Free Romancing the Schoolteacher by Mary Davis Page B

of here?” Mr. Keen waved his hand toward the door.
    â€œNo, sir.”
    The manager huffed a breath. “Out with it, so I can say no and you two will leave.”
    Lindley hoped it wouldn’t be so. The miners and kiln workers deserved better. “We have six items on our list.” He unfolded the piece of paper he held, though he doubted he would need it.
    â€œYou’re a bit big for your britches expecting so much.”
    â€œYou’re a reasonable man. I’m sure you’ll see the merit in what we’re asking for.”
    â€œI’m sure higher wages is on that list of yours. Always is. We pay what all the other mines are paying. The investors aren’t going to agree to an increase.”
    Lindley expected argument on the wages, but he would still try. “We’ll get to wages. It’s number three. First, the houses the mine company provides. They are in need of repairs. My roof leaks in three places when it rains. It’s a wonder everyone isn’t sick. The men will work harder, knowing their families are in safe, warm homes.”
    Mr. Keen pinched his eyebrows together. “Leaks?”
    â€œYes, sir. And drafts come in through cracks in the walls. I can see where the previous tenant stuffed paper in mine, but they get wet when it rains and fall out.”
    Mr. Keen stared at Lindley for a long time without speaking.
    Lindley would wait him out, daring him to refuse to repair the houses.
    Mr. Keen’s gaze shifted up to Marcus. “Your house leak?”
    Marcus cleared his throat. “Not mine personally, but I know of several that do.”
    â€œRoughly how many?”
    â€œI’d say at least half if not more.”
    â€œMake me a list of the houses and what needs fixing and what supplies will be needed. If I get the materials, will the men fix their own houses?”
    â€œYes, sir,” Marcus said.
    â€œThen I’ll see what I can do.”
    The men shouldn’t have to fix company houses without compensation, but it was better than nothing. And the men would be eager to do their own repairs if it meant better living conditions.
    â€œSecond, the miners can see the company doctor, but their families can’t. Marcus’s boy was real sick, and the doctor wouldn’t look at him at first. If—”
    Mr. Keen held out his hand to stop Lindley. “Doc’s first priority is the workers.”
    â€œYes, but—”
    â€œIf he has time, the families can see him, but the workers come first. I’ll talk to him.” Then he quickly added, “But if the families abuse the privilege, it’ll be taken away.”
    Lindley was pleased with that. “Third, wages.”
    â€œWe already covered that.”
    â€œIf the men made a little more, they would work harder, and the company could be choosier in whom they hire because everyone would want to work here.”
    The manager shook his head. “I’ll bring it up to the investors, but I know they won’t agree to it. Next.”
    Lindley supposed he couldn’t ask for more. “Fourth, script. We want part of our pay in real money.”
    â€œNo. That won’t happen. Next.”
    â€œBut—”
    Mr. Keen leaned forward. “Next.” His tone left no room for argument.
    Lindley consulted his list even though he didn’t need to. Should he try to push for real money? Maybe next time. “Shorter workday. The men would have more energy to work if they weren’t so tired.”
    â€œNow you’re just getting whiny. You sound like an old woman.” Mr. Keen waved his hand in Lindley and Marcus’s direction. “Lunch break’s almost over. Go.”
    Behind Lindley, Marcus opened the door. His boots thumped against the floor as he left.
    Lindley remained seated. “We have one more item—”
    â€œI said, you’re done.”
    Arguing seemed to be futile at this point. Lindley rose slowly, folding