The Chosen Heir (The Bolles Dynasty Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and had worked at Breen since he was twelve years old.
    “This is Olivia’s brother, William Bolles. Allow me to introduce the owner, Patrick Breen.”
    She waited for them to shake hands and exchange a few pleasantries.
    Patrick said, “I thought we should assemble in the conference room, and then we could call in different employees as you have questions.”
    ***
    William walked into the cramped conference room. At least it had windows with a view of the street. They had various products displayed on the table.
    “With all due respect, this visit is not about the quality of the products you produce. It’s about the numbers and how willing you are to change your business practices.”
    Patrick Breen rubbed the back of his neck. “We are open to re-positioning the business, Mr. Bolles. We want to protect our employees.”
    It was better that he didn’t soften the blow. “It will depend on their willingness to change and their skillsets.” If they expected the business to go forward then they must accept change. Leaving everything the same and just adding money didn’t make sense.
    “Let’s get started. Bridget, I’d like to speak with the bookkeeper and get a list of outstanding accounts.”
    He pulled out a chair at the end of the table and began flipping through the latest financial records. Patrick awkwardly stood by the door.
    “I’ll call you when I’m ready to speak with you.” The owner nodded and left the room. He thought he noticed relief. Were he afraid of being questioned?
    The bookkeeper, a woman in her sixties with a trim figure and glasses on a pearl necklace, came in with a large binder with hand written account statements.
    He greeted her and then asked, “Are these statements in the computer?”
    “No, we reply on a manual system and then when the customer pays, we record the payment in the computer.”
    He couldn’t believe they relied on paper receipts. “How do you know what customers owe on any given day?”
    “We total up the amount once a month.”
    “Bridget, can you total this? And get the director of marketing.” He handed her the book.
    He turned to the bookkeeper. “If you’ll stay for a few questions?”
    He spoke with her without pressing too hard. It was obvious she was conscientious but not particularly savvy about technology.
    After speaking with the marketing manager, an image of the company began to form in his mind. They hadn’t stepped into the new millennia. They were doing business as they had fifty years ago. It wouldn’t be that hard to assemble a team to revamp their business practices. It was far easier than solving the issues at the golf resort. Within a year, the Breen Hat Company could be bringing him a profit.
    He wanted to see how far Bridget North would go to convince him. Did she believe in the company? Watching her with the employees, he saw that she could put them at ease while asking tough questions and leading them down a certain path. She could be an asset to his management team, for this project and the golf resort.
    He spoke with Patrick Breen at length behind closed doors and was satisfied with his responses. When he negotiated fifty percent of the company for an influx of currency and the technology to revamp their business practices, he almost cried. William cautioned him that he wanted to wait one week before announcing the partnership structure and swore him to silence.  
    “My attorney would be in touch in the next day or so with the legal agreements and a check”
    Leaving the office, he gestured for Bridget to come with him. He led her through the shop without stopping and out to the parking lot.
    “William, have you made a decision?”
    “Let’s discuss Breen over lunch and then I’ll drop you at the train station.”
    He took her to a local pub, a favorite place of his in the old part of Dublin with cobblestone streets and architectural splendor. It would be crowded, but he was recognized as a regular and the server found a