Free Catnip (Dunbarton Mysteries Book 1) by Valerie Tate Page B

business. With the
unemployment situation the way it is, I’m sure there must be a lot of young
people who’d like the opportunity to earn as they learn.”
    “It sounds like a good idea, but
I’m afraid there’s no money to fund a program like that, and besides, it still
doesn’t solve the sales problem.”
    “You didn’t let me finish. You
remember I’ve mentioned my sister, Connie, the one who is studying to be a
horse vet?”
    James nodded, bewildered at how
this had anything to do with their discussion.
    “Connie told me once about an
apprenticeship program near Toronto. It was started by a local saddler and it
became so successful that it is now an official apprenticeship program of the
Provincial Government, with funding from the Department of Labor. I’m going to
look into it this week. For now, I think it would be possible for the estate to
give you a loan to get started. After all, it’s in the estate’s interest to
keep the company going, help it show a profit.
    “As for sales, it’s true that
your furniture can’t compete in the same market as companies that produce
assembly line furniture, but why should it? There’s nothing that says you have
to appeal to the mass market. You produce fine quality furniture. There’s a
market for that, and judging by the housing that I saw being built in Toronto
last week, it’s a growing market. Any number of good specialty stores across
the country that have upper or upper-middle income clientele would have a ready
market for your furniture.”
    “It’s possible, if we could get
the manpower.” James looked at him speculatively, excitement and hope growing
in his face. “You know, high schools all run wood-working programs as part of
their Design and Technology curriculum. It couldn’t hurt to approach them. They
might know some students who’d be interested in an apprenticeship program.”
    James’ excitement was contagious.
    “I’ll get Pete to call you and
set up an appointment.” Chris promised. “You work out a budget for the
apprenticeship program, and we can get together and discuss it.”
    “Good, and I’ll start approaching
the more exclusive furniture stores. I think you’re right. I was trying to run
the company the way my father did. He was able to appeal to a broad market, but
those days are gone. Nowadays, most people can’t, or won’t, afford solid wood
furniture. We’ve got to aim at a different, more affluent market. Come, we can
talk more in my office. I’ll put some coffee on. I had Mrs. Stuart pack some
cookies. I think they’re shortbread,” he added, like a small boy with a special
treat.
    And on that happy note, he turned
and led the way to his office.

Chapter 16
    ‘The little bugger is damned hard
to catch’, he thought.
    It was the second time he’d
almost had him, only to lose him up the tree at the last minute. He’d waited
half the night the last time, with nothing to show for it but sore feet. The
old bitch with the yappy dog was watching the house again, too, so he’d have to
be careful to stay out of sight.
    “Here kitty, kitty, kitty ...
Here, Marmalade ... Come see what I have for you in this nice sack … Here
kitty, kitty … Come down here, you rotten cat!”
    Just like the last time.
Sittin’ in that tree, laughing. And what’s with those birds? I thought birds
slept at night. Flyin’ from tree to tree … squeaking … Oh, no! Not birds, BATS!

Chapter 17
    The next week was spent in
feverish activity. Pete called and met James and they hit it off immediately.
Pete was interested in design work for furniture that would appeal to a younger
market using pine and maple which would make it less expensive. They also
discussed updating the look of their traditional pieces while still retaining the
quality the firm was known for.
    At the end of the week Pete went home to pack his belongings after extracting a
promise from Chris to help him find an apartment in town. James and Chris
worked out a budget