A Servant of the Company Read Online Free Page A

The tone of the caller’s voice had for a brief moment been almost threatening, but the affability of the introduction had re-emerged a moment later. The pay and free accommodation had finally overcome any fear he may have felt at the time. He would not let the company down, there was too much to lose.
    He was convinced that Arif Rahman was the right man for the job and another tick could be made on his list. Now for the delightful Honor.
    Four hours later he headed for the train. Honor had still impressed him with her beauty, but had hardly paused for breath throughout the meal as she talked non-stop about her job. He decided item three on his list would receive a cross. There would be no invitation to Paris for Honor. He would have enjoyed a sexual dalliance, but not with High Court accompaniment.

CHAPTER THREE
    Daylight came early and Carol Barcroft was already awake trying to convince herself that today would see the end of her worries. The problem remained crystal clear in her mind as she prepared for her first interview following over fifty job applications. She was sure her track record would impress any potential employer, if only she could get an opportunity to meet one. And now it was going to happen. She needed the job more than anything right now. The lingering dark cloud which had been on the horizon since she had become an unemployed statistic was now directly overhead. Without an income the probability she would lose her flat when the mortgage repayments could not be met was a constant reminder of her situation.
    After a light breakfast, she dressed in her best navy business suit and white blouse and carefully checked her appearance in the mirror. Her blonde hair cut in a bob curved gently at either side of her face and her slender figure confirmed that she was a very elegant young woman.
           Five years previously on graduation from University she had decided on the sort of company she wanted to work for, one where her Economics Degree would be useful. The area of business didn’t matter, keeping ahead of competitors and using the human resources available in a team effort to maximise profitability was the challenge she wanted. She had applied for several jobs, had offers from two and finally decided to accept the offer from a Builders’ Supply Company. She had researched the industry in advance and her presentation to the Managing Director had gone well. Two weeks later she had started work as a Management Trainee. With guidance from the Managing Director she quickly built up a sound knowledge of the business and had introduced innovative ideas which had helped increase profitability. Supplying building materials to an ever hungry industry might not have appealed to some of her University contemporaries but Carol’s personality and determination had helped the company achieve increased profits each year. Her enthusiasm and the way she introduced new ideas were duly rewarded with pay increases and profit related bonuses. With the rewards she had been able to get on the housing ladder, buying a flat in an affluent area. It was really more than she could afford but her M.D. had indicated that there was a possibility of a directorship in the not too far distant future.
    Unfortunately at the end of her fourth year he had suffered a heart attack and after a six month absence had died. Carol had great respect for him and was saddened by his death, but was aware that the company must not let its competitors think that there was any easing in their determination to maintain its position in the market.
    The chairmanship passed to the nephew of the founder of the business who left the running of it to Carol. It had come as a terrible blow and complete surprise when he announced that the business was being wound up and being sold to a competitor. No new orders were to be placed.
    Presenting a positive plan for the future of the company had no effect on the chairman who advised that the decision was final. He