After discussing progress with Peter over the phone for twenty minutes, I begin reviewing stacks of photo proof sheets from the Aces—photos of guns and associated memorabilia for display in the museum when it opens next year. I've selected cover shots and most interior photos. Scribble notes for use in captions and references in text. Use a jeweler's loupe to find attention-grabbing close-up photos.

Suddenly, Louise is standing beside me. When I look up, she says, "Dick wants us in his office, now. Please remember to address Peter Marriott as Mr. Marriott, Jill. He has asked that all of us address him in this manner, as a show of respect." In Dick's office, I lean against a window frame looking out on Virginia Street. "Please sit down," he says as he dials.

Ignoring him, I look at Louise and say, "Good morning." Louise nods.

When Peter answers, Dick says, "Louise and I are here with Jill, Mr. Marriott."

"Good morning, everyone," says Peter. When we answer, he asks, "How are our projects proceeding, Jill?" He and I have discussed this already, but he wants to discuss it again with Dick and Louise in the room.

"I've distributed the first issue of Doc's Talks," I say from where I lean against the window frame. "The historical foundation representative called to say that they are looking forward to the rest of the series. If the other issues are of similar quality, they will reprint excerpts as part of their Casino Americana series."

"Delightful," says Peter. "Anything from the publication review boards?"

"Haven't heard from any," I say.

"Louise has heard from four," says Dick. "Every one says that they will give Doc's Talks their highest award for an individual issue. They are excited about seeing subsequent issues."

"Can't say I'm surprised after seeing it myself. Anything from our patrons, Dick?"

"We'll have to reprint another two thousand copies to meet the demand," says Dick. "By the way, Kevin decided to put an issue in each invitation to a high roller. Kevin predicts a three percent response rate based on test samples. All respondents played in the casino and praised the magazine to a floor supervisor."

"Well, looks like we may all get our bonuses for fourth quarter after all," says Peter, "and how are the employees responding?"

Louise speaks up and says, "They think it's the best issue we've ever produced, Mr. Marriott. They're bursting with pride and enthusiasm."

Peter asks, "What do you say, Jill?"

"You'll love the next one," I say to the phone.

"Wonderful," says Peter, "and how's that coming along?"

"I was working on it when Louise asked me to join this meeting," I tell him.

"We'll let you get back to work in a moment, Jill," says Peter. "How is your other project going?"

"We'll join Glenn's meeting at ten this morning," I say in reply. "Morty at eleven and then the day shift managers' meetings this afternoon."

"Sounds promising," says Peter. "Are you receiving all the support you need from Louise and Dick?"

Dick lifts his eyes slowly to meet mine as I pause. Peter and I discussed this and decided to include the pause. Finally, I say, "No complaints, Peter."

Dick releases a sigh of relief, and then stares at me. Louise is staring at me as well.

"You're certainly holding up your end of the bargain, Dick," says Peter. "You said that you would provide Jill with unqualified support and you have. Anyone have any questions or comments before we adjourn?"

No one says anything so Peter disconnects.

Looking at me, Dick says, "Looks like you're staying. Thank you for not ratting me out." When I say nothing, he says, "My order still stands. I don't want you in any of my executive or staff meetings. Is that understood?"

"Understood," I say.

"One more thing. Louise, why didn't you tell Jill to address Mr. Marriott formally? She called him Peter during our conversation."

"I did, Dick," says Louise. "In fact, I told Jill before we came in here."

Looking at me, Dick asks, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Peter didn't complain," I say.

"That's it," he says. "Louise, write up Jill Price for insubordination. I want to see it signed and on my desk within the hour. Both of you go," says Dick.

As we step out, Louise indicates that I should follow to her office. Inside, she closes the door, sits down and begins writing on letterhead. Still writing, she says, "What's the matter with you, Jill? Despite my verbal request, you insist upon calling Mr. Marriott by his given name."

"Peter doesn't seem to mind," I tell her.

She extends the sheet of paper, which probably documents my insubordination. "Please sign and date it," says Louise. When I do not respond, she signs and dates it. "It still goes in your file, Jill. Are you sure you want this?" When I shrug, she asks, "Why are you fighting us on this, Jill? It's important."

Ask, "Anything else? I'm on deadline here." When she waves a hand in dismissal, I turn, open her door and leave.

At ten, I join Glenn's meeting with his executive staff in the conference room for the videotaping and training. Dick attends as well. As I move to sit beside Liz, Dick hurries over and says, "You said you wouldn't attend." Sitting, I look at him.

He stands beside me for a moment. Looks at his watch as people gather for the executive staff meeting, walks back to his chair and Glenn starts the meeting on time.

The video review and debriefing afterward proceed smoothly, bringing up some positive and only a few items of constructive criticism for Glenn to work on for next time. Since Liz is running the project, I pass my comments to her. She then brings them up with Glenn.

We move on to Morty's meeting, which also goes well. That afternoon, we have two sessions'one with each of Glenn and Morty's day shift managers.

Afterward, Liz and her team are ecstatic that the training is going smoothly. Flushed with initial success, they talk about the positive effects that this training may have. We discuss the afternoon meetings we'll have with the swing shift managers. Liz states that if the training continues to go this well, the first six candidates will graduate after a few sessions. Once Liz dismisses Samantha and Thomas, we look at one another.

With a slight frown and a smile, Liz asks, "What?"

"I've been protecting this project from Dick, Liz."

Leaning forward and narrowing her eyes, she asks, "Are you going to tell me why he hates you?"

Ignoring her question, I say, "He may approach you about putting the project on hold or even killing it. Just acknowledge his order."

"Then what? Walk out and start my business a few months early?"

"Within a day, Dick will tell you to proceed as scheduled."

She looks at me. "Tell me what the hell you have going on here, girl." When I give her no reaction, she asks, "You have something on him, don't you?"

Standing, I walk to the door. Looking at her, I say, "By the way, I plan to go away for the holidays but I'll be back in early January." When Liz just stares at me from her desk, I leave her. Sitting in Louise's office, I chat about the sessions with her. Give her a general, positive report.

Louise is excited, telling me that the employees seem elated over the new atmosphere at Doc's Place. She pauses and glances up at the doorway. "Oh good. Jill, someone I want you to meet. Marion Drull, this is Jill Price."

Turn my head slowly and look up at him standing beside my shoulder. Glance at his offered hand and then turn to look at Louise again.

Marion joins us, moving around me to sit in the other chair facing Louise across her desk. "Are you talking about the videotaping and training sessions?" he asks.

Standing, I say, "We're on schedule, Louise. I'll let you know when I have something for review." She stares at me, her mouth slightly open, as I walk away. In my office, I grab my keys, shut off the light and boogie for the door.

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