The Chosen

your efforts.”

It’s your ball game, she thought. Why argue with him, or with the money he was paying? Vera knew that with time, and with some promotion, she could make the restaurant work on its own. But Feldspar didn’t even seem to want it to.

He stepped toward a dark teak cabinet, with his slight limp, and uncorked a bottle of Chateau de Pommard. “Volnay is my favorite vineyard,” he remarked. “Would you care for some?”

It’s a little early to be drinking expensive wine, she thought, but what the hell? “Sure,” she said. He passed her a glass, which she sniffed. A good bouquet. Its taste had an after-dazzle, a beautiful, bright dry edge.

Feldspar chugged his. What a bohemian, Vera thought.

“As the French say, boire un petit coup c’est agre-able.”

“What’s that mean?”

“A little drink is good.” He poured himself another glass and awkwardly retook his seat. He looked casual today, in that he wasn’t wearing a suit. Instead he wore suede J.P. Tod loafers, dark slacks, and a Yohji black silk sports jacket that must have cost a thousand dollars. His hair was pulled back in its usual short tail, and the rings glittered on his wide hands. Vera remembered the gun in his desk, and the unlocked cash box, but skipped mentioning it. Admitting that you’d been snooping in the boss’s desk drawer probably wouldn’t win her any stars. Instead, she said, “I’m out of company checks. I’ve got two suppliers coming in tomorrow, so I’ll need more.”

“Order them from the bank in town,” he dismissed.

“Well, I can’t. I don’t have an account ID. Kyle said you’d give me an account card.” She didn’t want to sound like she was complaining, but she didn’t have an account number for her own personal account, into which her salary checks were direct-deposited. “I could also use my own account number.”

Feldspar glanced up, flabbergasted. “What a blunder, I do apologize. I’ve been so busy I’d forgotten about it.” He quickly milled around the top desk drawer and gave her both account cards. “And don’t bother showing me your inventory lists. Use your own judgment—that’s what I hired you for.”

Vera nodded. He was pretty much giving her a free rein on her stock orders, but that didn’t really surprise her. By now, she was getting to know this odd man, and how he delegated authority. She wondered if Kyle had the same monetary freedom with room service. Probably more, she thought. The prick.

Now that she had her account numbers, she needed a way to get into town, another point she wasn’t quite sure how to bring up. He’s paying me a hundred and fifteen grand, I can’t very well whine about my wheels.

But Feldspar brought it up for her. “And you’re too polite,” he commented, finishing off his Pommard. “As you know, I’m quite a busy man, not that that serves as an excuse. I forget minor details rather often. Please don’t feel reserved to remind me of things.” Again, he was digging in the desk drawer. “After all, part of your employment contract entitles you to a company car. I regret that it took so long, but I thought you’d like something nice, so I put in a special order with our headquarters. An overstock.” A set of keys dangled from his fingers, which he raised to her. “I do hope you like blue.”

“Blue’s just fine,” she said. All she cared about this moment was wheels, not colors. “And thank you. What kind of car is it?’’

“Go and see. It was delivered this morning. Around back.”

Oh, goodie,