Second Chance
Copyright© 2008 by Coaster2
Chapter 12
Ron Dixon's firing caused barely a ripple at the plant, but plenty of ripples at headquarters. Dixon had reacted badly to the message delivered personally by Henry Cullen and had immediately promised suit for wrongful dismissal. Henry knew he had a case, but didn't care. He wanted him gone and gone he would be. It was only a matter of the cost, and nothing else. There was silent applause when the staff announcement was made and his successor named. There would be no going-away party for Ron Dixon.
Terry Timple, the reluctant Human Resources Manager, was frightened this would be a black mark on his record, but Henry told him to "suck it up and do the paperwork because Ron Dixon was fired, no matter what." Timple naturally complied.
The greater problem was Brent Gordon. What could be done to salvage the situation? Henry had given the problem his almost exclusive attention since the noon meeting on Thursday and he was no clearer on alternatives than he had been then. He had talked continuously with Lloyd and some of the area managers for Mountain Pine. A few had possible placements, but they were for less demanding jobs and there was no promise of promotion in the near future. He got the impression that some of the managers were looking to take advantage of the situation. There had to be a place for someone of the quality of Brent. He hadn't, however, been able to uncover anything that suited his particular skills, and was becoming more and more resigned to the probability that Brent would leave the company.
There was no thought Brent would go to a competitor. He knew him well enough to know that would never happen. It was simply the loss of a very good employee that bothered the general manager. When the inevitable promotion opportunity came later that year, it would now be Adam Richards that would succeed Lloyd. He was young, bright, capable, and energetic. He wouldn't be a second choice in most situations. The company wouldn't suffer with him at the controls of their successful sales department. They were the dominant player and they would remain so, barring the unforeseen.
Walter Francis had called him and passed along his conversation with Brent. Walter was another old friend, and Henry kicked himself for not dropping in now and then to see his former customer. Brent had formed that same special relationship with him and had the wisdom to learn from the senior man. Henry was aware of Walter's illness and Brent's regular visits. Business didn't always have to be cutthroat and heartless. There was always time for the human side. It was something he and Lloyd had preached for many years and he was convinced it was one of the core elements of their success. Now, he may be on the verge of losing one of those disciples, and it would hurt ... personally.
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