Apart from that first day, Brent had shared few shifts with Rona since she'd started working at the bookshop. She was still in a probationary period and was not quite trusted by Guy to work at the shop by herself, so usually it was her and Guy working together - Guy handling the lion's share of the customers, what few there were, but every now and then permitting Rona to serve one, just to see how if she had the knack. She picked it up quickly, even given Guy's slightly archaic working methods.

Guy liked what he saw, which Brent figured out for himself by the ever-increasing volume of shifts he gave Rona - who always agreed to do them, something Guy liked especially - and Guy confirmed his approval of her when Rona eventually had a day off, and he and Brent were working the shop together and Guy baled Brent up behind the counter:

"Brent, why did you not tell me sooner that you knew such an excellent worker as Ms. McKendrie?"

"You like her, then?" Brent grinned. "Gonna keep her on?"

"I most certainly am, young man! I would not dream of firing her, and I fear it would break my heart if she should ever choose to leave this shop."

"Loretta's not such a bad worker too, though, is she?" Brent pointed out.

"Our friend Loretta is a most diligent student, Brent, but that diligence, sadly, does not always cross over into her approach to work. Besides which, she has not an ounce of the wit of Ms. McKendrie."

"How so?"

"Why, just two days ago Rona enquired of me: 'Do you ever say anything in a hurry?'"

Brent smiled. "What did you say?"

Guy waved his hand vaguely. "I believe I gave her some long-winded reply."

"I'm surprised you put up with cheek like that" Brent said, sounding like his father.

"Brent, when one is presented with such a fastidious employee as our good friend Rona, one must tolerate certain quirks of personality."

"Is that so?" Brent was finding this whole conversation - as with most conversations he had with Guy - highly amusing. He also couldn't wait to tell Rona next time he saw her. "Sounds like my job might be in danger soon" he remarked, not seriously.

"If you continue recommending friends and acquaintances for employment here" Guy replied, "you will have nobody to blame for your demise but yourself."