Chapter 42: Fuel Problems

On Monday morning Helena woke up at 7am with a worry and immediately thought of the airport. Fred looked at her. Getting out of bed they dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. Calling Bill they asked for a ride to the airport. Julie picked them up at 8.30. Calling into the office Lisa mentioned “Funny over the weekend they changed the fuel payment system for this business. We must pay for the fuel immediately and not on a weekly basis as in the past, our previous business is not effected with that change.”

Helena asked Fred to go over the books with Lisa whilst she finds out what is going on.

Helena walked over to the administration office for airport fuel and asked to immediately see the Manager. He came out and took her into his office. Helena asked what was going on with the new fuel arrangements. He knew nothing. Harry mentioned ‘He is truthful’

They called in the two Shift Managers who knew nothing as well. The other Shift Manager is off today but if you insist I will call him in. Helena insisted.

After 20 minutes the other Shift Manager, looking so full of himself, demanded to know why he was called in. Helena stumbled against him. Harry advised ‘He is being paid off. Infact he has just got a payment of $4,850 in his car glove pocket. This is his 2^nd payment. He paid the previous one into his credit card. From the old business owners.’

Helena asked the Manager. “What happens when you find out an employee is being paid, by outside people, to change the system without your knowledge?”

“That is a sack-able offence and can be subject to criminal charges.” He replied.

“Can you asked this shift manager why he has just received a payment, in cash, of $4850 and to prove it, the money is in his company car?” Helena advised.

The Manager looked at her with horror. The Shift Manager tried to run out of the door but tripped over Helena foot hitting his head hard on the door. Helena helped him up and Harry placed a pain truth action in his mind.

The Manager called in the other Shift Manager, Giving him his keys asked him to bring the envelope from this person’s car glove box. Use gloves to handle the envelope carefully for prints. He took out an evidence bag and came back with the envelope. They opened the envelope in the bag and it indeed contain cash.

Helena asked “Can my business go back to weekly payments please and I let you deal with this crook in your way?”

Both the Manager and Shift Manager said “Certainly from this moment it’s weekly again.” in unison. Helena thanked them and left the office for them to pick up the pieces.

Helena walked back to Lisa. “Problem fixed, we are back to weekly payments.” Fred, Lisa, Trudy and Danielle looked astonished at her. “Just some fraud problem the department will deal with.” She explained.

“How the bookkeeping going Fred?” Helena asked.

“Very good, two slight changes, which they agreed to and they are happy.” Replied Fred.

Helena asked “OK Now we have a booking for you, Fred will tell you the date later, when he gets around to doing his part.” She smiled at him “We need a plane to take 10 -12 people to Vanuatu together with a lovely meal for lunch. Like a reception meal and cake. Two couples are getting married and plan to have their reception on the plane and honeymoon in Vanuatu. Guests, probably around 6 to 8 say in total 12. Can the company do this?”

Lisa looked at Helena and Fred. “Why not, it could be a very good side line for small weddings, I like it. What is the date?”

Helena asked “Fred?”

Fred replied “I haven’t found a wedding planner yet or marriage celebrant yet?”

Danielle said softly “I know a marriage celebrant, he not religious or anything but he is quirky?”

Fred asked “How soon can I meet him/her please, my future wife is pushing me too hard” He laughed.

Lisa asked “Who is getting married Helena?” In a motherly way.

Fred quickly explained “Helena and I, together with Suzanne and Zac.”

Lisa jumped up and hugged Helena “Congratulations, Yes we will do something special for your day, BOSS.” Smiling.

Danielle replied “My father is the marriage celebrant, I can call him and get him to see you. He likes to interview all couples first. When do you want to see him?”

Fred replied “Lunch time 12.30 today at the steak house in Coolangatta, lunch on me for him. If my future wife agrees, do you darling?” Everyone cracked up laughing.

Helena replied “Yes whenever?” smiling.

Helena spoke quietly to Lisa whilst Fred and Danielle went away “How are things otherwise?”

Lisa replied “Very good, All planes are out today and we have bookings for the next 3 weeks. Money is coming in and Fred’s idea’s are going to make accounting easier. Danielle is a treasure and has taken over reception already, Trudy is great and making sure all Airport items have all paperwork in order. These girls are making my job very easy. They do all of the actions and come with problems and possible solutions. In regard to the weekend problem I was going to ring you, but you came in the door. Don’t worry I will never hide any problem I cannot handle from you.”

Helena nodded. “Trudy enjoying the job now”

Trudy replied “Yes Miss Helena, It’s a dream job especially with Lisa, the boys downstairs and Danielle. Thank you.”