Bridgette Reynolds is trying all she can to maintain her air of confidence as Mildred carefully scrutinizes the young woman's resume. Mildred is as intent on her task as she would be auditing some poor soul for tax fraud. A few minutes go by as Bridgette shifts her wait on the chair to get a more comfortable position. The movement wasn't lost on Mildred, she looked up from the resume and smiled.
"Relax honey, I'm not going to execute you. This isn't the Spanish Inquisition, either."
Bridgette looked a bit sheepish as she cleared her throat and spoke. "I'm sorry, Ms. Krebbs, but you looked so intense reading my resume. I was starting to go over in my head if I'd left anything out."
Mildred suggested a quick break in the interview process so that they could get better acquainted over a cup of coffee. Bridgette agreed immediately and rose to follow Mildred to the break room.
As Bridgette entered room, she looked around with interest. The offices of Remington Steele Investigations had obviously been decorated by an expert interior designer. "Ms. Krebbs, I hope you don't mind my asking, but what company decorated these offices? The decor is breathtaking."
Mildred grinned at the interviewee. "Actually Miss Reynolds, it was Steele, Steele & Krebbs."
When Bridgette's eyes grew wide Mildred explained.
"Its certainly been a whirlwind over the last few months at Remington Steele Investigations. We have been so bombarded with clients recently that the old layout was becoming claustrophobic. Mr.& Mrs. Steele loved the office so much, they couldn't bear to leave this building, too many memories."
"Luckily our next door neighbor's lease was up a few months ago, and they didn't renew it. It was a CPA firm. They weren't too thrilled about being next door to private investigators, they felt it was a bit too lively for their quiet lifestyles. So when the space came up for rent, we negotiated with the owner of the building to acquire the space and knocked out the walls separating the two suites."
"Wow, Mildred. I'd say that was great timing."
Mildred nodded agreement. "You bet it was, honey. You should have seen the place before. It was lovely, just too small to handle the rush. Before, we had three offices and a supply area. Now we have a large reception area, five offices, one lounge/break room, a formal conference room, two bathrooms and a supply room. You can't believe how many decisions go into expanding an office. I tell you the plans must have changed a million times! But, even after all the meetings, workers, architects and heated debates, I'd say it all turned out just peachy."
As Bridgette looked around her, she felt Mildred's words were an understatement. The suite had a contemporary theme, the walls throughout the suite were cream, actually vanilla cream Mildred had pointed out. The reception area had plants tastefully spaced around the three sitting areas. Each had a pale peach colored leather loveseat and two patterned chairs to match. There were glass tables with cream colored stone bases in front of the sofas, loaded with reading material. Since there were no windows the room was supplied with recessed lighting and torchiere lamps. It was a very inviting room.
Each office boasted a different look but worked within the same color scheme as the reception area. The most impressive rooms were further down the hallway and to the right. The first one was enormous. The walls were cream but the leather couches were a dark navy blue. There was a desk done in maple wood that held a few pictures of Mr. & Mrs. Steele and a large curio cabinet that held all sorts of awards and trophies. The back wall of the office was completely glass and offered an impressive view of Los Angeles. The whole room looked incredibly masculine. The walls were lined with rows of pictures of Remington Steele, certificates of appreciation and merit. Bridgette studied the pictures carefully. The man was gorgeous no doubt about it. He had an air of self assurance and charm that was unmistakable even from the photographs. She couldn't wait to meet Mr. Steele in person.
There was an adjoining office that definitely belonged to Mrs. Steele. It was done up in darker peach and cream colors with maple furniture that matched Mr. Steele's. Lining the walls of this office were rows of books and reference manuals. There were some family pictures on a table along the wall and beautiful paintings of seascapes and nature settings. The wall behind Mrs. Steele's desk was also glass and afforded the same view as her husband's office Bridgette was extremely impressed with what she saw. Mildred guided her back to the conference room so that they could finish up with the interview.
"I must tell you Miss Reynolds, I'm quite impressed with your credentials. You were an honor student in college, excelled at the Roanoke School of Private Investigation and it looks like you've gotten rave recommendations regarding your abilities. Finishing your apprenticeship while you learn the ropes in an agency should be a breeze for you. And I must say you are a breath of fresh air compared to the last woman that interviewed for the position. She had no practical experience in a fast paced P.I. office and she was scared to death of computers. Well Bridgette I think we've just about finished up here. The only thing left to do is meet Mr. & Mrs. Steele and have a brief interview with them. They should be along any minute so why don't we go back to the reception area." Bridgette gathered her things and followed Mildred out.
They weren't there a full minute before the doors opened and in walked the much discussed Remington and Laura Steele. Bridgette couldn't help but notice that they looked extremely handsome together. Bridgette and Mildred stood as Laura and Remington walked towards the sitting area. Mildred introduced them to Bridgette. Remington reached for Bridgette's hand and quickly pumped it up and down. "Ah Miss Reynolds, enchanted to finally meet you. We've heard a great deal about you and I must say, its delightful to finally put a face with such an impressive resume." Bridgette thanked him and looked toward Mrs. Steele. Laura also grasped Bridgette's hand and shook it as she extended her greetings. Bridgette noted that Laura too had a firm hand shake, something Bridgette thought important in how a person carried themselves. "Welcome Miss Reynolds, may I call you Bridgette?" Laura asked. Bridgette nodded so Laura continued. "We're sorry to make you wait but we just got out of a very lengthy meeting with the Police Commissioner." Remington nodded as a bored expression crossed his face. "Extrordinary how those meetings can drag on."
Laura and Remington asked Bridgette to follow them and for Mildred to hold their calls. Bridgette followed them to Remington's office and took the proffered seat across from the couch. Laura and Remington settled on the couch. "Bridgette, Mr. Steele and I have already looked at your resume. We were very impressed with your credentials. It seems that all the people listed as references couldn't say enough about what a quick study you are. Remington and I just have a few questions for you though." Bridgette sat forward slightly in her chair. "Sure Mrs. Steele." Laura smiled as she told the young woman to call her Laura. "Bridgette, the Remington Steele Agency has increased its clientele steadily over the past seven years. At its conception there was another licensed P.I. working here but he left the following year. Since then Remington and I have handled the work load ourselves. Since our client base has grown we've found that we need to look at hiring additional staff. Mildred has been promoted and is now a licensed P.I."
"Since she will now be working on cases, we've found it necessary to hire a new office manager and later down the line another P.I. That's where you come in. We'd like you to start off as the office manager, learn the ropes so to speak and after you're apprenticeship is up and you get your license, we'd like you to move into the P.I. slot. Do you forsee any problem with that?" Bridgette shook her head. "No Laura, that seems a viable plan. I have no problem starting out in an administrative position." Remington spoke up. "Bridgette, there are times when we the office is teaming with distraught clients or better still irate clients. Do you think you'd be able to maintain your demeanor in stressful or unusual situations?" "Yes Mr. Steele, I'm sure I'd be able to handle anything that came up with complete professionalism. During the summers I worked in the main office at Roanoke. It got pretty hairy in there sometimes and I am used to unusual behavior."
The buzzer went off on Remington's desk. He excused himself and went immediately to his desk to answer it. "Yes Mildred. Who? Oh yes, of course put him through. Ah, actually Mildred, put him on hold. I'll pick it up in Laura's office thanks." Remington excused himself and told them he had an important call he needed to take and wouldn't be a minute. He quickly headed for Laura's office and shut the door behind him. Laura looked puzzled but continued on with the meeting. "Well Bridgette do you have any questions for me?" Bridgette declined. "Well then, on behalf of Remington Steele Investigations, welcome aboard!" Laura stood and extended her hand. Bridgette stood and shook it. Just then Remington reappeared. Laura and Remington shared a look between them that Bridgette caught but couldn't decipher. Remington came to shake her hand, welcome her aboard and then excused himself indicating something that had come up that needed his immediate attention.
Laura looked slightly annoyed as she asked if she needed to be there as well. Remington declined Laura's assistance and told her it wasn't necessary and left his office. Laura walked Bridgette back out to the reception area and asked Mildred to give Bridgette the new hire packet. Mildred gave Bridgette all the documents she'd need to fill out and led her back to the conference room to sign them. When Mildred came back Laura was still were she'd left her. Mildred looked up and asked Laura what was wrong. Laura sighed. "I don't know Mildred. I've got the funny feeling that Mr. Steele is up to something but I don't know what. Mildred, do you know who that call was from?" Mildred shook her head. "Sorry honey, it wasn't a name I recognized. He said he was an old friend of Mr. Steele's and that he was only in town today. He wanted to see if Mr. Steele was available to see him before he left."
"When Mr. Steele left, did he mention where he was going?" Again Mildred shook her head. "He sure didn't Laura. Do you want me to try the limo?" "No thank you Mildred, I suppose I'll just find out when he returns. I am going to be in my office if you need me Mildred." "Sure thing honey." When Laura left, Mildred wondered what Mr. Steele was up to now. He usually confided in her when he was up to something but she didn't have a clue this time. When Bridgette returned with all her paperwork filled out Mildred took the pile and discussed her start date. Once that was done, Mildred welcomed Bridgette on board and told her she'd see her on Monday and to have a great weekend. Mildred saw Bridgette out, locked the office doors and headed for her own office. The new suite had a door chime on it so that they could leave the reception area unattended if need. If someone needed entry they could press a button and the chimes would ring in the suite. Mildred found it useful when she wasn't able to sit in the reception area but Mr. Steele complained that it wrecked his concentration. Laura laughed when he'd said that and told him that reading the newspaper didn't exactly require someone's full attention.
Bridgette had just put the finishing touches on the message she'd just taken for Mr. Steele when her new bosses walked through the door. She bid them both good morning and handed them each a stack of mail and messages. They thanked her and inquired about her first week on the job. Bridgette assured them all was well and that she loved it. They both told her she was doing a wonderful job and headed for their offices. Once Laura got her things settled she went thru the connecting door to her husbands office. He was sitting with his back to her as he read the newspaper and used the window for additional light. She came around his desk and took up her usual seat on top of if. Remington looked up and smiled. "Hello love, come in to chastise me for my dereliction of duty?" Laura shook her head. "Actually I was hoping we could talk for a moment." At that Remington put down his paper and gave his wife his undivided attention.
"Sure darling what's this about eh?" Laura decided the best way to start was to be direct and to the point. "Remington, I'm just wondering what's going on. You have been preoccupied lately and you've been, I don't now, not yourself. Is there something I should know about?" Remington smiled and touched Laura's cheek. "No Laura, there's nothing amiss. I can't imagine why you'd think I wouldn't tell you about it if there was. I've just had some things on my mind lately but nothing to worry about ok?" Laura wasn't convinced. "Well if somethings on your mind, wouldn't you like to discuss it? Maybe I can help out." Remington stood up and looked out the window. He hated lying to Laura but he had to, everything depended on her not knowing what he was about. He turned to look at Laura, she truly looked concerned and he felt his heart lurch for a moment. If Laura found out she'd kill him.
He walked over to Laura and kissed her soundly. She returned the kiss and melted into his embrace. He knew he wasn't playing fair but he really needed to focus Laura's attention elsewhere. It worked and Laura smiled as she told him she'd see him for lunch later. "Sure thing Mrs. Steele." Remington said as he took up his newspaper. Laura walked back to her office but paused as she reached the door. "Oh, Remington?" Laura called as she turned to face him. "Mmm Hmm." Remington said from deep within his newspaper. "I didn't fall for that diversion tactic and don't think that I'm off your case about what you're hiding from me." She said sweetly as she walked through the door and closed it behind her. Remington looked up at the door, his lips pressed into a thin line. He picked up his phone and dialed a number. When a man answered he spoke. "Yes, Steele here. I think we'll have to move our plans up a bit. Laura's getting suspicious and I don't want her finding out." When he'd confirmed his plans with the man on the other end he hung up and headed for Laura's office.
Laura was leafing through paperwork when he popped his head in. "Laura I've got to go out for a bit, meet you at Jacques for lunch ok, bye-bye." He was gone before Laura even opened her mouth. "This is getting to be too much!" Laura said to thin air. She'd get to the bottom of this tonight even if she had to sit on him to get him to spit out what he was up to. Just then Laura's phone rang. Angrily she picked it up and bit out a hello. "Remington Steele Investigations, Laura Steele speaking." Yes, hello Mr. who?... Yes Mr. Jacoby what can I do for you. What?...Now just calm down sir... I'm sure...Can't you can find someone to help you thats local?...I understand. Ok Mr. Jacoby don't panic. I will be there as soon as I can. Just sit tight I'll be there as soon as I can!" Laura hung up the phone and went to find Mildred.
Laura tapped on Mildred's door and entered. Mildred, I'd hate to bother you but I have to fly out right now to Washington D.C. and I'll need you to hold the fort down till Mr. Steele returns." Mildred looked up at Laura as if she didn't quite hear her right. "Did you say Washington D.C.? What's going on honey?" "Mildred, I don't have time to explain but the curator at the Smithsonian Museum, Mr. Jacoby called me frantic that I meet with him as soon as possible. He said it was of the utmost importance that I meet with him about an exhibit on display there." "Mrs. Steele, I'm confused, he called us for some exhibit showing at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.? Why didn't he just get help from some P.I. firm that was local?" Laura looked exasperated. "That's what I asked him Mildred. He said its a rare exhibit and he needs the best agency he could find. Apparently we've come highly recommended Mildred. Anyway the Remington Steele Agency is hardly one to turn down a client as prestigious as the Smithsonian Museum are we Mildred?"
Mildred still looked puzzled but she agreed. "Great. Now I'm headed to the airport and I won't have time to track Mr. Steele down. Please tell him where I went, should he care to inquire, tell him I'll be home late tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest." Mildred asked Laura if she wanted Mr. Steele to meet her in Washington. Laura shook her head. "No Mildred that won't be necessary. I don't plan to be there that long and Mr. Steele's been so busy lately I don't know if he even has the time to spend on this one." Mildred opened her mouth to speak but closed it again. She new better than to get involved in the middle of one of the games these two loved to play. Occasionally, they'd play the "I'm going to teach him or her a lesson" game. Mildred decided a long time ago to stay out it. So Mildred did the only thing she could do, wished Laura a safe trip and told her to call when she got there.
Laura was settled in her seat in first class as she sipped a glass of champagne. She noted that before Mr. Steele's entry into her life, she'd never touched the stuff. Now she seemed to indulge whenever she wanted to treat herself. She felt smug as she envisioned the look on her husband's face when he showed up at the office and Mildred told him her whereabouts. "Good." Laura said to nobody in particular. "Serves him right finding me gone when he gets back. Two can play the cloak and dagger game!" Laura said with passion. She would teach him once and for all that he shouldn't keep secrets from her. He disliked it intensely when Laura handled cases on her own. She knew this little trip would annoy him to no end and she smiled like a cat with a saucer of milk. Laura settled herself further into her plush leather seat. As the plane reached its cruising altitude Laura drifted off to sleep. The last thing she thought of was how much she'd enjoy teaching that smooth talking Irishman of hers a much needed lesson.