Chapter 12

"I think I know why you called me to your office," Laverne said as soon as Jo closed the office door. "And I'm sorry about Henrietta's incident."

"Henrietta's incident." Jo frowned.

Laverne had a contentious relationship with one of their chickens. Which may have been putting it mildly. For whatever reason, the chicken didn't like Laverne and whenever the resident was on the chicken's radar, she chased after her.

If Henrietta got close enough, she would peck at Laverne and had once drawn blood. It was as if the chicken sensed Laverne could be…difficult.

Hence, Jo made a point of making sure she steered clear of them. "What did you do to our chicken?"

"Nothing. Henrietta somehow got loose and was running around out back. I snuck up on her, stuck a bucket over her head and called Courtney and Carli to get her back in the coop."

"You didn't intentionally antagonize the chicken?" Jo asked.

Laverne drew an "x" on her chest. "Cross my heart. In fact, if I hadn't corralled her, she could have easily flown the coop."

"When did this take place?"

"First thing this morning."

"Hmm." Jo wasn't convinced, but let it go. None of the other residents had mentioned it, which meant it was possible Laverne was telling the truth.

"By the way, thanks for the raise."

"You're welcome." Jo removed Laverne's file from the drawer and flipped it open. "I'll get right to the point. You aren't saving your money."

"Am I supposed to be saving money? I thought I was free to spend my paycheck any way I want."

"You are, but you should always have an eye on the future. The goal is to have some money saved. Money you'll need when you leave here."

"I have plenty of time," Laverne said. "Besides, who knows what the future will bring? I could be dead. I want to enjoy what I have now."

Jo silently counted to ten. "I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying your time here and now, but you need to keep an eye on the somewhere else and later." She slipped her reading glasses on. "You only have five hundred dollars in your money market account."

"Five hundred bucks? Cool. I thought I was down to about two fifty."

"Laverne Huntsman," Jo chided. "You should have thousands saved, not a couple hundred."

"Thousands?" Laverne's jaw dropped. "Who has thousands of dollars in their money market accounts?"

"All the other residents. Everyone but you."

She blinked rapidly. "You're kidding."

"No, I'm not. Kelli, Leah, and Sherry all had a tidy sum saved when they left here, money that helped them get on their feet," Jo lectured. "You need to save for the future."

Laverne grew quiet, and Jo could almost see the wheels spinning. "How much do you think I should save?"

"At least half your paycheck, maybe more, considering you're way behind."

"I have expenses," Laverne argued.

"Like what?" Jo held up a finger. "Your housing, food, utilities, and transportation are all covered. The only expense you have is for personal toiletries and maybe paying for hobbies or other interests."

"I like nice things."

"So do I. There's nothing wrong with having nice things…if you can afford them." Jo removed a sheet of paper from her resident's file. "I ran a report of what you're spending your money on. Magazine subscriptions, a Coach purse, Godiva chocolates, Jean Malone London candles…"

Laverne interrupted. "I bought a candle. Sue me."

"According to your online debit account, it cost two hundred dollars," Jo said. "A candle, which burns up. It's like burning money."

"But it smells nice," Laverne sighed. "What else?"

"Golden Goose sneakers, five hundred dollars, a set of Harry Potter hardcovers."

"Those could be collectible and worth money someday." Laverne made a timeout. "Okay. I get it. I have expensive tastes. It's what got me here to begin with. I'll be the first to admit I know how to blow through some cash."

"My job is to help prepare you for the day you walk out of here. Mentally, physically and financially." Jo continued lecturing. "We need to create a workable budget for you."

"Fair enough. I'm ready to negotiate." Laverne licked her lips. "How about I spend half of my income on stuff I want?"

"Thirty percent," Jo shot back.

"Thirty-five," Laverne countered.

"It's a deal." Jo slammed the file folder shut. "Starting immediately. My suggestion is we open a second account for you, one which isn't tied to your primary checking account. You spend the thirty-five percent. The rest goes into savings."

"You drive a hard bargain," Laverne groaned.

"It's for your own good, for your future."

"I know. Sometimes change is painful."

"But necessary," Jo said.

"Speaking of changes, am I still going with you to pick up your wedding dress?"

"If you want to. Charlotte called this afternoon and told me it would be ready tomorrow."

"Cool. I need to grab a few things while we're in town."

Jo wagged her finger at her.

"Kidding. I'm kidding. This austerity thing is going to cramp my style." Laverne changed the subject. "Raylene is on her way out."

"It would appear so."

"You'll have two open spots."

"Yes, I will. I plan to search for new residents after Nash and I return from our honeymoon."

Laverne started to say something and stopped.

"What is it?" Jo asked.

"Will you be looking at Central State Women's Penitentiary inmates?"

"More than likely, with Pastor Murphy's input."

Laverne clasped her hands. "Can I ask your honest opinion?"

"Sure."

"Sherry, Leah, Kelli, now Raylene, they have it together, you know?"

"As in, they have a plan, and know what they want for their future?" Jo asked.

"Yeah. Sherry already had a job at Marlee's deli. Leah was offered a job at Dave Kilwin's farm. Kelli started her own little shop in town and Raylene is planning on opening a bounty hunter's business."

"I believe God gives each of us a special talent. It's up to us to use those talents to the best of our abilities, to help others and also to help ourselves. I didn't know what I wanted to do for a good many years until after my mother's death."

"But once you figured it out, you went full steam ahead," Laverne said.

"I did. God put all the pieces in place. Was it always easy? No. There have been more than a few hiccups along the way." Jo pressed her palms together. "But now, I can't envision doing anything else."

"It takes a special person to take on a bunch of former convicts."

"It does. What society views as hopeless, I see the opposite. I see potential. I've seen it in every resident who has stepped foot on the farm."

Laverne lowered her head and studied her hands in her lap. "Including me?"

"Yes. Including you," Jo said softly.

"I don't," she whispered.

Jo slowly stood. She circled the desk and eased into the empty chair next to Laverne. "You like analyzing people. Why don't you consider a career in mental health?"

Laverne's head shot up. "Do you think so? I mean, someone would actually hire me?"

Jo shrugged. "Why not? What if…"

"What if what?"

"You worked with women who found themselves in a similar situation. You could help them figure out what makes them tick, pinpoint what sort of issues are holding them back, and help them overcome those hurdles."

"I like the idea." Laverne brightened. "When Raylene started her online course, I was checking out some other stuff. Do you think I could take a few courses?"

"Absolutely," Jo said. "In fact, why don't you ask Raylene to help you find some courses that interest you and we'll go from there?"

Laverne impulsively hugged her. "I think I will."

"You would have to pursue this career in a warm and caring way, not abrasive and in your face," Jo warned.

"Right. Yeah. I'm kinda bossy, but if I channeled my bossiness in a positive way, I could help others."

"You could."

Laverne jumped up. "I'm gonna run over there now and see if Raylene will show me how to check out what's available. Thanks, Jo."

"You're welcome." Jo gave her a thumbs up. "About your spending."

"I know. Let's get my finances straightened out. I need to think about my future." Laverne headed out and Jo stared at the door long after she left.

"It's amazing what a little pep talk and a few words of encouragement can accomplish."