Page 16 of Fireworks at Pennycress Inn
‘Okay.’ Was he really going to fire her? Could he fire her? Mr Bob had secured the job for her. He’d even made it possible for her to stay at Pennycress Inn. Was Declan about to undo all of that, undo all of her hard work and dedication to the trust over the years?
‘Having spoken at length to Zac and then to Robert…’
‘Robert?’ Who was Robert?
‘Sorry, I think you know him as Mr Bob.’
Polly nodded. Of course, Bob, Robert. Why had she never put the two together? Clasping her hands in her lap, she waited for Declan to continue.
‘Zachary brought to my attention that you have both had hints that you might stand to take over as project manager when I retire. To your understanding, is that correct?’
‘Yes, it is.’ Although Mr Bob had certainly not ‘hinted’ at the fact, his promise had been clear and precise.
‘I see.’ Declan stroked his beard before picking up his pen. ‘I thought as much. It’s true that neither Art, Dennis nor Vicki have any interest in the position…’
‘But you don’t think I stand a chance of getting the promotion?’ Polly could hear her voice rasping. What was she going to do? She’d already used all of her savings when she’d gone part-time in order to volunteer and pursue a career at the trust, and she’d taken a pay cut for this job. She had nothing left, nothing to fall back on. Nothing. And even if she managed to keep this job, she simply wouldn’t be able to buy her own place if she didn’t get the higher wage the promotion offered. Heck, she likely wouldn’t be able to rent her own place either, not with how high the rents were locally. She’d have to flat-share or else go back to teaching.
Laying his hands against the surface of the table, Declan shook his head. ‘That’s not what I’m suggesting. Not at all. From what I know of you and Zachary’s backgrounds, you both stand in good stead. But that is where lies the problem.’
‘Why?’ So she did stand a chance? Or was he about to say neither of them would be able to apply? That it would be somehow unfair, immoral?
‘Because it’s ultimately my decision who takes over caring for this beautiful place.’ He waved his arms around, encompassing the meeting room and the reserve beyond the window. ‘The only solution I can think of is to make you both a proposition, a proposal to make this the fairest solution, if you will.’
‘Oh?’
‘I’ve already spoken to Zachary and, what I’m about to say to you, I have said to him. I’ll make this proposal and then I want you to take the rest of the day to mull it over and get back to me with a decision tomorrow.’ Declan tapped the end of his pen against the notebook in front of him.
‘And what is that proposal?’
‘I promise not to make any decisions until the end of the three months. You’ll both do the best you can at your jobs, and we’ll see who is better prepared by the end of the time.’ Declan leaned back in his chair. ‘As fundraising and development officers, it should be pretty easy to measure both of your success rates. But, of course, I won’t only be looking at the amount of new funds you bring in but also your general contribution to the office and, most importantly, to the reserve itself. For both of you.’
This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t be. ‘But I was promised the job of outreach and education officer. I haven’t worked in fundraising before. I don’t know what I’m doing.’ She spread her hands out on the table in front of her, palms up. Her ability could be measured on the outcome of a job she’d never done before. How was that fair?
‘I understand. But Zachary is in the same position as you are. Neither of you have prior experience of the role. I’m afraid I just can’t think of another way to do it. The only way I can possibly choose one of you over the other is by merit. You’ve both come to this team highly rated by Robert.’ He lifted his glass to his lips before lowering it again. ‘Now, as I’ve said, take the rest of the day to have a think and, by all means, if you come up with a better solution to our little dilemma, then please let me know.’
‘Okay.’ Polly squeaked out a reply. Trying her best to appear more composed than she felt. ‘I will do.’
‘Good. Right, I’d best get on.’ Declan stood up and made his way to the door before holding it open for her.
Passing in front of him, Polly forced herself to ask the question she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to. ‘And I’m guessing the position will be advertised too?’
‘That’s right. I’m afraid my hands are tied in that respect.’
‘Of course.’
As Polly made her way back to her desk, she felt as though she could feel everyone’s eyes on her. They must all know about the misunderstanding, about Mr Bob promising both her and Zac a decent shot at the promotion. Art, Dennis and Vicki must know. Slipping into her wheelie chair, she was grateful Zac was still outside. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face him quite yet. Not now he’d suddenly gone from being the irritable man she had to sit next to, to being her work rival.
‘Ah, Polly. I’m sorry, I clean forgot to give these to you.’ Declan placed a large stack of papers in front of her. ‘You’ll find everything you need to know about Meadowfield Nature Reserve here. Maps, information about its past, and previous fundraising events. Well, those in the past five years, anyway.’
‘Great. Thank you.’ Polly pulled the stack towards her. So much for trying to come up with a fairer way to decide who got the promotion. Looking through this lot would take her well into the evening.
11
Leaning back in her chair, Polly yawned. She’d been looking through the information Declan had given her for hours. And still there was no sign of Zac. Whatever he was doing with Harold, the ranger, was taking him forever.
‘Hey, Polly, are you going out for lunch?’ Vicki called to her as she walked across the office.
Polly turned in her chair. She hadn’t even realised it was lunchtime already. Although now Vicki had mentioned the word, her stomach growled beneath her sweatshirt. ‘No, I don’t think so. I want to make a bit of a dent in looking through this stuff.’
