by Michelle Day
“I’ll be here for the first few if you want me to but there are a couple of things I need to get done this afternoon so I’m not staying long.”
“OK, tell me what you’re looking for in the admin department.”
“Good telephone manner and ability to take an accurate message is a must. Typing skills are essential too. I’m not overly bothered with their qualifications to be honest; they need to have just a general air of calm efficiency about them and don’t pick anyone too attractive.”
Phil looked up from the paperwork at Paul’s last statement. “Pardon me? Not too attractive?”
“Don’t play dumb Phil.” Paul chuckled and dragged his hands through his still damp hair. “At some point there’s going to be me and three ladies in the office. You’ve read the papers, you know what I’m capable of, I don’t want to run the risk of the ladies being overly attractive and me having to call into play the clear desk policy if you catch my drift.”
“You could of course, act with a modicum of decorum and set yourself a no inter office relationship rule.”
“Yeah, I tried that at Dad’s office. Didn’t work. I love women, I’m weak when it comes to them.”
Shaking his head, Phil strolled around his desk to address his young employer. “Paul, I’m saying this as your partner and your friend, no banging the staff ok?”
“You’re no fun.” Paul grinned up at him, “But ok, I will behave when I’m here, it’s the least I can do seeing as I don’t behave anywhere else.”
“Exactly. Now, the first lady is due in about ten minutes, I suggest you leave.”
“You’ve changed your tune.” He laughed, getting a frown in return, “Ok, I’m going. I’m taking one of the vans though. See you tomorrow.”
Chapter Fifteen
Leaving the yard, he took a sharp left heading towards the factory owned and operated by his maternal grandparents but he made an important stop on the way.
Having come to the conclusion that sharing the car was somewhat inconvenient for both his brother and himself, he had decided to give the existing car to Matt and buy another for his own use. Initially intending to buy a used car, his attention of late had been caught by the shiny new car showroom that had recently opened a few roads away from the flat he shared with his Uncle.
Parking the van amongst the bright, expensive new vehicles, he didn’t bother with the pretence of looking around the forecourt and instead strolled straight into the showroom and allowed the salesmen within to fawn over him shamelessly after he announced that he wasn’t leaving here today without securing the purchase of a new car.
One hour and a considerably lighter bank balance later, he was the proud new owner of a bright white Audi Quattro, with enough specs to make your eyes water. The salesman had almost passed out when his young customer had paid for the vehicle in full after stating that he had no need for finance or part payments and that he wanted delivery of the vehicle at the earliest possible date.
He was humming happily to himself as he entered through the revolving front door of his grandparent’s factory. He stopped at the reception desk, handing over a bunch of flowers to the woman who had been there for as long as he could remember before leaning down and kissing both her cheeks as was the norm in this place which was staffed and run by those of Spanish decent. He made enquiries; in Spanish, about the woman’s daughter who John had told him had recently married and was expecting her first child. She in turn enquired about his own son and informed him that his Grandparents and Uncle were all in attendance.
Instead of taking the stairs to the right of the reception desk that would lead him directly to the offices, he chose instead to enter via the factory floor. Now largely automated, each pair of shoes produced was hand finished with meticulous detail. He stopped just inside the doors and drew a deep breath, inhaling the smell of leather and listening to the voices of the workers as they conversed in his favourite language. Memories from his childhood came flooding back and he realised it had been many years since he had been here.
Taking his time, he walked the factory floor re-acquainting himself with the staff there, old and new and many generations of the same family. He found himself embraced in the community spirit of the workers and realised this camaraderie was something that was sorely missing from the offices of Jensen Incorporated.
Eventually making his way upstairs, he was pleased to find his Grandparents in good health although they admonished him for not paying them a visit sooner. While apologising, he glanced around his Grandfathers’ office and couldn’t help but notice the empty glass fronted cabinets and the packing boxes.
Seeing the direction of his gaze Paula sat beside him and took his hand as she explained that she and Jackson were in the process of retiring and returning to Spain, John would be in complete control of the company by the end of the year.
She told him that they had bought a small holding in the countryside as opposed to moving into the beach front villa but that they would still be using the villa in the holiday season and perhaps he would like to bring his young son to visit them.
John had left while they talked only to return with a hamper from the local delicatessen from which he produced wine and deeply filled sandwiches. He expressed his own concerns at taking over the factory and stated that he would prefer his parents to remain on for quite some time but their refusal was adamant and other than selling the company and risking the jobs of all those employed there, he had little choice but to take over.
To lighten the mood while they ate, Paul told them of his jaunt to the car showroom and filled them in on the latest escapades of his little boy and his young cohort Luke. He promised, with his hand on his heart that he would talk to Carmen and try to have Gavin for at least a weekend so that he could meet his Great Grandparents.
When the call came a few weeks later informing him that his new car had arrived at the showroom and was ready for collection, Paul could barely contain his excitement. He called his Mother and re-arranged their regular lunch date, making it later in the day than usual therefore giving him time to collect his car and take it on a quick jaunt before collecting her.
He hadn’t been home since the incident with his Father and the car bonnet and even though Michael was at work, he had told Monica he would wait outside for her. He was mildly surprised to see the old Escort Mexico sitting on the driveway a shot a questioning glance towards it as his Mother opened the front door.
“What’s wrong with the car?” He asked as he bent to kiss her cheek.
Monica hugged him close, refusing to let go as he made to step back, she felt rather than heard his soft laugh as he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “Matthew is working from home today, there’s nothing wrong with the car and I think you have been more than generous with his use of it, you are supposed to be sharing after all.”
Releasing her from the hug but keeping an arm around her shoulder, Paul turned her to face his new acquisition. “That’s not going to be a problem anymore. I splurged on a new car, Matt can keep that one.” He guided her forward and opened the passenger door.
He had forgone the classic black leather interior for a gentler dove grey one and along with every available knob and dial, he was completely and utterly in love with this car. It had the sportiness that he’d yearned for but also had enough room for child seats in the back with the added advantage of the car only having two doors in the front so that little hands couldn’t play with door handles.
“This is very nice.” Monica spoke as she took in the overall effect of the car with her son standing proudly by. “It smells brand new.”
“It is. I picked it up about an hour ago. Go and get Matt, he can come to lunch with us and I’ll grab the papers for the Escort on the way back.”
Monica turned away and headed towards the house, “No gloating Paul.” She warned.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He grinned. It would be exceptionally difficult for him not too. As it turned out, he didn’t
need to. Matt stopped at the curb and surveyed the bright white Audi in front of him, then he turned back to look at the Escort before addressing his brother.
“You jammy git!” He exclaimed. “I hate you just a little.”
“If it’s any consolation Matt, I fully intend to sign the Escort over to you.”
Gasping dramatically and feigning surprise by clutching his chest, Matt looked his brother straight in the eye and said, “Oh wow, thanks Paul.” He threw in a healthy dose of sarcasm for good measure.
“Oh come on, everything is sorted with it now, if you look after it, one day it’ll be a classic and worth a bloody fortune.”
“At which point you will claim the credit for finding the car in the first place and want half the cash.”
Paul leaned into his car and pulled the passenger seat forward, gesturing for Matt to climb into the back, “Even I’m not that shallow. I’ll help you out with it if any problems come up but other than that, you’re on your own. I worked hard for this and I rarely buy myself anything, you could at least try and be happy for me.”
“Is lunch on you?” Matt asked, taking on board his brothers words.
“Of course.” Paul answered and stepped back to allow Monica into the car before walking around to the driver’s side.
“Then I’m happy for you.” Matt told him.
Glancing in his rear view mirror and summing up Matt’s expression, Paul smiled and accepted his brothers’ admission. It was inevitable that Matt would be jealous of the car but given the vast difference in the amounts they earned, it was also a given that Paul would ultimately end up with more material possessions than Matt could dream of.
Lunch over, he took a quick trip to the yard as he hadn’t yet met his new members of staff and after being introduced, approving some new plans and signing a few cheques, he left them to it and headed to Jensen Incorporated.
Along with and under Norman’s advice, the pair had begun to buy up companies that Daddy dearest’s firm wasn’t interested in. This usually involved an initial investment from Paul as he was the one with the healthy bank balance with Norman taking a cut of the profit from the break down and sale of these companies. Paul’s only stipulation for being involved in this was that, wherever possible, existing staff in these companies were to retain their jobs or receive an above average redundancy package where that wasn’t possible.
Although Paul was more than capable of re-structuring these companies, he left the bulk of it to Norman as the older man had more time in the office to complete the required paperwork. He had to admit though, when presented with either a large cheque or bundle of cash, it gave him an adrenalin rush which was heightened each and every time he paid the money into the bank and saw the balance rise.
Unfolding the cheque Norman passed him; he smiled and shook the other man’s hand, “I think I may need a visit to my accountant.”
“Ah, I thought it was about time you opened an off shore account.” Norman quipped.
Feigning indignation, Paul shook his head, “How can you even suggest such a thing, you know full well that everything I do is above board.”
Norman’s loud laugh drew the gazes of the typing pool girls and made Paul close their office door.
“Seriously Norm, this money is going to come in very handy when I finally take over the club but even though I’m not exactly broke, the club is going to take quite a bit of my disposable income and I want to make as much as humanly possible in the next few years if I’m going to keep on top of things once its mine. With that in mind, what’s the next potential deal?”
Norman passed over a folder, “Have a look through this when you have time, this is a big one and you may not want to go for it but it could give us a serious edge with our competition if we pull this off.”
“Ok, you know I trust you. I’ll look over the papers.” He glanced over his shoulder as he noticed the other office staff snapping to attention one by one as they watched the counter on the elevator. “I have to make a move, looks like the old man’s arrival is imminent. Just tell me upfront how much initial investment you need from me.”
“Around twenty five grand should secure it.”
“Fine, I’ll have it by the morning, see you then.” He grasped the other man’s hand and shook it. “I wasn’t here ok?”
Norman nodded while opening the office door allowing Paul enough time to hide behind it as Michael walked past, ignoring those staff he considered unimportant, which included Norman. As soon as the coast was clear, Norman gestured to Paul to leave, slapping his back on his way to the lift.
A tortuous few days followed courtesy of Jensen Incorporated and the piles of files that Michael had saved especially for his son. Having not spoken or even looked at Paul since the boy had smashed his elbow into his face breaking his nose and dislodging a few teeth, Michael had saved these files deliberately and despatched his secretary to fetch his youngest son and escort him to the inner sanctum of his office.
What Michael didn’t count on was Paul’s smugness as he stood in front of him. Paul’s scars from their altercation were easily covered by careful placement of his hands or by simply putting them in his pockets, Michael’s scar over his carefully reconstructed nose, was still healing and created a focal point of a bold red line across the bridge.
Pulling himself out of his customary slouch, making his six foot two inch frame even more impressive in his hand made suit, Paul smirked at his Father as he tried to make him feel uncomfortable in his overly masculine but exceedingly untidy office. Not only did the sight of the raised red scar across Michael’s nose fill him with a perverse sense of satisfaction knowing that he had caused it but the knowledge that darling Daddy was passing up prime opportunities to make obscene amounts of money off the backs of the small businesses he rejected filled him with unmitigated glee.
He wouldn’t allow his dismay to show at the simply massive stack of files Michael gestured to and he didn’t say a word as he picked them up and headed back to his own office. Whilst he knew that sifting through this paperwork would be a royal pain in the backside, it would also afford him plenty of new leads and successful contacts making him even more money than he already had.
Michael noted his son’s demeanour towards him and admitted to himself that he couldn’t entirely blame him. Monica had allowed him back into the marital home on the condition that he made exhaustive efforts to build bridges with their youngest son, given Paul’s attitude however, it seemed as if his darling wife had forgotten to inform their son that it was a two way street.
Over the last few weeks, he had noticed that Paul no longer wore the suit he had bought for him and unless he was sorely mistaken, the ones that his son virtually modelled around the office these days were handmade and perfectly fitted to his form. It had also been brought to his attention that Paul had requested a parking permit for the underground garage and on leaving his own car there, he had checked out the space now occupied by a brand new, showroom clean, white Audi Quattro and he had to wonder where the money was coming from.
For Paul’s part, he had seen more of his Father in the last few weeks than he had in a lifetime and that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Michael was being uber observant of late and had developed a habit of appearing in the office he shared when he and Norman put their heads together while working on the finer points of a deal making the pair even more cautious with the consequence of making them appear devious.
Norman had also noticed his employers increased presence in his office and he didn’t like it one little bit. Although what he was doing with the youngest Jensen technically wasn’t illegal, it would be construed as taking business away from Jensen Incorporated. Even though the clients businesses and money they were utilising had already been rejected as unworthy by Michael. Bearing in mind, being five minutes late back from lunch break was viewed as stealing company time, the deals that were making Paul and Norman very wealthy men would be a case for instant dismissal and possible
blacklisting. It was with this in mind that the pair decided to conduct their insolvency activities outside of the Jensen Incorporated offices.
Chapter Sixteen
“Have you seen Paul’s new car?” Michael raised the subject of the albatross which was their youngest son over breakfast.
Looking up from buttering her toast, Monica answered, “Of course, he took me to lunch in it last week. It’s very nice.”
“It’s completely unnecessary. He’s managed sharing a car with Matthew all this time.”
Sighing, Monica regarded her husband as he perused the morning paper, “In case you hadn’t noticed, Paul no longer lives here, he has needed the car several times but it seems that Matthew had other plans for it resulting in Paul not being able to easily get to and from work and as he has various jobs he needs to get to as opposed to Matthew’s one, he felt the need to purchase his own car so that they could have one each.” She explained, and now that she had his full attention, “I was under the impression that you were going to try to make amends with Paul.”
It was Michael’s turn to sigh. Laying down the paper, he addressed his wife, “It is extremely difficult to do that when I hardly see the boy and when I do have reason to talk to him, he is surly and aggressive towards me and his attitude is yet to change.”
“It’s hardly surprising seeing as you shut his hand in the bonnet of his car.” She bit out.
“Are you never going to forgive me for that?”
Leaving the table and reaching for the kettle, she looked back at him, “Probably not and I wouldn’t expect it from Paul anytime soon either.”
Closing up the club in the wee hours of Sunday morning, Paul jumped in his car and instead of heading home, turned in the opposite direction. He had a birthday party to get to. He’d not only missed the birth of his son but also his first two birthdays due to work commitments, all of which were bones of contention to Carmen and were raised repeatedly when they argued.