr. Wilder will be arriving tomorrow morning.” Mr. Fenmore’s chair squeaked as he leaned back. “We would like you to provide him with an area to work and give him your full cooperation.”
An area to work? Where was she to find space when they were so overcrowded already?
“May I ask how long he’ll be spending with us?” Jane asked. Hopefully only a day or two. It would be tight, but they could manage.
“Likely several weeks.”
Jane leaned forward, her cheeks heating. Something wasn’t adding up here. Why were they doing this now? From that stony look Mr. Fenmore gave her, it made her suspect there was another reason for this audit. One he wasn’t willing to share with her.
“May I inquire about Mr. Mills?” she asked when she found her voice again. “I understand he has officially decided to retire.”
Mr. Fenmore nodded. “Yes. We learned that late yesterday. I assume he informed you as well.”
“He did. He felt it was only fitting that I know of his decision since—” she inhaled and did her best to slow her heartbeat—“since I intend to put my name forth as a candidate for the permanent position.”
A few murmurs went around the table.
Jane eyed some of the female board members, hoping for their support at least. But their stoic features gave nothing away.
“I see.” Mr. Fenmore stroked his mustache. “Well, we won’t be making any decisions until Mr. Wilder presents us with his recommendations. At that point, we will be pleased to accept your candidacy, along with all the rest.”
A wave of relief washed over her. They weren’t opposed to her application. All she had to do was make sure Mr. Wilder found everything in tip-top shape and gave her a glowing report.
“I suppose it’s only fair to tell you,” Mr. Fenmore went on, “that Mr. Wilder plans to put his name forth for the position as well. In addition, with jobs being so scarce now, we’re likely to get dozens of other applications. I just want you to be aware of the level of competition there will be for the job.”
“I understand.” Jane did her best to keep her composure.
“However, for now, let’s take it one step at a time, shall we?” He looked around the table. “If we are all in agreement, I believe we can declare this meeting adjourned.”
As the board members began to file out, Jane’s stomach sank to her shoes, her anticipation turning to ashes.
If she were to get this job, she’d have some major hurdles to navigate first.
She only prayed she would be up to the challenge.
2
The next morning, while walking from the bus stop to the Children’s Aid office, Jane allowed herself a few moments to fume over the events of the previous day—in particular, the board’s high-handed tactics. She’d been given barely any time to prepare her staff for today’s invasion of Mr. Wilder. Once she returned from the meeting yesterday and had made the announcement of both Mr. Mills’s retirement and the arrival of the interloper, as she’d come to label the man, the rest of the day had been consumed with preparing for his arrival.
Resentment bubbled under her skin. What was the real reason the board was bringing in this businessman to scrutinize the organization? She sensed there were things Mr. Fenmore hadn’t told her, and being kept ignorant didn’t sit well with her. If they felt she wasn’t doing her job or that she was lacking in some way, they should have just come out and told her.
Jane waited for a break in traffic to cross the street. Initially, some of the board members had not been pleased when Bob Mills insisted on Jane taking over for him while he recuperated from his heart surgery, but she’d hoped her hard work and dedication would have won them over by now. Obviously, she’d been mistaken.
Now, as much as she hated the prospect, she would have to set aside all animosity toward Mr. Wilder and treat him with as much grace as she could muster.