Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14:30, Luke 19:12-27) (03/07/24)
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TITLE: Anxious Investment | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
03/11/24 -
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Bea Ready, the executive team’s lead personal assistant, paced back and forth in the hall with an armload of file folders. She glanced at her phone and then leaned up against the wall with a sigh. “Answer the phone,” she whispered. “He’s coming.”
Stepping out of the first door, with the nameplate 'Al Reddy Dunn', a confident figure in executive dress approached. “Hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. I think we’ve got a lot to be grateful for in this crazy market. Is there anything else you need from me?”
“You’ve done more than expected,” Bea replied. “Your investment files are in order. The returns have been great. I think the president is going to be very happy with what you’ve done.”
“Looks like you still have a few files left to work on,” Dunn said. “Any chance I can help you with those?”
“Would you? Walker was supposed to be doing his share but he’s been holed up in his office doing who knows what. I know I’m going to have to answer for this.”
Dunn reached out and accepted the four files offered. “Consider these taken care of. If Walker is too busy, I know Faith is ready for something more.”
Bea pushed away from the wall and strolled to the next open door with the nameplate 'F. Fully'. A curly mass of red topped off a smartly-groomed, young, woman in a navy-blue blazer. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she scanned the screen in front of her. Nodding, she slid back her chair and turned toward the door. “Ah, Bea, what can I do for you?” she asked.
“Al thought you might be willing to take a couple of files before the president arrives,” Bea said. “I don’t want to stretch you too much but it sure would help if you could.”
“Are you saying Random is hiding behind closed doors again?”
“It’s not for me to say who is pulling their weight around here,” Bea said. “I just need to get the work done.”
“I can take two files for now,” Faith said, reaching out and flipping open the folders. “Ah, tech and minerals, my favorites.”
“That leaves me with a single,” Bea said. “Thanks. The president should be here by two so leave those on my desk at noon and we’ll have one happy boss for our reporting session.”
Dunn emerged first with his four files and dropped them on Bea’s desk. A line of brokers and investors crowded the front office. The single file kept by the personal assistant sat askew on the corner where it had been left. “Looks like you haven’t had time for this last one,” Al said. “Let me take that off your hands. It looks like you have enough to do with this mob.”
Bea looked up from the form she was checking for the man hovering over her. “Please, you’re a lifesaver.”
Faith arrived shortly after and plunked her two completed files on top of Dunn’s stack. “Looks like we’re ready for the big boss with hours to spare. Where is Random? You don’t think he’s in there surfing the web again, do you?”
“That’s not my issue,” Bea said, turning back to the mother and daughter signing a form. “Once Al gets the last file done, we have clear sailing. Walker will have to deal with his own issues.”
Walker was the last to emerge from his office clutching a single file folder. He slumped into a chair in the conference room as Al, Faith, Bea, and President Shurman settled into place. Dozens of files rested on a small table near the head of the table.
“Bonus time, friends,” the president declared, beaming. “It’s been a good year. Dunn, you’ve carried the weight of our investments and doubled your returns. I’ve been looking for a new vice-president and you’ve earned your reward.”
Bea handed Shurman a smaller stack of files and he laid his hand on top. “Faith, another good year for you. Well done! You’ll be moving up into Dunn’s position as chief fund manager.”
A head shake said it all when he looked at Walker. “I’m sure you’ll find an easier place to work.”
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