Face the Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

myself a new paperback novel and a cup of coffee.”
    “You call me if anything develops.”
    Gladys winked as she rolled her loaded cart away. “You can take that to the bank.”

    Sam was well aware that tongues were wagging. He’d have been disappointed if they hadn’t. Just as he’d expected to read trepidation, resentment, and puzzlement when he called a morning meeting with all department heads at the hotel.
    Some of the trepidation eased when it became clear that a mass firing was not on the agenda. And some of the resentment increased when it became clear that Sam intended not only to take an active role in the running of the hotel but to make some changes as well.
    “In season we run at near capacity. Off season, however, our occupancy rate drops sharply, often dipping to under thirty percent.”
    The sales manager shifted in his seat. “Business is slow on-island in the winter months. Always has been.”
    “What’s always been doesn’t apply,” Sam said coolly. “The goal, for now, is to increase the guest rate to sixty-five percent off season within the year. We’ll do that by offering more appealing packages to conventions, as well as weekend and weekly getaway packages. I’ll have memos regarding my ideas in those areas on your desk by end of week.
    “Next,” he continued, flipping through his notes, “a number of the rooms require renovation and re-dressing. We’ll begin next week, with the third floor.” He glanced at his reservations manager. “You’ll make the necessary adjustments.”
    Without waiting for acknowledgment, he flipped another page. “We’ve had a steady decline in our breakfast and lunch business over the last ten months. Data indicate that Café Book is nipping off our usual business in those areas.”
    “Sir.” A brunette cleared her throat, adjusted the dark-framed glasses on her face.
    “Yes? I’m sorry, your name?”
    “Stella Farley. I’m the restaurant manager. If I can speak frankly, Mr. Logan, we’re never going to be able to compete with the café and Nell Todd. If I could—”
    She broke off when he lifted a finger. “I don’t care for the word never .”
    She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, but I’ve been here the last ten months and you haven’t.”
    There was a deep silence, like a unified holding of breath. After a beat, Sam nodded. “Point taken. And just what have you learned in the last ten months, Ms. Farley?”
    “That if we want to bring back business and generate more of it during the breakfast and lunch hours, we should counter-program. The café offers casual and casual gourmet. A relaxed atmosphere and, well, fabulous food. We need to offer an alternative. Elegance, formality, romance, an upscale atmosphere for a business meal or a special date. I sent your father a report and a proposal last fall, but—”
    “You’re not dealing with my father now.” It was said so flatly, so smoothly, none of the resentment showed. “Get a copy on my desk by this afternoon.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    He paused. “If anyone else has run ideas or proposals by my father over the last year, they should copy me by end of week. I want to make it clear that I own this hotel now. Own and run. While my word will be final, I expect input from my department heads. I’ll have memos to all of you over the next several days, and expect your responses to same within forty-eight hours of receipt. Thank you.”
    He watched them file out and heard the mumbling start before the door was closed.
    One woman remained behind in her seat. Anotherbrunette, she wore a simple navy suit and practical pumps. She was nearing sixty, had worked at the inn for more than forty years. She slipped off her glasses, lowered her steno pad, and folded her hands.
    “Will that be all, Mr. Logan?”
    Sam lifted an eyebrow. “You used to call me Sam.”
    “You didn’t used to be my boss.”
    “Mrs. Farley . . .” His eyes cleared. “Was that your daughter? Stella?