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.
©2015
