Chapter 93: Expansion

Fred and Helena woke up at 7am and ordered breakfast. Helena rang William asking about the amount of business he did with Melbourne and Victoria. He advised some 150 plus packets a week. He has no agent in the area. Helena mentioned about the possibility. He agreed to go ahead, if worthwhile, under the Australian operation.

The next call was to Lisa, who was still at home with Joe. They mentioned it sound good but would need to have a local manager. Helena advised Fred of the calls and agreed if the figures look good they should expand here.

Maria picked the three of them up in a long wheelbase limo. It took about 30 minutes to get to the airport private plane area. Melbourne traffic is poor during the after rush hour. They met Maria’s Uncle George. He showed them his set up and two planes. Richard check out the plane engines and standard furnishings. They were good but not to GCVA standard. Richard left them and went to bring their plane over and getting the plane fuelled for the trip home.

Harry said ‘He is not well and has no direct family. He never married and Maria is his closest relative and was planning to give the business to her before she gave birth to the babies.’

Helena thanked Harry. The current office lady, Betty a small, slim, light brown hair, had been working with George for 12 years. Helena asked Fred and George to go over the books. With Betty they walked outside to talk. Upon going outside the company manager next door together with two of his goons force their way and laughed at Betty calling her the wimp. He offered his hand to Helena and introduced himself as Ian. Betty remarked “Don’t let him hold your hand he will crush it.” in fear.

Helena smiled “Hello boy.”

Ian grabbed her hand and tried to crush it. Harry smiled inside.

Helena said “Is that all you can do boy?” She then, with Harry, started to squeeze his hand. He could not believe her strength, they heard a few bones crack. He dropped to his knees with tears coming out of his eyes. Helena looking at him stated “Don’t you ever try and intimidate anyone here. Clear your junk away from our entrance and if you ever block this business again, I will personally hunt you down and make things worse for you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, yes, yes I’m sorry, we will keep out of your way. I promise.” Ian replied.

Helena released his hand saying “Good, now clear away your stuff now boy, then get your hand and arm X-ray I feel some 7 bones need repair.”

He got up off his knees and told his men to move the stuff back inside their factory they ran away and cleared the pallets quickly.

Betty looked at her in surprise. Helena said to Betty, “I do not think he will give you any further trouble, but if he does you call me. Yes I have done a form of marshal arts.”

Harry replied ‘Yes I truth him strongly and its 9 bones damaged.’ smiling.

“Now,” Helena continued “If I were to purchase the business, are you interested in becoming the local manager here for me? You will report to my Gold Coast operations manager Lisa. I will be able to increase and direct some more business this way?”

Betty replied “Wow, you don’t know the purchase price yet and you are offering me a job, why?”

Helena replied “I will need a manager with local knowledge. You have shown loyalty to George by the length of time here and I believe you would like to continue in the role. I run a similar operation on the Gold Coast and we seem to attract small local business that want to continue but no one locally is interested in continuing or no family to continue.”