Hell and Determination (6 page)

Sophisticated; boy was she beautiful he let out a deep breath before answering “very impressive.”
During the next few days they had strolled through Chinatown, with its many tea rooms, shops temples and theatres. Golden Gate park they discovered had been transformed from baron wasteland lapped by shifting dunes, into a lush oasis with a dozen artificial lakes, a worldwide collection of plants and trees, by John McLaren a Scottish landscape gardener and park superintendent, 1887-1943, miles of roads and bridle paths, foot trails weave through the
1,017 acre park which extends three miles from Fell and Stanyan streets to the ocean.

 
                                                  CHAPTER NINE
Jo sighed deeply trying to will the butterflies away that churned her stomach. Holding on tight to Bens arm for support they walked in pursuit of the Macaba.
The advertisement had stated full time receptionist required experience not essential.
She had been more optimistic the previous evening when the appointment had been made, she had been so overwhelmed with the endless opportunities San Francisco had to offer, her mind became boggled.
               Now the hotel was closing in on them she had the jitters. She had stated to Ben the luxurious building seemed prosperous and were prosperity gained so did promotion.
         Ben had thought her prognosis a little apprehensive though he had no doubt whatsoever about Jo’s determination. Providing her nightmares didn’t stand in the way, the last few nights he was aware of how frequent they were becoming, she was determined to place Brandon at the back of her mind. He had tried coaxing her into talking about her ordeals, bringing it out in the open would make it easier to deal with. She prefers to pretend he no longer existed which he knew wasn’t healthy.
    Her expectations had proved correct as they approached the Macaba.
The dimension of the building rendered enormous four large pillars supported the doorway to the oblong dome, young men in red and grey uniform lined the pavement in pursuit of any residents who wished their cars parked. Ben glanced down at Jo her enthusiasm had not deterred as she proceeded through the glass dome; he was not so sure it all seemed a bit too classy.
An older guy in the same uniform stepped sideways to draw Jo’s attention has she maneuvered her

Delicate frame through the dozens of clients, holding on to Ben's hand as he reluctantly followed.
“Can I be of assistance Miss?  The round cheerful face enquired. Jo explained and was soon diverted to the staff entrance.
             Ben paced back and forth has he waited patiently, forty minutes had passed by Jo was still in the interview, his nerves were stretched to the limit, there was no doubt if the boot had been placed on the other foot he would have failed miserably  give me the outdoors any day he murmured to himself.
           At last the click of the door catch and the soft politeness of Jo’s voice echoed in the corridor.
Her face appeared radiant and the sparkle in those sapphire eyes talked louder than any words.

Clients
and the ones that had confirmed their short stay visits, and most of all she had learned to be most courteous at all times, Jo smiled recalling where she had heard that saying before.
         Ben waited casually at the staff entrance glancing at his watch almost three thirty; he smiled pushing back the golden locks that fell across his forehead as he heard Jo in casual conversation emerging through the door.
        She was delighted to see him waiting; there was so much she wanted to tell him.
“Hey take it easy,” he laughed, as the words just flowed without a break recalling the day’s events, her dark locks blowing in the cool autumn breeze, she appeared radiant vibrant in every sense of the word, with her arm resting comfortably in his they strolled towards Chinatown taking in the bright vivid colours, Ben observed  the unusual names given to the alleyways, He directed Jo’s attention to Hang Ah alley, they passed through Dragon Gate on Grants avenue at Bush St. started the steep climb up the hill, the pungent aroma of spices and herbs filled their  nostrils causing Bens stomach too grumble at the lack of something tasty.
       Jo smiled in agreement as he escorted her through the large green doorway of the Chinese

restaur
ant, taking a seat at the bar as they waited to be directed to their table ,the service was excellent  the atmosphere relaxing just what she needed to break the news of her good fortune in finding somewhere to live.
       Ben watched as she toiled with the food in her dish her mind obviously else were.” Okay spit it out’ he declared” I know when something's troubling ya.”
“Ok -been offered an apartment at the Macaba.”
“Great, why the worried expression?
“You don’t mind?  What have I done to deserve you Ben Gibbs. Have you decided what you’re going to do? I know you can’t settle in the city.”
Ben clasped her hand,” listen I have a business the logging company belongs to me has much as Brandon, Pa left it to us both with the understanding we watched out for Mike, he must have realized little brother would need to be cared for. I must go back for your sake as well as mine.”
    “I thought you fancied the states.  Why the sudden change.
Ben didn’t answer, as much has he cared for Jo he needed to sort out his own problems.
“I’ve been thinking those friends of yours back in Seattle, If I called in to explain our situation do you think we could correspond using their address.”
       Jo sat thoughtfully recalling the day she left Seattle, unsure of what Betsy and Jack would think of her now after the way she left that frightful day.” You could talk to them, please explain how sorry I am to have left the way I did, they are good folk and didn't deserve what I did.”
Ben understood, that Brother of his could cause anyone to shake in their breeches the no good son of a bitch. “Not a word to your folk, no doubt he’ll have convinced your Pa where an item.”

 
                                              CHAPTER TEN
“Afternoon Jo is this new recruit?  It is- Suzy meet Earl he as an eye for all the women.”
“She’s only jealous because I’ve not asked her out yet.”
Earle teased with a smile that stretched from ear to ear and his shoulder length hair falling over his brow.
“It’s only because he already knows the answer,” with a casual wink in Suzy’s direction. “Make her feel at home I’ll catch up with you later.”
              That evening she flicked through the channels nothing appealed to her. She had become wise over the last two and a half years only letting her head touch the pillows when sleep was almost upon her it didn't prevent the nightmares that were still so frequent , It had become the only way to banish any unwanted notions.
            Wrapped in her fluffy dressing gown she withdrew Bens letters from her desk carried the small bundle to her bedroom making herself comfortable, his last letter she had turned over and over in her mind.
            Hi baby hear your doing  just fine, feeling rather lonesome with only the mountains for company not seen hide nor hair of that bastard since his sudden departure. Had a good talk with your Pa, Giles backed me up? So seems at long last we're getting somewhere found Mike in tears the other night apparently it was relief ,he feared Brandon -isn't that a surprise.
Would like nothing more than close this chapter in our lives as far as he’s concerned but who knows what he’s got up his sleeve. Betsy reckons it’s time to meet your Pa .I’m not so sure it’s a good idea to get her involved just yet, he’s out there somewhere and so far so good we have managed to keep your whereabouts a secret.
          For how long Jo thought, and what the hell was he up too. Ben had guts going back the way he did to face his brother and from what she had been informed the company would have gone bust without his help. Brandon had gone crazy shouting abuse at anyone who cared to listen till the men eventually downed tools, swearing not to return till Ben had taken over, well -so he had and hoped to make it legal.
                Totally engrossed in the new contraption that Gillian had imposed on her she carefully followed the instructions to the letter, a list as long as her arm lay on the desk before her, names and numbers of all the staff - clientele awaiting auditions, talent that performed on a regular basis, the list was endless. Since she had been promoted to concert secretary her workload had increased tenfold, of course she was grateful, the days passed quickly leaving no time for the depression to set in. Gillian thrived from the hours she put into the business and expected no less from her staff, and with the year two thousand approaching thought it high time the latest gadget was introduced to all with responsible positions.
Gillian was the first to call, causing Jo’s stomach to turn over, would she ever become acquainted with this mobile gadget? Yet she had to admit what a valuable commodity it would become, especially if she could persuade Ben to invest in one of his own.
Many a head turned has Jo entered the cabaret lounge where she had agreed to meet Gillian. Sparkling cascade of light streamed from the chandelier casting a warm glow on her auburn curls, her cream dress simply taken in at the waist with black patent belt and shoes too match. She had come a long way since the Rockies owing her success to her boss and
constant companion, Gill was engaged though that never stopped there liaisons two nights a week discussing various acts, also finding the time to reap the rewards of the Job has Gillian was fond of saying. Jo was escorted to their table which was always reserved, smiling has her companion lifted her glass in greetings.
            “What do you think of your new assistant? Gill asked while waiting for dinner to be served.
“Bubbly,” she laughed recalling her antics with Mark this afternoon, “but very bright.”
“Just what you need when I’m not around to lift your spirits.” she answered adjusting a clip that allowed a strand of dark hair too break free. Gill was very reserved tall and elegant  her straight narrow nose showing her temperamental side, balanced eyes  good judgment, she believed you could analyse a person by their feature’s. “I believe you're going to Omaha?
“Yep! Norma Holdrege returned the call, Rick Wilder- I believe the Olympia want him, reckon he’s good, Mark said to give us first call. Booked a flight eleven thirty six tomorrow, should arrive four thirty, one stop salt lake.  Taking Suzy with me will be good experience for her.”
“Long flight let’s hope it’s worth it. Going away for a few days myself I do believe I have been neglecting my fiancé, so were of too Florida.”
                              That evening Jo wrote a letter to Ben giving him her mobile number and also one to Betsy, she had spoken to her friend at the Diner though it wasn’t the same when customers were coming and going. She longed to see Lydia again and for the first time in as long as she could remember she wondered what it would be like to see her Pa and Giles.
                               
                     Suzy’s excitement  was apparent as they made their way through the terminal it was after all her first assignment .Jo recalled how she felt twelve months previous arranging  her first booking it had been a nerve wrecking experience, though she smiled when remembering the satisfaction ,so smug and proud she felt waltzing back into her office booking confirmed.
                   The taxi drove them too their destination in the historic district of Old Market. Just in time for a quick shower before dinner. Her cell phone rang as she stepped out of the bathroom; Jo answered wrapped in the soft linen gown that had been placed on her bed.’ Hi Jo, meet you seven o’clock in reception, you're in for a treat’ Mark Delaney boasted before hanging up the phone.
                 Mark was well into his fifties, been in the music industry for over two decades and most commendable. First time they had been introduced, Jo was new to the business but he soon admired her keen interest and common sense and knew she would do well for the Macaba, if he could throw an odd client her way so be it.
              Cabaret lounge was impressive their table close to the stage, Jo was relieved to see the clientele was much the same has the Macaba. Susy was glad to be seated observing the business-like manner in the way her Boss conducted herself.
“Towards the door ‘Mark whispered,” indicating the crowd who had just made an exit, Olympia