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Life's Illusions - Book Five - Chapter 9
The new Guardian board met on 1st February as planned, and despite Josef reminding them that the role of Chairman was open to any one of them, but it hadn't mattered they'd been resolute in voting him back into the position.
His first act as Chairman was to outline how he saw the company moving forward.
"It's my vision for the company to continue its strong growth pattern going forward however, something I am keen to avoid is any of us becoming so heavily overworked, overloaded, that we stop enjoying what we do, or that our health should suffer, so with that in mind I'm proposing in my first motion that Rick be offered the post of Vice Chairman, he has been holding the post unofficially for years without recognition, it's time that situation was rectified".
Juan seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Josef carried on.
"Next I am asking that each of you turn your immediate attention to finding replacements to take on your current roles, I would ask that you complete that task where possible within the next six months, at which time you will all become heads of your individual departments or divisions. I want each and every one of us to be overseers, fingers on the individual pulses, yet still capable of free thinking in any and all ways to drive the company forward, our board meetings have historically been lively think tanks, some of our best practices have originated from the most outlandish ideas being presented in this room, I want that to continue to be the case".
Vinny now chipped in.
"I'd like the board to look at something I've come across repeatedly, something you actually commented on recently Jo, how the Australasia Division consistently comes in under budget year after year".
Milo looked baffled by Vinny's statement and said as much.
"That's nothing new, it's a fact, Piers controls all financial matters, always has, no one actually understands how he does it, but he does, so what are you saying?".
Vinny smiled at his Poppa.
"I'm saying, whenever I've been costing proposals for change, I don't take the normal costs for anything in your division, I actually have a separate set of costings which are substantially lower than for the rest of the globe, my Poppa Piers controls both Logistics and Finance for Australasia, and he provides the most efficient and cost effective service of any division around the globe, a lot of other divisions operate those two services separately, perhaps that is a relevant point, but none of them come anywhere near to being as cost effective or efficient, what are we missing?, should my Poppas Australasia model be implemented around the globe?".
Josef was all for investigating what Vinny had brought up.
"Good thinking Vinny, I'd like to chat with Piers on the subject, I agree with everything you've said and it's something I'm keen to investigate, I'll take that on and report back at next months meeting".
Vinny had been spot on when he'd said to Josef that taking Ferdie to Sydney could result in him not wanting to return.
Jezz hadn't asked, he'd begged Ferdie to consider relocating to Sydney, what's more, he'd presented Ferdie with a set of keys to his apartment, saying.
"Move in please, I don't want to be parted again 'Mi casa es su casa' my house is your house".
Josef hadn't been surprised in the least and approved Ferdie's relocation request personally.
Piers and Milo had been slightly surprised when Jezz asked if he and Ferdie could move into their old house, as Jezz explained to Ferdie when he took him to view the house.
"This is where I grew up, it has so many memories, it's a place where I can actually feel myself relaxing from the moment I walk in, I've always felt safe here, I want you to experience it too".
A real surprise was Gracie announcing that she was going to return home.
Watching her Poppas reaction to her announcement she'd added.
"Don't worry, the old Gracie is long gone thanks to Paulette, and I'm not intending to burden you, but I do have a request, would you consider my using Uncles JJ and Jem's old house, it's close enough to Jezz and Ferdie for you to keep tabs on me, and Jezz is a fantastic cook, I'll never starve that's for certain".
Paulette had completely surprised everyone by agreeing to Gracie going home, with conditions of course, she must find somewhere to live independent of Piers and Milo, she must also transfer from Guardian's Torremolinas Office, to Guardian's Sydney Office, and Paulette warned, she would be watching.
Piers and Milo had agreed to Gracie's request to take up residence in JJ and Jem's old house, but another of her requests, that they support her appeal to Vinny for enough funds to be released from her trust for the purchase of a car, that one they denied her, much to Gracie's disappointment, though she didn't argue, just sighed, until Piers said.
"We're denying you that request because each of your brothers had their first car provided as a present from your Poppa Milo and I, we've never done that for you, but now we can, tell us what you want and we'll arrange it".
Gracie actually cried.
"After all I've put you through, I don't know why you still love me, but I'm thankful you do, Baz said he'd go with me to decide what I want, he suggested a couple of small cars, I think they'll do for what I need, it's going to be mostly back and forth, home to office, and over here to visit, if I'm welcome?".
Milo pretended to cuff the back of her head.
"Silly child, of course you're welcome".
Gracie then asked something which threw them completely.
"Has Baz said anything about Annie not being around?".
Piers locked onto what Gracie said immediately, turning to Milo he said.
"I told you, I'm not the only one who thinks there's something wrong".
Gracie spoke again.
"I'll take that as a no then?, I didn't buy the excuse he gave us at Christmas and when I sent her a message last week it wasn't answered, so I called in to their place for a visit, there's no evidence of Annie anywhere, I think they've split up".
Piers again turned to Milo.
"I think Gracie's right, but should we interfere?".
Gracie didn't give her Poppa Milo chance to respond.
"No you shouldn't, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that we all get defensive when we feel we've failed at something, we go to great lengths to not have you know, we all love you so much it hurts to have you see us fail, I'll take care of it, if it's true he needs encouragement to come and tell you himself, just like Jezz needed".
Milo did answer then.
"Be careful Gracie, don't go bull at a gate, try to be subtle".
She smiled.
"I'll try".
At Gracie's request Baz collected her from his Poppas house next morning to look for a new car.
Both Piers and Paulette had asked to accompany them, only Paulette was surprised when Gracie said no, she needed time alone with Baz.
As soon as they'd left Paulette turned to Piers.
"Okay, something's going on, you didn't argue with her when she said no, so that means you know what she's up to".
Piers sighed, but he explained what they suspected.
Paulette looked upset at hearing Piers suspicions.
"But they've always been a couple I thought would be together forever, they were so comfortable with each other, are you sure?".
Piers answered dejectedly.
"No, we're not sure, it's what Gracie is going to find out, I hope we're wrong, but it's looking likely that we're not".
Baz had taken Gracie to several dealerships, but she hadn't been truly inspired until they stopped off at Mercedes-Benz, and that one visit sealed the deal, it was sitting in the showroom just waiting for her, that was how Gracie later described first seeing the car she fell in love with to Piers.
A white A-Class 250 Automatic, the one she'd fell in love with in the showroom was already sold, but they'd scoured their dealership network and found an unsold one in a dealership not too far away which could be delivered within the week.
The salesman had been totally amazed after asking how Gracie wanted to finance the purchase.
"I'll just call my Poppa, he'll speak to you about that".
Piers had taken the relevant details and promised a payment transfer within the hour, in fact the salesman confirmed before they left the dealership, the payment was received.
Gracie had suggested they stop off for coffee before returning to their Poppas home.
Chatting over coffee and a huge slice of delicious cake Gracie had told her brother about moving into JJ and Jem's old house, catching him completely off guard with her question.
"So when did you and Annie split up?".
He'd been about to lift a forkful of cake to his mouth, he'd stopped midway, aware she was staring at him, waiting for an answer.
"How did you know?".
Gracie had her answer, but she didn't smile, in fact she felt quite sad.
"Lots of little things, missing things, but mainly from seeing the sadness you've been trying to hide, I'm really sorry Bro, I won't ask anymore, but please, tell the Poppas, they're worried sick about you".
He didn't say anything more, just nodded in agreement.
When they got back to the Harbourside house, instead of just dropping Gracie, Baz parked and went in with her.
They found Piers, Milo, Vinny, and Paulette chatting in the lounge.
"There's something I need to tell you, it's not easy to say because in voicing it, I'm admitting it to myself, and that's probably the hardest part, me accepting it as fact, Annie never came back from her tour of the US.
He paused, they could see how upset he was.
"I didn't lie to you at Christmas, she told me she'd been delayed, that there were things she needed to do, negotiations she had to take part in for further work, but the reasons became weaker, more ridiculous as time went on, the day we were all flying home I asked when she was coming back, she said she didn't know, I asked if there was someone else, she said possibly, but she didn't really know that either, we haven't spoken since".
Milo, who'd been stood close, moved to put an arm around his son.
"So you don't know if she's found someone else, shouldn't you at least talk with Annie about it?".
Baz's reply didn't hold any malice, it was just matter of fact.
"No Poppa, I don't see any point, I miss her terribly but I don't know if I want her to come back now, we don't really have any future, she destroyed it, I wish I could hate her it would make things so much simpler, but I can't, I still love her, perhaps one day I'll be able to move on, I don't even know what she found that was better than what we had".
After Baz left Paulette went to the suite she and Vinny were using, when she didn't come back after a few minutes Vinny went to look for her, he found her sitting on their bed crying.
"Hey princess, what's wrong".
He sat next to her, scooping her into his arms, her reply came through the tears.
"I did that to you, Annie's had her head turned, and lost probably the best thing she ever had, I can't help thinking what if you'd reacted like Baz, and what if Annie just made a silly mistake, then realised it was Baz she really wanted, it's such a shame, such a waste of happiness".
Vinny cuddled her close.
"We can only live our own lives, there's not a lot we can do about others lives, yes I agree it's sad, and it hurts me to see my brother sad, but it is what it is, we can only offer our support, for us it worked out, sometimes it doesn't, I just count my lucky stars, for me recrimination doesn't figure, ever, it doesn't bring any good only more heartache, so let's have no more of you dwelling on the past, I love you, I always have and I always will".
She kissed his cheek.
"I love you too Vinny, I've lost count of how many times you've been wronged, by people who should have known better, and you always let it go, you really are a wonderful role model for our children, don't ever change my love".
It was almost March, the breaks in Ferdie's arm and wrist had mended, the final dressings were due to be removed from his hand.
He'd had the last of the stitches removed a week earlier, and he already knew things were good, the exercises had proved there was no loss of movement, only a slight loss of sensation in the palm area, but he reckoned he could live with that and be eternally grateful to the skilled surgeon.
Milo had spoken at length with Josef about Ferdie's future, scheduling a motion for the next Guardian board meeting in less than a weeks time.
Ferdie meanwhile had started working in Guardian's Sydney office, taking much of the strain away from Milo on Technical Risk Assessments, whilst also building a training program designed to up skill their current Risk Assessors around the Australasia region, and bed in the new Risk Assessors recently recruited.
Josef had devoted quite some time to chatting with Piers about his amazing ability to stay well within the regional budget set yearly.
At first Piers had been sceptical, not understanding Josef's motives, until Jo had explained.
"I'm not criticising Piers, I'm trying to understand how you continually pull off the seemingly impossible, how the hell you manage it when no other region around the globe can seem to master it, we are talking vast sums of money which impact our bottom line".
Piers had then spoken openly for a long period about his pricing policy, telling Josef he'd built the formula he used after consulting at length with their cousin Jace in Chicago, and surprising Josef by stating that he'd recently offered to talk every regional head through his policy, and received only one acceptance, in every other case he'd received either no response, or polite refusals.
Josef advised Piers that he would resend the offer, but it would be an offer from Milo and worded specifically as Josef would dictate, and BCC (Blind Copied) to Josef's mail.
Milo's mail went out to every Regional Head the same day:
I am tasked with offering the services of Piers Grant-Alonso-Bowles-Cruz to examine, and where possible, suggest adjustments to, your general pricing policy.
Please advise a month, and an alternative month, when it would be convenient to carry out this exercise within your region.
The responses had Josef quietly fuming.
Junior, Juan's son, Regional Head of the European Division, replied within a couple of hours:
Hi cousin, as discussed recently with Piers, I'm eager to have him look at our processes, and to learn whatever he could suggest in relation to improvements, I'll also ensure for ease we fit in with/accept any dates he's able to offer, you'll see I've copied in my relevant Department Heads, I don't ever expect any resistance to embracing improvement, keep me posted, I want to be as involved as possible time permitting, give my best wishes to Piers and the family. Junior.
That, as Piers expected, was the only acceptance.
Josef responded using the same email trail two days later:
To all Regional Heads I'm extremely disappointed to see only one response to an email above, sent out at my request by an Owning Partner/Board Member to all Regional Heads. (Thank you Junior - Nicely put). I expect a response from the remaining Regional Heads within twenty four hours of this mail, explaining why you feel it acceptable to ignore a direct request from an Owning Partner/Board Member, and giving the requested convenient dates to carry out the exercise. Anyone feeling they don't need the help being offered should think seriously about their future within Guardian. Josef Caswel-Thorn Chairman
Josef got back grovelling mails from each of the previously silent Regional Heads which he forwarded on to Piers before having a catch up with Milo.
"Milo, I have a request that I hope you'll be able to fulfill, I need Piers position within the Australasia Division filled, I want to offer him a position much more far reaching, and much more critical in our overall strategy, so, is it a possibility?".
Milo wasn't surprised, he thought he already knew what Jo had in mind, but he answered honestly.
"Only Piers can answer that Jo, leave it with me, I'll talk to him and get back to you".
After dinner that evening Piers inadvertently gave Milo the opening to talk about Josef's request.
Piers had received Josef's email and mentioned that he would be quite busy over the coming months, and would have a fair amount of traveling to do.
He was surprised by what Milo said.
"Actually, Jo has asked if we can find a reliable replacement for you here, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you this but, he has something which he described as much more far reaching, and much more critical in the overall strategy, planned for you, so, what do you reckon, could we find someone you would have faith in to do what you do?".
Piers was intrigued, but he didn't answer straight away, Milo could see him churning it over before he spoke.
"I could suggest one person who can do what I do easily, in fact, I don't think even you know, he comes here and helps me sometimes if I'm in a bind time wise".
Milo was visibly surprised.
"I've never known, and I've never seen anyone out of the ordinary here helping you, how can that be?".
Piers giggled.
"Because this person isn't out of the ordinary, and you wouldn't think twice about him being here, it's Jezz, let's face it, he's an absolute mastermind mathematician, he's Head of Artist Royalties/Revenues for TF Management, anyone who can master that beast will find most other mathematical tasks easy but, he loves his job at TF, so we could ask, though I seriously doubt he would accept".
Milo nodded, adding.
"You're right, he'll most likely turn down the offer but, quite importantly, he could possibly point us toward someone he rates highly enough to be capable, it's worth a shot".
Milo called Jezz.
"Hi son, how are you and Ferdie?".
He heard Jezz chuckle, something which was music to his ears after the events of the previous Christmas.
"Well I guess we're about the same as we were at dinner with you around twenty four hours ago Poppa, so how's about you tell me the real reason for your call".
Milo laughed openly.
"Okay you got me, listen, we need to find a replacement for your Poppa Piers, and I just learned how you help him out from time to time, I don't suppose you'd consider moving to Guardian would you?, taking on the position full time?".
Jezz didn't laugh, he was quite serious in his reply.
"To be honest Poppa, it's something I really enjoy doing, but my role at TF just about beats it, not the money, because I'm guessing you'd be paying a fair bit more, but I really do love the complexity of my work, so I'm honoured that you would offer it to me, but I have to decline however, I can suggest someone Poppa Piers should meet, I would hire her in a heartbeat if I had a position open, and I know she's available right now".
Milo responded like a shot.
"See if you can get here here for dinner tomorrow night, let's have an informal meet up, do you think you could do that?".
Jezz agreed to try and make it happen, saying he would text either way over the next hour.
Within around forty minutes Milo received a text from Ferdie:
Jezz still on phone talking but dinner is on for tomorrow night, we'll bring her with us, her name is Dura Randal xxx
Piers had an idea of how to make it less imposing.
"Invite Baz and Gracie, with Vinny and Paulette here the boys can do their masterpiece BBQ whilst we get to know Dura".
The following evening when Baz and Gracie arrived Vinny already had the grill working.
In the couple of months he'd been there he'd replaced the old grill with an identical copy of the one at the apartment on the Gold Coast, it was a complete work of art, a masterpiece in grilling, and Vinny loved being in charge of it.
He'd spent several hours that day in the kitchen with the staff, marinating different meats, chopping veg, and making dips, then he'd given them the rest of the day and night off, thanking them for their help at short notice, and chivying them out of the door.
Baz had looked at all of the things Vinny had prepared and said something which caused them all to reflect.
"I wish Pil were here, it would be so cool".
Piers had answered him.
"Me too son, I know they finished their tour in Canada a couple of days ago but they hadn't finalised their plans to travel back here when I spoke with Pil yesterday morning".
Almost as Piers finished speaking they heard the door bell ring, but surprisingly, they also heard the door open above them, on the entrance level.
Piers and Milo looked inquisitive, it was far too early for Jezz and Ferdie to be turning up with their guest.
As everyone looked up, the beaming faces of Pil and DJ shouted.
"Surprise, surprise".
Then there was pandemonium as they scampered down the staircase to be greeted with hugs from everyone.
Baz caused all of them to laugh saying.
"See, there really is a god, he heard my wish and granted it".
They were all still talking animatedly when Jezz and Ferdie arrived with an incredibly beautiful Dura, and baby.
The surprise at seeing a baby arrive took over from everything else as everyone wanted to hold him.
When Jezz and Ferdie turned up at Dura's apartment she was in panic mode, talking on her cell as she let them in, they heard.
"But I desperately need you now, you promised".
Her look, as the cell signalled an ended call was of devastation.
"I'm sorry guys, my babysitter let me down, I can't make it".
But Ferdie was having none of it.
"Err, no, we just wrap him up and take him with us, this family takes every situation as it comes I promise you, it will be a ten second wobble if that, now come on, get little Alex ready, what do we need?".
They'd prepared a bag with his feeds, his nappies, and a change of clothes in case of disasters.
Dura, all along had tried protesting, without success, and so they'd arrived at Jezz's parents house, and now she was bricking it, big style, until the reception they'd received, it was beyond affectionate, little Alex was being almost fought over, but one of Jezz's brothers had taken charge of him and he wasn't letting go.
Little Alex had been passed to Baz, and he didn't go any further for most of the night, when Dura had tried to relieve Baz, feeling quite guilty, he'd calmed her.
"Hey, he's fine, I've fed him, changed him, he's snoozing happily, you have things to discuss, he'll never be out of your sight, you go do what you need to do, I've not been happier in a long time than I am right now, honestly, it's okay".
Piers had warmed instantly to Dura, she'd proved she could master the financial side of what he needed, but the logistical side concerned her, so Piers showed her a Flow Chart he'd produced, which took in most scenarios, the standard hardware most situations required to be provided, then he explained.
"As soon as an operation is confirmed I make contact with the Head of Operations, every operation has one assigned, I ask simple questions, outline what I'm providing as standard, and request any extra equipment requirements, but I insist they put extra requirement requests in writing, fully explained, or justified, a lot of times, those extra requests don't materialise, they were unnecessary in the first place, if the request is justified they'll outline exactly what they need and why, you refer to the list of ordinance we hold and offer whatever fits the bill, if you're not sure, confer with Milo, he's site aware, he'll understand why, or what, they're asking for and direct you, believe me there's no shame in consulting with Milo, I currently do it on around forty percent of situations, it's better to be accurate in what our teams on the ground need than leave them wanting and having to improvise, I also ask that the Head of Operations give me feedback after completing an operation, did I get it right?, was there anything I could have done better?, were they lacking in absolutely anything?, and very importantly, is there any better equipment out there that they're aware of than what I supplied?, it's important to know if we could have performed better, and how, if our equipment is lagging behind, scrap it, sell it on, buy the newest design".
Dura took it all in, asking pertinent questions, impressing Piers more and more as the evening progressed, including.
"So, once the operation is over, you've done your bit, and it's reckoning time, how do you know if it was a success financially?".
Piers was factual.
"I keep a spreadsheet which details the quoted cost and my spend, if the total spend is sixty six percent of the billed amount or less, we've rung the bell, my figures don't take into account some unusual spends, greasing certain government departments in whatever country we're operating etc, but I've never exceeded that sixty six percent figure in the last five years, our budget figure is eighty percent of the billed amount, I seriously believe it's way too generous, and I believe I've proven, anyone with a brain can make it work efficiently".
Dura asked for a day to think about everything she'd learned that evening, before she decided if she wanted to interview for the position, in the car on the way home she'd told Jezz about saying this to Piers, he'd burst out laughing which she didn't understand, and said so.
"What are you laughing at, I'm serious, I don't even know if I want to ask for a formal interview yet.
Ferdie's reply, because Jezz was laughing so much completely took her by surprise.
"You already did the formal interview, your only decision is, take it, or don't, you aced it Dura, what did you think tonight was all about, Piers loved you".
Her reply was somewhat quiet.
"Oh, okay, I hadn't realised, so you think I did okay?".
At which Jezz laughed even harder, saying.
"Jesus Dura, you fucking crack me up, my Poppa Piers is a guru, if he's impressed you're possibly in line for a Nobel Prize, why the fuck would you need to interview, it's more than double the salary at TF, that would be if I even had a position to offer you, what's to think about, take it you daft bugger, you can do it with your eyes closed, if you ever get bogged down, give me a shout, I quite often help Poppa out".
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.