Fiammetta's Gamble: Villa Paradiso, #4

By Ted Atoka

Villa Paradiso is a life care retirement facility. It's the brainchild of two retired businesswomen who pooled their resources to bring it into reality. Just when everything seems to be going well, it isn't. The co-founders and their staff of four recent college grads, a retired attorney, and an assortment of helpers, have all they can do to keep everything under control. This is book four of the series and addresses issues such as: does someone at Villa Paradiso have a baby? What happened to Renoir? Do Fifi and Betty really move out of their dream home? All this and more promises another great about the happenings behind the walls of Villa Paradiso.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Huntington House Press
• Release date: Sep 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386579144

Ted Atoka

Ted Atoka lived the first half of his life in Boston, MA. He made a Christmas visit to friends in Oklahoma in 1981, and fell in love with country life. Five weeks after returning home—to a raging snow storm, he packed up and moved to OK. He and his wife live on a piece of land on the side of a dirt road. They share the fresh air with a peacock named Penelope, two dogs, a small herd of deer, and a feral cat.

Book preview

The Dust Settles

How was Ms. Chapman -Bing to know that the day-to-day operations of a life care facility are not as easy as they look?  In her limited experience as a marketing director, she struggled without knowing what to do, and was now out of a job. She found out too late, facilities that achieve financial success are few. The ones that make it have a leadership backbone of seasoned employees.

A great realization swept over her. Last night’s lack of sleep had not dimmed her enthusiasm to contact her boss today. He and she had been fired from Shaidy Acres Retirement Facility about forty-eight hours ago. She needed her back pay, and she had a plan. She picked up her fancy briefcase, bought when she went to work for Mr. Shaidy, and dumped sheets of ivory- colored stationery into a waste basket. One page landed on the floor; its bold heading caught her eye. Delores Chapman-Bing, Director of Marketing, Shaidy Acres Retirement Facility. What a giant mistake.

Delores tossed the errant paper into the trash and plunked herself onto the bed. She looked at her watch. I’ll give him about thirty more minutes before I call.

She noticed a discoloration on the hotel bed coverlet, leaned over, and sniffed it. Delores shook her head violently, gagged, did a quick-step to the bathroom, splashed cold water on her face, and stared at herself in the mirror.

I’m a mess. How did I let myself get tangled up with Attorney Isaiah M. Shaidy? He’s nothing but a bald-headed, mother-hating, whiskey-swilling, skirt-chasing, tight-fisted redneck with a law degree. 

___

She recalled, only two days before, Fiammetta Shaidy terminated her, along with her boss. They worked at Shaidy Acres, a retirement facility, and Isaiah was its self-proclaimed CEO and head honcho. He had hired Dolores first as a corporate mole at Villa Paradiso, a life care retirement facility owned and operated by his mother and her best friend, Betty Greenfield. 

Their employment demise was the result of Fiammetta catching them in the act, of committing a bevy of felonies including hacking into corporate files containing financial data belonging to the Villa Paradiso residents. 

Fiammetta countered their criminal acts by instituting a hostile takeover of Shaidy Acres, located on the Texas border about a two-hour drive south of Villa Paradiso.

___

Dolores moved to her laptop on a small writing table.  I’m going to be in charge during our Skype conversation. No more of the pushover me.  Isaiah may have his method for exam for ‘the fine art of bait and switch’ and I can’t let him get me off track. I’ll stick to my guns. I can do it.

He IS sharp though. He can sense when I've had enough of his bull crap. He does a bait-and-switch on me every time. No more, no way. He owes me money and by god I’ll make him pay.

Isaiah answered as soon as the connection was made.

Dolores placed a hand on each side of the computer, stared directly into the screen, and said, Hello, Isaiah. It’s me.

Dammit, Dolores, I’m a busy man. What do you want?

Important Business

Nearly everyone called Aldron C. Platt Ronnie. The retired attorney was legal counsel for Villa Paradiso. He sat at the end of a board room conference table in the lower level of the business center. Fiammetta sat in a chair to his right, and Betty Greenfield to his left. The two silver-haired ladies co-founded Villa Paradiso; the retirement facility was their brainchild. All three were early risers, and began their workdays around six-thirty. 

Ronnie held up a large document for all to see. "For us to comply with state and federal regulations, we need to keep our organizational chart current. This is how we stand now. As you can see, you’re both listed as co-founders and share top organizational duties. I report to you as legal counsel.  Next come our four college graduates.

Ted Bliss is the manager of facility operations, Joe Ricci oversees Paradiso life, Grazia Ricci is our head of the assisted living and health care centers, and Yvette Sutton is head of the nursing department.

Ronnie paused for a second and put down the document. I must take a moment, ladies, and tell you I’m so pleased at the quality of work performed by our leadership team. These young people seem indefatigable. They never complain, and readily roll up their sleeves to help when a crisis pops up. And I must admit a few have.

Fiammetta’s face brightened with a smile. Hold on to that thought, Ronnie. We all agree with you. Our departmental quartet should be here in a few minutes. It would mean so much more if you told them that in person.

I second that, Betty said, and the door to the conference room swung open.

Ted Bliss was the first of his group of friends to enter. G’d mornin’, all. Gee, it’s not yet seven a.m. I thought we’d be a tad early. You all beat us to the punch.

Grazia and Joe took seats at the long table, and Yvette joined them. Each carried a to-go cup of coffee and an iPad.

Ronnie Platt stood. Good morning, everybody. You all look bright and chipper this morning. And I might add, we were just talking about you all.

Uh oh, everybody, brace yourselves, Ted said.

Fifi, Betty, and I all agree that you all are doing a wonderful job. Our residents think the world of you, and that’s very important.  They believe you’re knowledgeable and have their best interest at heart. We thank you for that.

Ronnie sat down as Joe rose out of his chair. Thanks, Ronnie. I’m sure we’re all very thankful for the faith you have in us, and speaking for us all–

Hell’s bells, boy, Betty called out, don’t say another word or you’ll ruin the moment. Sit down and listen.  We think you’re all doing a terrific job, and we’re thankful for having you on our team. Now say no more, and let’s get on with the meeting. Okay, Fifi?

Fiammetta tried to conceal a giggle and failed. Betty, did I ever tell you that you really have a way with words?

No, and now that you’ve said it, I’ll be right back. The one word I’m thinking of right now is ladies room. Wait, that’s two. I’ll be right back.

Ronnie spoke up. We were about to discuss the organizational chart for Villa Paradiso.

He held up the big document again. Having one of these is a requirement. We need to compile one for Shaidy Acres too, now that we’ve taken ownership of the place.

Joe Ricci spoke. I’ve been thinking about that. I met most of the department heads on our last visit, and I was not impressed at all. They all seemed a little shady to me, and I don’t mean to make a pun.

Fifi set down her coffee cup. The reason for that is because of who hired them. He’s a crook, and people like that always seek their own level. I agree with you, Joe. We need to reevaluate the management staff. 

I have a suggestion, Ted said. I met several residents in Shaidy Acres. They're professionals, and members of the Shaidy Acres residents’ committee. How about if we ask for volunteers to temporarily head up the departments that need good leadership? We’ll compensate them for their efforts, of course.

Great idea, Betty shouted on her way back into the room. See that, Ronnie? We got us some college grads here who know how to think outside the box.

Fifi held out her hands, palms forward. Go easy, everybody. Yes, it’s a good idea and one worth pursuing. Let’s take it a step at a time before we make any final decisions. In the meantime, we need to stick to our agenda. And the first item on today’s list is the number of new residents we have arriving this month. Joe? That’s your department, fill us in, please.

We have a new move-in scheduled for each week this month.  And, unbelievably, this is a first for us. Remember the interesting lady who visited us during Labor Day weekend? She holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and the United States. Her name is Lady Edith Tooley Snyde. And she has an estate north of London. Her late husband made a fortune in the tea trade. She wants us to call her ‘Tooley’ and forget the lady part. The title means nothing in the states, at least that’s what she told me. She sent our food service director a shipping crate of tea. Fifty pounds in all. She attached a note: ‘It isn’t tea unless it’s Tooley’s.’ Anyway, she’s moving in this week.

Fifi beamed. I remember her. She’s a peach. I’m so glad she’s coming to live with us. Who else, Joe?

Abraham Nutt. He’s a widower from Arkansas, and kind of well off. He made his money in the manufacture of hammered dulcimers and kazoos. Some call him the kazoo king. He sent me a box of kazoos. I have them in my office. There’s one for each of us and about fifty extras.

What’s a kazoo? Grazia asked.

Ronnie looked up from his iPad. Here you go. I’ve sent each of you a link to its description. Actually, Grazia, it’s a handheld musical instrument. You can buy them today in many toy stores. I played in a kazoo band when I was a kid, and we were pretty good too, I must add. I’ll let you look up the definition of dulcimer yourself. It too is a musical instrument. And a lovely one.

Joe straightened in his chair. Two other couples are husband and wife teams. The Kraftons are both retired veterinarians, and Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass owned a combination service station and convenience store. I’ll bring each of the new folks around to meet you as soon as they get settled in.

Fifi nodded. Thanks, Joe. Yvette, anything happening we need to know about in the nursing department?

Yvette stood. I am so happy to tell you this. Three of our residents are retired RNs. And they came to me as a group, wanting to volunteer their services wherever needed. You know it’s so hard to find help for our Alzheimer’s unit. These ladies jumped at the opportunity. They want no pay. All they want is something to do to keep active. I welcomed them with open arms.

Wonderful, Fifi said. "However, have them fill out the employment forms. We need to comply with labor regulations and meet insurance requirements, too. They’re retired RNs and they know the drill. They’ll understand. I’ll have Pee Wee send each of them a fruit basket with my regards and a thank you note attached.

Grazia? Anything to report from the life care department?

Grazia Ricci, Joe’s cousin, checked her iPad. I’m pleased to say that our assisted living unit is full, and our health care unit has only one vacancy. And we had our annual health inspection and passed with flying colors.

Wow, Fifi said. That’s certainly wonderful news. Ted? What’s up with the rest of the facility? Everything going all right?

I have some funny stuff to discuss, Ted said. You know the small poodle Burt Phillips has? The horny dog called Renoir?

Yeah, I know that dog, Betty remarked. Every time he sees me he humps my leg. The muscles he has in his forepaws are something else. He grabs my shin in his front legs and has at it. Damned dog is a purebred construction-grade jackhammer!

Ted chuckled. "Yup, that’s the dog. He got off his leash last week and found his way into the corral behind the red barn. That’s where we house our mule, Catfish. Anyway, Renoir decided to hump Catfish’s hind leg.

"When the dog began hammering, Catfish swung her head around, saw the dog, and flung out her hind leg so hard, the dog broke loose high into the air, over the corral fence, and into the goat pen. Felix, the goat with the silver beard, saw the dog come in for a landing, lowered his head, and tried to head butt the dog, and missed. Renoir wrapped his forelegs around the goat’s neck and began humping away.

That’s when one of the staff saw what was going on and separated the two. Just about then, Burt showed up and got the amorous dog leashed up.

Ronnie looked up. Why doesn’t Burt have that dog neutered? That’d solve the humping issue I think?

I asked Burt that very same question, Ted said. "He feels that neutering will harm the animal’s personality, and he likes Renoir just the way he is.

The good news is that the elevator is fixed. Remember? It’s the one that kept getting stuck between floors? The company sent out a pair of technicians and they totally replaced the electronics in the control panel. The elevator works great now, and the best part is that as a freebie to Villa Paradiso, the technicians gave us elevator music in each of our three elevators. One plays classical, the other jazz, and the third oldies but goodies. Nice, huh?

Yeah, Betty said, I know. I rode in the one that plays classical stuff and I wanted to put that thing in overdrive. A simple tune on a banjo or guitar is good for me, but not that tuxedo and ball gown stuff.

Fifi chuckled. We’ll get used to it, Betty. Or better yet, use the stairs. Good cardio exercise.

I got all the cardio exercise I needed in my lifetime when my dear departed husband and I bagged and sold chicken poop. I don’t need any more heart healthy work at present. I’ll ride the elevator that plays oldies, thank you.

The Showdown

Delores moved closer to her laptop screen. Change your tone of voice, counselor, and adjust your attitude. You’re not talking to one of your seedy friends. You owe me nearly four weeks’ wages and reimbursement for travel expenses. You can transfer my money to the account number I gave you. Do it electronically, and do it now. I’ve given you the link.

I no longer have access to funds from Shaidy Acres, Delores. I’ve been locked out of all business accounts. In other words, no money. Sorry about that, kiddo.

I don’t care, Isaiah. Pay me from your personal account.

No can do. That’s an unauthorized expense and my accountant won’t allow it.

I do NOT believe that. Open your wallet, Isaiah. Pull out a credit card. Use the one you charge dinners and booze you ply your girlfriends with. I need my money.

Go away, Delores. You never worked for me, remember? You worked as an employee of Shaidy Acres. Get your back pay and travel pay from them.

The Skype connection quit and Delores stared at a gray screen. You know what, Isaiah? I may just do that. I’ll contact Shaidy Acres.

Delores picked up her cell phone and pressed a few buttons.  After two rings, she heard, Good morning. Thank you for calling the accounting department at Shaidy Acres. My name’s Bridget, how may I help you?

Hi, Bridge. This is Delores Chapman-Bing, remember me?

Oh my, yes, Delores. How’re you doing?

Well, I’d be doing a whole lot better if I could get my back wages from Shaidy Acres. Isaiah Shaidy said he’d handle my payroll account personally. I haven’t been paid for about four weeks and I’m owed money for travel expenses.

Let me see if I can help. I think that payroll has cleared all payouts, but let me check. Can you hold?

Yes. This is important. I’ll hold.

Delores clicked her computer files, and brought up a ledger sheet detailing her unpaid wages, and a record of her travel expenses.

Delores? Bridget said.

Yes. I’m here.

"Our payroll records show the date you