Impressions of the Board

The board was very happy the criminal cases were solved within Foreman Scandinavia Import and wanted now to meet the new Chief Security Officer.

Carnita Graziano, Wes Clinton, Roman Bush and Laura Meegan made up the board, while Stanford Powell was the CEO.

He had described Coldham Fintan Noose III as young, but capable and driven.

Neither Stanford Powell nor the others saw it necessary to inform Mr. Noose.

They were in for a surprise. When they arrived at the security they were shocked to hear a baby crying with earsplitting volume. Children weren’t normally allowed on the premises. What was a kid doing there?

To Stanford’s dismay Mr. Noose had brought his 21 months old daughter Casey to work, because his wife had suddenly become ill and couldn’t take care of the daughter. Stanford didn’t believe his ears, when Mr. Noose claimed he had given him permission to bring the kid to work. He was fuming. Mr. Noose hadn’t told the CEO anything about his intentions. Of course Stanford had to play along.

Thank goodness the rest of the meeting went fine and the impression the board of Mr. Noose was overall good. They thought he was a specialist in his field and competent.

Of course the toddler had to cause an embarrassing incident. She called Carnita granny, who wasn’t delighted at all since she was only thirty eight. Mr. Noose apologized and explained what he thought was going on in Casey’s mind. The board didn’t believe it, though. It was unlikely that Casey would ask after her real grandmother, when Carnita didn’t know the family at all.

When they were back in Stanford’s office he was confronted by Wes about the child. “How could you let Mr. Noose bring the kid to work? Even if it was only an exception if others hear about it you will soon have a crèche and a kindergarten. This place isn’t made for kids and we aren’t insured to have them around. Did you think about what kind of liabilities we could face should something happen to Casey?” “Yes, I thought about it, but what is better? Mr. Noose is here and taking care of the business or he’s staying at home, because that’s what he was threatening to do, since he was unable to get a babysitter at such short notice?” Stanford was furious with Mr. Noose, who forced him essentially to lie and take the blame for him bringing the child unauthorized to work. “Now, don’t worry, Wes. It seems Mr. Noose has the toddler under control and it’s not in his own interest something is going to happen to her. From tomorrow there’s a babysitter in place and everything’s back to normal.” Roman soothed. “I agree with Wes,” Carnita put in, “it was irresponsible of you and hope this is a once off.” “Naturally it is.” Stanford struggled to keep calm. Laura touched Stanford’s arm and said: “It’s not a big issue for me and maybe we should really consider to offer a day care option for our employees…” “No, that goes too far!” Carnita interjected. “We aren’t a welfare state. The workers must look out for themselves.” The others agreed, so the idea was buried. The meeting came to a close.

As soon as they were gone Stanford went looking for Mr. Noose, who had conveniently left for the day.

Sleeping over it the CEO was much calmer when he confronted his CSO the next day. Originally he had asked Mr. Noose to come immediately to his office. Being own minded Mr. Noose didn’t obey. He first released his nightshift team. Stanford thought a serious talk was necessary. "When I ask you to come immediately to my office I mean it, is that clear?" "Of course. If I follow the order is another thing." "I think you have a real problem with authority, haven't you?" "I do." Mr. Noose admitted it freely. "Does it make sense to reprimand you for bringing your daughter to work, which isn't allowed?" "Probably not." Stanford sighed and nodded defeated: "I thought so. I still demand that it won't happen again, or I will cut your pay. Is that clear?" "Very." "Good. Go back to work." "Yes, sir." When Mr. Noose had closed the door behind him, Stanford shook his head. Mr. Noose and he had very different personalities and it caused them to clash on a regular basis. The CSO was going to leave in five months’ time to pursue his own career somewhere else. Originally the position had been offered temporary to Mr. Noose, but he had proven to be capable of doing the job, so Stanford had offered Mr. Noose he could stay on as the head of the security department, which he had refused. Stanford wasn’t clear what he felt about it. There were going to be less arguments. That was for sure. On the other side it was refreshing to have somebody, who wasn’t a yes sayer. It added a bit more flair and drama to the day to day business. No matter how Stanford looked at it he was going to miss Mr. Noose.

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