Ghost Writer Read Free

like him well enough – even if he does think me
brainless. I still can’t believe that he just walked out on the
business. We inherited it from our father and well – it’s Bryan’s
whole life.”
    “When you go to the factory
tomorrow – could I come?”
    “What could you do, Edwina?”
    “Moral support,” I said
immediately. “I could be your secretary. Nobody would pay any
attention to me then.”
    “Well, I’d appreciate both. I
didn’t know who to turn to for help.”
    “Done,” I agreed.
    After a while I continued. “Have
you thought about what you need to do?”
    “I don’t know where to start,”
Susannah admitted.
    “Have you looked at the
ledger?”
    “Yes. All I can tell is that the
company has been steadily losing money over the last year.”
    “I think you should get an
auditor to look at it.”
    “Why?”
    “You don’t know the business.
You might be missing something obvious.”
    “Do you think Bryan or Mc Murtee
was embezzling?” Susannah asked with her eyebrows raised in
disbelief.
    I shrugged, but it was a
possibility. “How did the workers get on with Bryan?”
    “I’ve only met a few of them.
Clarrie is the only one who ever speaks to me.”
    “Do you think he would know
where Bryan went?”
    “No. He called and asked me. I
wish I knew where he was. At least if he was dead I could sell the
business and be done with it.”
    “Selling or closing the business
won’t get you out of the mess,” I reminded her.” You need to find
out why one of your instruments passed the quality control process
and still be faulty.”
    “Bryan did the quality control
work. He religiously follows the testing procedure that Dad
started…”
    “When was the accident?” I asked
suddenly.
    “Three months ago,” Susannah
told me and I shivered. “And Bryan went off soon after.”
    “I don’t know if he went because
he felt responsible – but if he was, you shouldn’t have to wear the
blame.”
    Susannah sighed.
    “You know what, Susannah?” I
asked to get her attention back. “I’m a contrary sort of girl. I
tend to do things because people say I shouldn’t. Father taught me
about his business, but he never let me try his lessons on my own.
So I went out and learnt to fly – got my licence and all. I reckon
this is your chance to fly. I could help you a bit.”
    “What does your father do?”
    “He doesn’t make instruments!
However, that doesn’t matter. I know the principles of business.
You can help me with the specifics.”
    “You’re full of surprises,
Edwina,” Susannah said with a soft laugh. She had begun to swing
gently too. “What do you suggest? I won’t be offended by your
advice.”
    “Well,” I began, then paused to
organise my thoughts. “I’d start by looking around the factory. I’d
talk to the people about their jobs – what they do. Then I’d read
the procedure manuals, productivity reports, annual reports – that
sort of thing. I’d find out the status of all orders and service
appointments. The most important thing would be to find all records
relating to that warrant matter.”
    “Then what?”
    “Something might occur to you.”
I began to swing higher and Susannah copied me.
    “Would you come to tea with me
tonight?” Susannah invited.
    “Ah – I had plans,” I said.
    “Another time then,” Susannah
promised. “I’ll be at the factory at 7.30am tomorrow. Is that too
early for you?”
    I shook my head. Susannah slowed
her swing to a halt. “You know where it is?”
    “I’ll be there,” was all I said.
I continued to swing as I watched my new friend walk back home –
full of hope.
     
    Susannah was dressed for the
part - a fawn coloured business suit of skirt and jacket, with a
white turtleneck jumper under the jacket. Her shoes matched the
suit and a tidy brown briefcase completed the look.
    I had upgraded my appearance
too, but I only intended Susannah to notice me.
    We had an hour before the
workers would arrive and a lot