Little White Lies by Paul Watkins Page A

situation. It’s one thing to move her back to her old job… it’s something else to reverse the pay. No sense in losing a good employee if we can avoid it.
    “After you talk to her, talk to the other candidate and tell him he was up for this job, but the reason he didn’t get it is because of his lack of experience or whatever else you feel he needs at this time. Describe the areas where he should concentrate his efforts and tell him he will probably get the next opening when it occurs… as long as it is six to twelve months out and assuming he continues to improve. Put everything in writing and put a copy in their individual files after they have had a chance to review and initial it. Always have an employee initial and date any agreement of this type, regardless of how informal it might be, so there will be no misunderstandings later on. Okay?”
    “You make it all sound so easy,” Lionel says laughing. “Very businesslike, but the shit is still going to hit the fan… just so you know.”
    “Yeah, I know what you mean, but we’re doing the right thing. As long as you have a good handle on the people there we have nothing to worry about. As far as the female issue is concerned, Mr. Jackson will go along with the decision. He’s a very fair man. Or, at least, that’s my impression during my brief experience with him. Good management isn’t a gender thing. It comes with talent and experience. Don’t worry, he knows that.” I pause to think about what we have discussed and to see if there is anything else we should cover. “I guess that’s about it. I’ll fax the substance of our decision and your authority to proceed. What’s your fax number?”
    Hanging up the telephone I know two things have just happened. One is that A.J. is going to take maximum advantage of this situation and really get pissed-off. While I have been poking in and around A.J.’s restaurant business for the past few weeks, my involvement has been mostly minor administrative matters. This is a bit closer to the bone. The other thing that’s happened, if I keep my job, is that I am going to be back in the management game whether I like it or not. But I probably shouldn’t blow that bridge until I’m on it.

CHAPTER 8  
    Except for the time I was in combat, I think I can count on one hand the number of occasions, since I was a kid, when I have started the day without a physical workout of some kind. These days I start with an easy run and then go to the gym for a karate session. Sometimes I work with one of the security staff and other times I work alone. When a partner is not available I often work on kata. A kata is a choreographed fight against imaginary aggressors or opponents. During the kata one exercises certain karate moves that concentrate one’s attention on skill and timing. When a kata is performed with full power, it is a major workout in itself. Several katas performed sequentially can really get the old heart started. Kata isn’t worth a damn when it comes to fighting, but when you’re alone it’s better than nothing.
    I want to clear my head and prepare myself for the upcoming session with A.J. This is his first day back and Atlanta’s on his mind. I know he knows about the manager Lionel and I appointed and he’s spoiling for a fight. Either that or I’ve misjudged him completely. My fight is in the gym and that’s where I want to leave it.
    Cooled down and showered, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I think this place is getting to me. In a sense, I suppose I’m looking forward to the confrontation almost as much as he is… maybe we’re both sick. But I’m not into it for the sake of confrontation. It’s an important point with me because it will probably affect my work here in a very significant way. The house is under control now and it would help if I could become more involved in the restaurant end of the business. I have to admit I am more than slightly intrigued. Besides, A.J. can use some