“I’ve got one person who inquired about the handyman position, and he sounds promising. He’s fifty years of age, semi-retired, and he had a landscaping company. I’ll know more when I interview him.” Looking at my watch. “In thirty minutes.”
“Oh, he may be able to create a nice front for the practice. I hate places that are all brick, concrete or resin. We need flowers, bushes and trees for wildlife, and we need them not only to enhance our lives…”
“Jamie, I know…”
“Sorry, I can go off on one when we talk about plants and stuff.”
Jamie gives me a small, embarrassed smile, and I wave her off to save her from feeling silly. I agree with her however; we need plants and trees for the earth itself.
The handyman enters the office and I note Angel isn’t showing him any interest. That is interesting in itself, and it must show because the man smirks.
“Please come in, take a seat.” I do my best to sound polite, but I’m sure he can hear I’m a little hesitant.
“Thank you. I’m happy to come to the interview. My name, as you will know is Tim Bakerstone. I got hit on by the young woman in reception, and I put her in her place quickly.”
“Is it okay if I call you Tim?” I ask.
“It sure is. Do you want me to tell you what I think you need to know, and then you can ask anything else needed?”
“That would be great, Tim. You can call me Molly. I don’t like standing on ceremony. Well, I have made certain exceptions.” I grin, and thankfully I get a questioning look in response. When I don’t elaborate, Tim nods and then tells me everything he thinks I need to know.
“I had a landscaping business, which I ran for twenty-five years. I lost all interest in it once my wife died. It just felt like I was in a rut. I sold the business, and it’s still going strong. I go to them twice a month and assist them with their accounts and things. Hence, that's why I said I was semi-retired. I have given them notice that at the end of this month I won’t be going anymore. I’m looking for something new, somewhere I can make a slight difference. I felt this was a good one as I’m good with fixing things and, of course, can do the outside spaces you have.”
I hold my hand up to stop him. “Tim, you sound perfect for us. We have so many minor things that need sorting out, fixing. The toilet seat needs replacing. We have doors not opening and closing right, all fixable, but our doctors and practitioners should not be doing it. The outside is unkempt, as you must have seen. I need someone who can work unattended, yet keep me updated. Can you do that?”
Tim nods. “Yeah, I can do that.”
“Okay. When can you start? For us, as soon as possible.” I give him a look that must say we are urgent as he smiles and nods.
“I’ll start on Monday morning. Do you have a room for me to store supplies? Or am I floating around?”
“No, come with me. We have a room with a sink, a drain, and cupboards with equipment. Oh, if you need any equipment let me know and we’ll sort it out. There is a toilet attached to the room as well. You will be responsible for the room. If you want to add shelving or anything do it, and as I said, keep me informed.” I pass him a piece of paper with the salary and the free medical coverage he will get from the practice.
Tim looks at the piece of paper before speaking again. “That’s a decent salary, Molly. The medical coverage is excellent, and I’m happy with all of that. I’ll let you have my details before I leave. Can I see the room?”
“Sure.” I take Tim to check out the room, which is next to the back door of the practice. He checks it out and agrees he’ll organize it as he wants it. He gives me all his details, and I smile to myself as I watch him leave.
I grab a fresh mug of coffee and step out to the front of the practice to get some air. I wave at the brothers across the street,and one gives me a head nod. I still have the feeling I’m being watched, but studying the street I see nothing suspicious.
As I’m standing here, I study the front of the practice, and Tim has his work cut out for him. The borders seem to disappear into the small lawn in front of them. I’m pleased the path to the door of the practice looks clean and moss-free.
That feeling prickles again, and I snap my head down the street towards the shops. Squinting as I try to focus on a woman standing next to the greeting card shop. Is that Carrie-Anne? I take a step forward as I’m going to see if it is her. But the woman notices me moving forward and disappears between the shops.
“What’s up, Molly?” One of the brother's shouts.
“I thought I saw my stepsister, but I’m not sure.” I shrug and walk back inside, but I have an itchy feeling.
After rinsing my mug and placing it on the tray in the small kitchen we all use. I check everything is as it should be, because I’ve had to clean up twice in here from someone who keeps leaving a dirty mug in the sink, and not hanging the tea cloth where it needs to be. Cabinet doors have been left open as well. I’ve been leaving sticky notes, and if it doesn’t improve, I’ll have a staff meeting and rip them all a new one.
I lean on the sink and send a text message to Bri.
Molly: Do you want to come over to my house and we’ll have a girl plotting night?
I don’t have to wait as I get an immediate reply from Bri.
Bri: Yeah, both me and Marcia will be with you tonight?
Molly: Tonight is fine by me. Do you want to bring pizza?
