The Business Trip

"The Buffalo office will be closed for the last two weeks of January."

Liza nearly dropped her stylus. "Closed? The entire office?"

"That's right. I'm giving everyone an extra two weeks off with pay. In appreciation for the great year we had last year."

"Hallelujah," Liza murmured.

"What's that, Ms. Montgomery?"

"Er, I said that's very generous, sir. I'm sure the employees will be ecstatic!"

"Yes, well, there's more."

Liza eagerly moved forward in her seat. Already she was planning her vacation. Maybe she'd take a cruise. It would be tight on her budget so soon after the holidays, but what the heck, a girl didn't often get the chance to get out of a Buffalo winter. And it would be the perfect opportunity to put her new life motto to work. Especially if she could find a cruise to a deserted tropical island. Heck, even an undeserted island would be terrific, and worth every hefty cent she put on her credit card. Bermuda would be great. Or she could go to Puerto Rico.

"We, of course, will be using that time well."

It took a moment for his words to filter through her mind.

"We?" she croaked.

"That's right Ms. Montgomery. I have a business trip to make. Alaska. And I want you to go with me."

"Alaska? A-l-a-s-k-a?"