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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <a name="OLE_LINK3"></a><a name="OLE_LINK4">Doe Lake Part 2 draft1</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1970 words<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Open House<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I telephoned Claudia while reading her article in the paper about the Smythe’s tragic murder-suicide. The well-written report had put her back in the good graces of her editor, she admitted, but she was bummed by the bad news. I insisted she attend Millwood’s open house that Saturday anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Don’t you have to cover the story for the paper?” I pressured. “After all, Millwood Furniture is Doe Lake’s largest employer. It isn’t like the company’s 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration can be postponed. The factory’s open house has been publicized in The Messenger for month…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Okay Ronnie, I’ll be there,” Claudia finally said without enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“By the way, I have some news that will lift your spirits,” I added to entice my friend. “I’ll tell you Saturday. Sorry. No hints. See you in the morning at Millwood.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Replacing the receiver, I thought, what bad luck Claudia had landing her first reporting job in a backwards town like Doe Lake. Although young and single like her, I had deliberately chosen to work in a small town to hide from paparazzi and stalkers, no thanks to my infamous TV star mom; but I wasn’t stuck in Doe Lake forever. Soon enough, I’d be leaving to pursue my own dreams. My trust funds would be released that summer on my 26<sup>th</sup> birthday. I intended to plant myself in a secluded cabin in New England and finish my novel. My departure would create a job opening at Millwood –the perfect opportunity for Claudia to advance her career, and her life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Fortunately, I resembled my unknown father more than my famous mom. No one in Doe Lake knew my true identity, but I planned to share my secret with Claudia that day. I knew she could be trusted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Saturday morning, I spotted Claudia’s purple Chevy alongside rusty cars and pickup trucks in the muddy lot at Millwood. She’d arrived ahead of me, a good sign. Rare sunshine thawed the icy gravel. Splashing through ruts, my Camaro was covered with mud. It was impossible to keep a car clean nine months out of 12 in rural Michigan, autumn being the exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Waving me on at the “Reserved” parking gate, Pete said, “Lookin’ good, Veronica.” Weekdays, the guy waited on tables at his mom’s restaurant, sweaty in a soiled apron. Nights and weekends, he doubled as a security guard at Millwood. Sporting a fresh uniform with an official “Security” patch on its pocket, I had to admit Pete cleaned up nice enough, but he wasn’t as good looking as Robbie, the town cop. Regardless, I wasn’t into dating the locals. Despite my rebuffs, Pete kept hitting on me like a moth battering a light bulb. I was forced to tolerate his clumsy advances at work for now, but not for long. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hunting for Claudia, I followed the aroma of juicy hot dogs and buttery popcorn to a tented outdoor pavilion. I expected Claudia would be photographing the crowd for the newspaper. Children squealed in delight at the noisy blast from a helium tank. There she was, her 35mm camera focused on a group of youngsters gripping white balloons imprinted with a red “75.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Delightful,” Claudia said when she saw me. “This reminds me of my childhood school carnivals.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“That’s cool,” I said. “The fun will help keep your mind off your troubles. No moping or worrying today.” Nodding to a group of hovering parents, I plucked Claudia from the flock of children. We walked to a set of tables up front reserved for the company’s big wigs. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Under my breath, I instructed Claudia, “Smile for the brass.” First, I introduced her to Mr. Reed, Millwood’s president. Claudia stared up at Mr. Reed’s silver-haired head, oversized even in proportion to his prominent height. Mr. Reed offered his hand, but to my embarrassment, Claudia appeared to ignore his gesture. I bumped her hip and she looked down. Too late, Mr. Reed had dropped his proffered palm. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Oops,” Claudia mumbled when she realized her slight. I suspected her low vision was to blame for the oversight. She didn’t talk about her limited sight, but sometimes it was obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Moving along…” I tugged on Claudia’s elbow and continued introductions. “This is Keith Donaldson, Vice President of Sales, and Wil Roberts, vice president of Production.” This time, Claudia raised her hand first, avoiding further embarrassment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Ahead, my nemesis approached, lean and mean in a tailored pencil skirt. Her hawk-like beak and predator’s glare frightened others at work, but not me. Unintimidated, I exaggerated my delight. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Oh, Claudia, please let me introduce you to Ms. Michelle Hamilton, Millwood’s Design Manager. She has worked here longer than anyone.” Game on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Millwood’s bitch-in-residence turned her head and blew cigarette smoke over her shoulder, ignoring Claudia’s offer to shake. Michelle’s deliberate affront was nothing like my friend’s unintended slight earlier. The bitch meant business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Why, Michelle,” I drooled like a loyal puppy. “I was telling Claudia how many different jobs you’ve had over the years at Millwood. Too bad I have the job you’ve always wanted – seeking publicity for yourself. Oh, did I mention that my friend here is a reporter?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hamilton crushed her butt under the toe of her high heel and preened her feathered hair. Squinting at Claudia’s “Press” badge, she said, “,Oh, you’re Doe Lake’s new reporter.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>No surprise, I knew Claudia’s credentials would attract Michelle’s narcissistic need for attention. She puckered wrinkled lips around a fresh cig and said, “Well Claudia, I <i>have</i> been with Millwood Furniture longer than Veronica, so allow me to give you a personal tour. I can better answer your questions about the company.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“No doing,” I pried Hamilton’s skeletal fingers off Claudia’s arm. “She’s my personal guest today. You’ll have to share your old stories with her another time.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I whisked Claudia past a long line of visitors through a side door reserved for staff only. Inside the spacious lobby, Claudia stopped short. “Give me a minute to adjust to the dark,” she said. Dark? Elegant wall sconces illuminated the lobby. Claudia removed her sunglasses and fished tissue from a pocket to clean her prescription lenses. . Glasses in place, she gazed about while her pupils enlarged. Claudia looked down and admired the plush carpet under our feet. Impatient, I swept her through a double-door into a sea of open plan workstations, framed in oak and upholstered in hues of heather grey, deep maroon, and leafy greens. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Meet Millwood’s modular panel system,” I announced. “Each workstation is equipped for computer support.” I demonstrated. “Keyboard trays slide out from under work surfaces, and computer cables are concealed in conduits along the bottom of each panel. And look, adjustable task lights are mounted under the overhead cabinets, eliminating the need for harsh ceiling fixtures. It’s easier on the eyes,” I added. Speaking of eyes, the amazement in Claudia’s open-mouthed stare was obvious. “You should see the look on your face,” I teased.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“This is unreal,” she said. “I've a feeling we're not in Kansas, I mean Michigan, anymore. When I walked into the Messenger’s old office on Main Street six months ago,” Claudia explained, “I was transported back in time. Now, I’ve been propelled light years into the future. “ <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“There’s more.” I pointed out a shared area housing a humming printer, copy machine, and facsimile machine. Next stop was the staff lounge furnished with cushy leather couches and occasional tables. “Interior Design, a national trade publication for commercial designers and architects, recently photographed our offices for their cover. See?” I plucked a glossy magazine off a side table. “Common areas encourage casual conversation and collaboration,” I quoted the article. “I worked with our public relations firm in New York City for weeks to attract the eye of the magazine’s editors.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>You travel to New York City for business?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Claudia, there’s a big world outside of Doe Lake, you know. Millwood has showrooms in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. I travel frequently on the company’s expense account. We stay at the Waldorf and the Palmer House. We eat at the Four Seasons in Manhattan or Chez Panise in Berkeley, wherever the customer wants to dine. I invite editors and public relation managers out when they’re in town. It’s worth the publicity. We’re not publishing hard news, but a feature on one of our showrooms in Architectural Digest is well-worth the cost of a two-page spread in the magazine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>In fact, I’ll be in New York City next week, working up publicity for our new product introductions at NEOCON<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“NEO-who?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“We’re debuting a new line of ergonometric seating in Chicago in June.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Ergo-what?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I noticed Claudia had opened her reporter’s pad and was feverishly taking notes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I thought Millwood only manufactured traditional office furniture,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Let me show you the private offices along the perimeter that showcase our executive product lines.” I urged Claudia on. Along a wall of windows, the “big wig” offices were furnished to showcase each distinctive collection of Millwood’s high-end furniture. Traditional pedestal desks made of mahogany, cherry, and walnut with matching credenzas, lateral file cabinets, and meeting tables spoke of prestige and power. In a corner office, the company president worked behind a rich red mahogany executive table, its waterfall edges inlaid with ebony. An impressive conference room occupied the opposite corner. Custom note pads, coffee mugs, and pens displaying the Millwood logo were arranged at each high back swivel seat that surrounded the massive dark walnut table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“We negotiate large contracts with important clients in here,” I said. “That’s why commercial furniture is called contract furniture. It’s not like residential furniture that can be bought at Sears,” I explained. “Only authorized dealers can sell Millwood Furniture. Our showrooms aren’t open to the public, only to trade professionals. That’s why we promote our product lines to architects and interior designers. They’re the ones who specify furniture for end users like bank presidents and CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Seeing the impression on Claudia’s face as she scribbled notes, I launched on, playing my corporate communications role. “Millwood furnishings can be found at top universities, medical centers, government offices, and executive headquarters for companies like A T & T and EXXON...”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Veronica, how do you keep track of it all?” Claudia asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“That’s what the computers are for, silly. Each product is photographed and catalogue for our dealers and sales managers. Our customer service reps input orders into the computer, and the assembly of each item is tracked at each station on the factory floor until it’s loaded onto a truck at the shipping dock out back. There’s over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space that you haven’t seen yet.” Outside a private office, I paused and pointed to a round oak work table. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Claudia nodded appreciatively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Surprise! This is my office.” I bounced into the brown suede chair behind the table. With the flourish of a hand, I invited Claudia to sit in one of the upholstered guest chairs. “Impressed? Make yourself comfortable. One day, this office could be yours.” I reached under the table and produced two box lunches, each containing a fresh garden wrap, gourmet pasta salad, and a chocolate chunk cookie, giant size. “Dig in,” I said, twisting the top off a seltzer water for each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Wow, I am impressed,” Claudia said. “The perks of working in corporate communications are way better than downing donuts while walking a news beat.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I enjoyed watching Claudia savor the catered food and special treatment. “Oh, this is nothing compared to how we dine when traveling on the company’s expense account,” I bragged. “Millwood Furniture hosts receptions at trade shows with caviar, raw oysters, and champagne. Our customers are big spenders. When they’re purchasing top shelf products to furnish 50 floors of a high rise, you bet we wine and dine them before, during, and after the sale.” I paused, giving Claudia time to digest her lunch, and the contrast between her job and mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Let me close my office door,” I said, standing. “It’s time to tell you my news.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'># # #<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>