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their competition? She should have asked. She tried to clear her mind, focusing on the task at hand.
    Seven men and women were at the meeting. Now her mind went in another direction. Where was Mike? Didn’t he have to attend the meetings?
    Emma, the household manager, announced that she was the only full-time employee. This caused Randi to wonder when she might see the cute limo driver again. Two men stood in the room. They were there to help with the outside lights and any heavy lifting inside the house while the women were cleaning.
    The last three of the seven were all women. One of them, Ann, seemed to know Emma well. Ann looked to be in her early twenties, but like all the women, she wore her hair pulled back in bun, and this made her look older.
    The meeting lasted twenty minutes, and afterward the staff quickly parted ways. Lonnie and Jake, who were landscapers, made their way to start with the outside Christmas decorations. Emma and Ann stepped to the side, and after a moment Ann nodded and left with Juanita and Maria in tow.
    Randi guessed that the first few days would be like a competition. She knew every woman that worked at Maids 101, and she’d bet money that Maria and Juanita worked for House Helpers, their number-one competitor.
    Randi watched the three women leave, waiting for orders.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Randi,” Emma offered.
    “Nice to work with you too. Should I call you Emma?”
    “Yes, please.” Emma sat at the table and motioned for Randi to step closer. Emma glanced toward the hall before speaking. “I know Maids 101 was supposed to send over two women.”
    “Yes, ma’am, until then I’ll do the work of two.”
    “Good. And so you’ll know, this job could become permanent. Mr. Taylor’s been using various temp agencies to clean the house since he moved in, but he’s thinking of hiring at least one full-time maid. The service and/or maid that gets the best evaluation could be the one to end up with the position.”
    “I assume you’ll be doing the rating.”
    Emma shrugged, “Not all of it. Celia Taylor, as she requested that I call her, will have the final say.”
    “I didn’t think they were married.”
    “They aren’t, but if you happen to find yourself in her presence, I suggest you call her Ms. Taylor and leave it at that.”
    “Yes, ma’am. I’ve also been given the lecture on avoiding Mr. Taylor at all costs.”
    “You got it.” Emma smiled. “Ann, by the way, is my niece. She’ll be sharing your room at times. House Helpers, on the other hand, doesn’t have clearance for overnight stays. They’ll come and go each day.”
    Randi tried not to smile, but it was hard. She’d not heard much about her competitors and would be sure and share this news with Nancy. “I should get started. Where to first?”
    Emma looked at her clipboard. “I’ve been told to stick with the areas of the house that the guests will be visiting, so go to the top of the stairs, go left, and start on the guest rooms.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “And don’t dare breathe to those HH girls where I have you working. For now the upstairs is off-limits to them. I’ve heard some of the girls have sticky fingers. Not that I want you spying, but if you notice anything, tell me in private.”
    “Certainly.” Randi hid a smile. “Mum’s the word.”
    “Good. Nancy and I go way back. We went to high school together and she says you’re one of her best girls. I’ll expect you to live up to my expectations. Now get to work. You’ll find everything you need in the cleaning closet, third door on the left.
     
    *****
    Martin had risen early to work in the garage again, and then decided to take a ride to see his friend Mike. On the way his mind kept going over the chat he'd had with Bill. He’d promised his agent as they parted ways that he’d give his liaison with Celia serious thought. It was a relief to Bill that he and Celia were not engaged.
    The upcoming party might be an indication that