confusing.”
Judith perused the single sheet of typewritten paper as they
crossed the floating bridge that led out of the city. “You
should have included descriptions,” she complained. “These
names and titles don’t mean much. The only one I’ve ever
heard of is the CEO, Frank Killegrew. I’ve seen his name in
the newspaper.”
“Good, that leaves only nine, and four of them are women.
Don’t worry about it,” Renie counseled. “With any luck, you
won’t have much contact with them.”
Judith scanned the names: After Franklin Killegrew, president and CEO, there was Ward Haugland, executive vice
president–network and customer services. Judith made a face.
“What’s with these complicated titles? Why can’t Haugland
just be an executive vice president?”
“Because telecommunications
Renie replied. “It’s still in a state of flux. First came the big
Bell System divestiture, sixteen, seventeen years ago, along
with the revolution in technology. Independent companies
like OTIOSE are still trying to find their niche.”
“Is that why I get four phone bills instead of one?” Judith
asked.
“Yep. You’ve got your local carrier, your long distance
company, your leased equipment, your…what?” Renie shot
Judith an inquiring glance.
“My pager,” Judith said. “It’s really Mike’s pager, but he
doesn’t use it anymore. The problem is, neither do I. I only
took it from him so Mother could get me in an emergency.”
“Has she ever paged you?” Renie asked as they reached
the mainland and flourishing suburbia.
“Never. She swears she lost the number and wouldn’t use
it if she found it.”
“Then get rid of the thing. It must cost you twenty bucks
a month.”
“Arlene has the number,” Judith said. “Like now, she could
page me if she has a problem taking over for the day at the
B&B.”
Renie shrugged. “Then maybe it’s worth it.”
They drove the interstate past industrial complexes, car
dealerships, fast-food chains, trendy restaurants, and gas
stations the size of a mini-mall. It never ceased to amaze Judith that what used to be vacant rural areas where the family
gathered hazelnuts, blackberries, and Christmas trees was
now a thirty-mile stretch of commercialism. At last they began
to climb, but even where tall trees still grew, there were large
swaths of housing developments. The city had sprawled, almost to the pass itself.
“Joe says Bill’s going to retire.” Judith finally broached the
subject that had been on her mind since Tuesday night.
“He’s talking about it.” Renie pulled into the fast lane,
