I supply her with texts and training videos and give her some leads on websites suitable for learners. Like the prisoner facing the noose, she slumps into a side-room where she can work uninterrupted.
Later, when we are alone, Michael takes a seat next to me. “It’s very good of you, Richard, to put yourself out like this on Charlotte’s behalf. I appreciate that it’s in thanks for what she did for Beth, but nonetheless…”
I huff. “Don’t be fooled, Michael. Yes, it’s partly in thanks. She craves education and training. I’ll see that she gets it. But, I don’t have to bring her into my company as a thank you. It’s mainly a cold commercial decision on my part.”
His forehead knits. “Sorry, not with you?”
Toss him a curveball….
“Sooner or later, I want her on my Board.”
He rocks in his seat. “On your Board?” He looks utterly bemused.
“She’s got intelligence, looks, a driving personality, and balls of solid rock. What more could I ask? Once she’s trained up, and actually knows what she’s doing, she’ll be a power to be reckoned with.”
And yes, I owe her….
I continue. “Let’s see the other shareholders stand in her way when she decides she wants something…”
And Christ knows I want to know what she’s doing….
“On the whole,” I finish, “I want her working with and for me, not someone else.…”
Michael, like a man picking his way through a minefield, says, “I take your point, but suppose she doesn’t want to follow that path? Wants to do something else?”
The world’s her oyster….
…. It will be by the time I’ve finished with her….
“Such as?”
“She might want to have a family, children.”
Hmmm….
Perhaps….
her…. Still, families grow up, and I suspect you may find that the adventure of family life will never be
me
where it
doing either of them any favours
the edge,” I say. He looks thoughtful. I press my point. “I’m not sure she’s
at his
to me yourself, and, at the time I ignored you. If you try to cage her, she won’t stay caged. You
heaves a sigh, folding his arms. “Mmmm… you’re giving me
to think
*****
Five Years Ago
knock at the
“Come in.”
“Mr Kalkowski, can I talk with you for
good to see you. Please forgive me not getting up. It is not so easy for me as it
Um, would you like me to make some
larder, you will find a cake that Mrs Collier kindly
pot into fine china cups and saucers. She cuts two slices of cake
I do for you? I’ve missed our little
clinks against the tremble of the saucer. Mr Kalkowski waits, patience itself. He has heard the gossip. In fact, her old teacher has a very good idea of
cup and saucer down, scratches at the back of her hand. “I’ve…. I’ve made the most awful mistake and…. I don’t know
“Do you want to tell me what this
she licks at dry lips. “I married Chad and….” And she can’t get
I believe I know what you cannot bring yourself to say. Do
I’m sorry.” Head in
to pass. As she calms, he takes a handkerchief from his top pocket, pressing it into her
what
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