Chapter 66: Merger information

On Tuesday morning Fred sat with Helena and had the new business accounts analysis with him. He asked “What are we doing today lover?”

“Anything you want, why?” replied Helena.

“I would like to talk with Andrew about these figures and then go to see the shed again please?” He asked. They rang Andrew who advised he is free this morning. Upon presenting the figures to Andrew, he was impressed with Fred’s workings.

Fred explained he was concerned with the courier and taxi costs as they seem to be rising some 15% annually for the last 7 years, however the other parts of the businesses was rising around 5-6%. I feel something is wrong.

Andrew looked up the industries averages and indeed find something wrong. In most other similar industries the courier and taxi costs were down by 5% not rising.

Fred and Helena thanked Andrew for his time. He also mentioned he should be finished later this week with the building management project.

Fred smiled on the way out. He mentioned “Did you notice the picture of Jane on his desk?”

Helena smiled “Yes, he is acting like a married man with that picture. It is nice to see.”

Julie picked them up and went to see Lisa. The three of them walked down to the Air cargo section and inside the office there was another girl working who they had not met. Danielle introduced her but pulled an unfriendly face at Helena “Helena, Lisa, Fred, this is Willow. She works here two days a week, just in the office doing odd jobs.” Helena stepped forward and shook her hand.

Harry commented ‘Beware this one is the thief and the one fiddling the books. She has three invoices ready for the system but funds will go to her account.’

“Willow can you show me what you do here now please?” Helena asked politely.

Fred, Lisa together with Danielle did not say a word, they felt a need to just watch.

Willow picked up some invoices, not hers, and showed Helena how she entered them into the system and checked them. Helena picked up two of her invoices and asked her to entered them. They both failed to be accepted. Willow blushed red. Helena asked “Do you want to admit or do we proceed down another channel?”

Willow looked at Helena in astonishment “Yes they are false.”

Helena asked “How long have you been working here?”

“8 years part time” Willow lowered head and spoke softly.

“So you have been stealing monies from here for the last seven years?” Helena asked. Lisa, Danielle and Fred all looked astonished.

“Yes.” she replied.

Helena grabbed some paper and a pen. “Admit your failing and sign. After that you can resign or be fired. If you resign do not use this company as a reference.” Helena demanded.

Willow filled out the paper admitting theft for the past 7 years with details and also resigned. She signed the paper. Helena asked Danielle and Lisa to witness and state there was no pressure on the resignation. They both quickly agreed. “Fred please collect all keys and escort her off the premises. Willow. My husband is a former police officer and would love to march you to the police station. However as you resigned we will not take any further action, unless you force us. Do you understand?”

“Yes I understand.” Willow replied. Fred collected her keys and escorted her off the premises. He had a feeling he needed to get her rego number. Later he passed this onto his police friends for information.

After Willow left, Helena gave Danielle a big hug. Looking at her Helena stated “Thank you for the look of disgust. You knew something was wrong. She kept hiding the invoices. Ah here is Fred. Fred please explain to Danielle what you found this morning!” Distracting Danielle from Helena abilities.

Fred replied “I found, in the last 7 years courier and taxi costs went up 15%. We came here today to find out why. You together with Helena and your female instincts knew something was wrong. Well at least we found out the reason. Thank you Danielle!”

Harry mentioned ‘I will defuse the situation.’

Just then Tim walked into the office. “Where is Willow?” He asked.

Fred replied “We have let her go” Tim looked astonished “Here is her resignation letter. It not nice.”

Tim read the letter three times. Danielle showed her the three invoices she made up.

Tim replied “I so trusted that girl, How did you find out so quickly?”
Fred went on the explain what he found out in the accounts. Tim was astonished.

“I’m sorry, do you want to change the purchase price.”
Helena stated “No. I’m happy to let things go. She has gone so we carry on, if that’s acceptable to you. I’m glad we found out this early Tim.” He looked surprised.

Fred distracted him with some further questions and he finally settle down realising they were not going to blame him (Harry helped).

The girls left the guys to talk and walked away.

Danielle asked “Helena just how did you know, please?”

Helena replied “I have always been able to tell when a person is lying, It’s, what, a gift, physic, I don’t know, but your ‘look’ put my feeling up very high and we knew, Fred and I, money was being taken, you showed the way. So thank you.”

Lisa and Danielle looked at Helena with new respect. Both ladies took Helena for a tour of the sheds. Whilst walking around Helena asked a few questions. They returned to the office just as Tim and Fred were finishing up.

Fred asked “Who is in charge with logistics, That must be a hands on job here?”

Tim replied “Well Willow, the b,” He stopped his next word with the ladies present “Did a lot of organising, looks like we will have to find someone.”

Helena talking to all said “Danielle shall we go back to the office for a cuppa please?” She smiled.

Lisa replied “Yes good idea, Tim come with us, Danielle is the best coffee maker in Australia.”

Danielle blushed. They returned to the board room. As Danielle made the coffee’s, Fred stepped out of the office for a minute. He rang Bill. “G’day mate, How much do you know about logistics, both cargo and passenger?”