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Born and raised in England, Margaret B. Davidson now resides in upstate New York. She has approximately 300 fiction and non-fiction stories published in print and online magazines, and is proud that one of her fiction stories has been nominated for the 2006 Pushcart Prize. Margaret may be reached at MargaretDa@aol.com.

Noah smiled as he considered how well-deserved the honor was. After all, he owned the town's largest business, compensated his employees generously, and paid his extensive taxes on time. Yes, he thought, Lesser Messington would be just another dying country town without the boost Reckless Abandonment provided the local economy.

Noah's reverie was interrupted by a sharp rap on the door, and Sandy entered waving a sheaf of papers.

"I think this guy has possibilities, boss." Sandy dumped the papers on Noah's desk.

"Hung out at the Skipperville County Courthouse like you suggested. Found several possibilities, but this one seemed especially bummed out. I waited a few days, and then called him. Didn't seem interested at first, but then he calls back and tells me he's been thinking things over and wants to know more."

After Sandy left, Noah spent another minute congratulating himself on how good he was to his employees. Then, glancing at the clock, he realized it was time to walk the resort, chat to clients, ensure that all needs were being satisfied. He straightened his tie, slicked back his hair, and strode outside.

A few days later, David Wilson stared across the desk at Noah, a nervous tic just below his left eye. David was neat in appearance, clean-shaven, hair slightly receding. Certainly no Don Juan, but reasonable enough, thought Noah.

"Let me tell you a little about our operation here, David. Reckless Abandonment is my baby. I founded it, and I run it. We're a resort that caters mainly to New Yorkers. Specifically, women who want a little extra out of life. Something that's missing from the daily grind of lunches at Twenty-One and charity teas.

"These ladies want excitement and romance, David, but they don't want the scandal so often associated with such activities. Our business here at Reckless Abandonment is to provide a safe environment in which these women can indulge their wildest fantasies. We're exclusive, we're secretive, and we're expensive.

"Okay, that's my spiel. Now tell me about yourself, David. Given what I've just explained, can you tell me why you think you'd be right for a position with us?"

David seemed more relaxed now, crossed one leg over the other. "I'm quite good with women."

"Here's the address of our tailor. He'll outfit you with sports clothes, tux, dress shirts, etc. Although your first assignment is scheduled to arrive two weeks from now we expect you to begin work with us during the interim so you can familiarize yourself with our facilities and procedures. Is that acceptable?

"One last thing, and, this is of the utmost importance. It is absolutely forbidden that our employees have any contact whatsoever with our guests once they leave Reckless Abandonment. Is that clear?"

"Good, because if this rule is not obeyed there will be consequences. Understood?"

By the time Clementine Andropolis arrived at Reckless Abandonment, David was well versed in what his duties were to be. He was nowhere in sight when the helicopter carrying Clementine touched down and she was greeted by Noah. However, later, as Clementine sat sipping a martini at the bar, David slid onto the stool next to her. Noah watched from across the room and nodded in satisfaction. Thanks to training, David had lost his hangdog demeanor and was behaving like the suave man of the world he was expected to be. Clementine appeared mesmerized by his conversation. So far, so good.

Noah encountered the two only sporadically over the next week, but it was confirmed by housekeeping staff that David was a nightly visitor in Clementine's suite. It seemed that David was going to work out well as a member of Reckless Abandonment's staff.

The following weekend, Noah was on hand for the tearful farewell. David and Clementine clung to one another for several minutes before she climbed the steps to the helicopter, turned, and then waved before she disappeared inside.

"David's not going to work out," Clementine said. She and Noah were sipping cappucinos at their usual café in downtown Skipperville. He's called me three times in two days, and he's insisting we get together soon."

"Okay, the usual procedure. String him along for another day or so while I arrange for Sandy to take care of things." He sighed."I hate this side of the business. I actually liked the guy." He swallowed, taking a swipe at his eyes with his handkerchief.

Noah brightened. "Ah, what would I do without loyal people like you, my dear. Your role is onerous, yet you never complain. If I had nobody I could rely on to evaluate new employees we'd have irate husbands suing Reckless Abandonment from here into the next century. Thank you, dear Clementine."

"Unfortunately, David Wilson has not abided by our agreement and must be terminated before he becomes a security risk. Can I rely on you to handle it?"

"As usual, time is of the essence. I don't need the details. Just let me know when it's done."

After Sandy left, Noah put his feet on his desk and stared up at the wall. When life distressed him the onyx-framed plaque always brought him comfort.