CHAPTER 17

(GIDEON)

"Eva, Eva wake up" I say as I gently shake the beautiful woman sleeping peacefully next to me.

She moans and opens her eyes and peers up at me as she gets her bearings. I hold out a mug of coffee towards her and she takes it and sips it.

"What time is it?" she asks.

"Quarter past four" I whisper, she stares at me as if she wants to stab me and I smile. She has to be at work for 6am and she told me she normally sets the alarm for quarter to 5 when she is on this shift as she doesn't have to deal with Maisie.

"I know it's early, but I am in charge of Maisie this morning and as it's my first time doing this I want you to just run through your routine with me once more. I don't want to get anything wrong" I say.

She nods but she still looks pretty pissed off as she climbs out of bed. She disappears into the shower and a short while later she reappears and joins me in the kitchen, dressed and ready. I am now drinking some coffee and I push a plate of toast towards her, she stares at it and then at me and a small reluctant smile twitches at her lips.

She sits down beside me and takes a piece of the buttered toast and bites it, "Thank you, but be careful as I could get used to this" she says.

"You are welcome, and what do you mean you could get used to this? I only made you some toast it hardly saved you much" I say.

She shrugs as she takes another bite, "I don't normally have anything" she mumbles. I pause and stare at her, remembering her poor eating habits the day I took her to the hospital.

"When do you eat then?" I ask and I cringe as I sound like a disapproving parent.

She shrugs again, "When I get chance, I get a break and I'll grab a coffee and if I'm hungry I'll grab a chocolate bar from the machine in the break room". She says this as if it's no problem.

I shake my head, "You need to take more care of yourself, you can't survive a full shift on caffeine and chocolate" I grumble.

She snorts at me, "Yes dad" she says her words dripping with sarcasm and I know I am walking a fine line here.

"Right then, just run through your routine with me once more so I know what I am doing" I say changing the subject.

"Ok then, Maisie gets up at half past seven. She will take a shower and you'll need to put it on and off for her as she can't reach it, but she can shower herself and she can dress herself but she will need help with her hair. She either has it plaited or tied up in a pony tail. She has cornflakes and a glass of milk for breakfast, but now it's getting colder she sometimes has Ready Brek or Weetabix with warm milk, her pack up is done – I did it last night and it's in the fridge. She also has a bag of crisps and an apple in her pack up box and she also takes a carton of orange juice. Make sure her reading book, word tin and the notebook you sign to say she has read to you is in her school bag and she has to be at school for quarter to nine as that is when the whistle blows". She pauses and looks at me questioningly "Are you sure you want to do this?" She asks for about the millionth time.

I pull her into my arms, "I am sure" I state firmly.

"How do you get to work when you are on this shift?" I ask suddenly, as it has occurred to me that public transport around here doesn't start till 6am.

"How do you think I get there, I walk" she states in a matter of fact voice.

I stare at her, "Walk?!" I splutter.

She shrugs dismissively at me, "It's not that far only about a 30 minute walk. I leave here about twenty past five and I arrive at the depot about 10 to 6 which gives me ten minutes to sort myself out before I start. The only reason I catch the bus when I'm on days is because I have to be there for half 9 and its further away so therefore a longer walk from Maisie's school".

"Have you ever thought about learning to drive?" I ask and realise that is a stupid question as it leaves my mouth. She wouldn't have the resources for driving lessons and certainly not enough money to run a car.

"In my dreams I have" she says bitterly, "But then in my dreams I can do a lot of things" she adds and she goes to walk away.

"Eva wait, I'm sorry" I say as I grab her arm. I pause, "Listen, I didn't mean anything by it, I know money is a touchy subject for you and I didn't mean anything by it" I say.

Her face softens, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound quite that bitchy" she says and she smiles, "Might have something to do with being woken up at fucking stupid o clock!" she adds.

I snort with laughter and relief that she isn't mad at me and I pull her close. "Listen to me, I understand this is overwhelming and very different for you but you need to get over this, and quickly. We are a couple now. You and Maisie are my family, so that means what is mine is yours. You don't have to struggle anymore" I say. I feel her stiffen at my words but I hold on to her and I know her stubborn pride is rearing its head again and I plough on, "If you decide that you want to learn to drive Eva then I would be happy to help you do so. I want to help you realise all your dreams and help you to shine… I don't want to stifle you," I say adamantly. I don't say it out loud but the unsaid words of 'unlike Nathan' are hanging there. I feel her relax slightly and then she pats my chest and she pushes away from me.

"Thank you" she says eventually, but she doesn't say any more and she just walks away from me.

In that moment I realise just how young she is. She gives off this air of a mature young woman, wise beyond her years but inside she is still just a little girl with dreams. But me offering her a chance to realise those dreams is at odds with the life she has experienced so far and she doesn't know how to deal with it, so her tried and tested coping mechanism is to fight against it, reject it and not believe it is real is taking over and that is something I know I have to work around and break down.

Eva is still distant as she leaves for work, she pauses and looks up at me and I can see the conflict in her eyes. She wants to believe in us but experience is telling her to be careful and to not believe good things can happen.

I reach for her and kiss her gently on the lips, "Have a good day at work dear" I say with a grin and to my great relief she giggles at my silly comment and then wraps her arms around me.

"I'll see you later" she says and kisses me back, before turning and leaving without a backward glance.

I decide to make myself useful and tidy up and get Maisie's school bag together. I find the pack of wrapped sandwiches in the fridge and remembering Eva's words I put together a lunch for Maisie. I prepare Maisie's breakfast and wait until it's time to wake her. I am just finishing tidying up when I hear a small voice behind me.

"Gideon". I turn and Maisie is in the doorway smiling at me.

I walk towards her and crouching I give her a hug.

"Good morning Maisie, your mum has left for work so it's just you and me, you mum told me your routine so I'm confident we can do this without her!" I say with a grin.

She giggles and tells me that she wants to take a shower. I take her hand and follow her into the small bathroom and she points at the shower. I lean in and set the shower going for her and get it to the correct temperature.

I feel a little awkward now and I look down at the small girl staring up at me.

"Ok then, your mum said you shower and dress yourself, so I'll be in the kitchen if you need me" I say.

She nods and I leave the room.

"Gideon" she calls a moment later and I pause and return to the bathroom.

"What's up?" I ask, as I poke my head around the door.

"I need a towel" Maisie says.

I stare blankly at her, "Where are they kept?" I ask, feeling slightly ashamed that I don't know. I've been here for a while but clean towels always just seem to just appear in the bathroom.

"In the airing cupboard" she says pointing towards a door in the corner of the bathroom.

I go in and pull out a towel and hand it to her, "Do you need anything else?" I ask and she shakes her head, so with that I leave her to it.

I follow Eva's instructions to the letter and although I say it myself I think we manage pretty well. The only issue I did have was plaiting Maisie's hair, I fumbled for a few moments before I eventually gave up and told Maisie that she would have to have a pony tail today until her mum showed me how to plait hair! She seemed ok with that, she was more excited about going to school in the Porsche and sitting in the front seat with me. I have bought a booster seat for her for when she travels in the car so she is completely safe.

When we arrive at the school I pull up and let Maisie out and taking her hand I walk into the playground. I immediately sense the eyes of everyone on me, they know Maisie of course and me being here sends the message loud and clear that Eva and I are an item.

I recognise the woman I had seen previously. Eva's friend, I dredge my memory trying to recall her name, Maisie saves me by saying hello to her as she approaches us.

"Hi Megan" she says giving me the name I couldn't recall.

I notice the woman barely acknowledges Maisie as she greets her, keeping her eyes fixed on me.

"Well, hello handsome" she says to me as she steps into my personal space. I immediately take a step back.

"Good morning" I say politely but briefly.

I see a gleam in the woman's eye as she tries to step closer to me once more.

I don't hesitate, I glare at her. "Do you mind, personal space and all that" I say in a loud voice as I step back once more. I hear sniggering coming from a group of mums nearby but my attention is focused on Megan. I see anger appear on her face at my rebuff, which she quickly changes and smiles sweetly at me.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean anything by it" she purrs but as she reaches out and touches my arm my skin crawls and I quickly push her hand away. I realise Maisie is watching and has seen everything as she is frowning at Megan, but she doesn't say anything.

Thankfully I see a teacher appear and a whistle blows. Maisie comes to me and hugs me and I tell her to have a good day. As soon as she disappears inside, I turn to leave and as I reach the car I see Megan standing beside it running her fingers over it.

I ignore her and climb in and drive away without another word. Her behaviour has rattled me though and I know I need to tell Eva about it, but I don't want to come across as trying to come between her and her friend. She had problems with Nathan trying to control her and separate her from her friends and family and I don't want her to think I am doing the same. But at the same time I need to nip this behaviour in the bud and make Eva aware of what her friend is really like.

I arrive at the depot and head to my office, I am greeted by Martin Daniels and he quickly briefs me on how productivity has improved in the space of just a week since I implemented the changes to the picking process which Eva suggested, and sorted out the laziness in despatch.

"Any more issues in despatch?" I ask and Daniels sighs.

"Len has been shooting his mouth off saying to anyone who will listen that he's being victimised. Thankfully nobody is listening as they all know he's a lazy sod and the only reason he got away with being one for so long was because he was Norm's best mate. The others you warned have turned things around and are working now as they should be. It's just Len who is being an idiot, and I think because he knows nobody is listening or taking any notice of him is making him worse".

I shake my head, "So what would your recommendation be?" I ask.

Daniels shrugs, "You've given him a final warning, so the next step is termination. He is a cancer in this place, just like Norm was. You improved things immeasurably when you transferred him but to really make a change I'm sorry to say, but Len has to go as well. He won't come into line and will just resent you and the new system and he'll try to undermine it".

"Hmmm" I say thinking carefully, "Ok thanks" I reply and pick up my phone and call Wayne in the IT department.

"IT, Wayne speaking" the man says as he answers my call.

"Wayne good morning, how's the transfer of personnel information going?" I ask.

"Oh good morning sir, all done, all encrypted and all… modified as per your specifications" he says cryptically.

"Excellent, good job. I assume all essential and only relevant information has been included?" I ask.

There is a pause and then he speaks again "Yes sir, Maggie in Personnel was helpful with her assistance in to determine what was relevant information" he says.

"Very good, now can I ask you to run off productivity stats for me again for despatch for the time since I issued the warnings" I ask.

"No problem sir" he says, I thank him and hang up.

A few moments later he appears with the paperwork in his hand and hands it to me.

"Here you go, there's only one person who is still underperforming. Muriel and Dot have totally upped their game, they are up there with Hayley now at the top" he says.

I take the papers and it doesn't surprise me to see Len's name at the bottom with significantly less productivity than everyone else.

I shake my head, I didn't want to have to do this but the figures speak for themselves.

"Excuse me for saying this, sir, but Len is an idle fucker. Always has been, he got away with it when Norman Thomas was depot manager as he was his best mate and Norman turned a blind eye and gave Len free reign to do as he pleased. He doesn't like it now he has to actually do some work and account for his actions".

I smile at Wayne, "Well, let's give him all the free time he badly wants then" I say coldly.

I stand and make my way down to the despatch department. As I arrive I observe the goings on in the department and I see everyone is working hard and processing the paperwork… except Len. He seems to have adopted a supervisory role, barking at everyone else to get a move on and get these forms processed while walking around doing nothing himself.

I see Hayley, who showed me how the system works working hard which is no surprise, she looks up and sees me watching and I see her glance at Len before looking meaningfully at me and I nod. She smiles and continues with her work. I watch for about 5 more moments longer and I pull out my phone and record Len going to the in tray and pulling out the remaining picking forms and distributing them amongst everyone but not doing a single one himself. I have seen enough and I noisily walk in making myself known.

"Good morning everyone, how's it going?" I ask cheerfully.

"Good morning Mr Cross, we are on target to complete all the forms for today's despatches" Len says smugly.

"Excellent, I am pleased to hear it" I say, "Len if you could come with me please I'd like a word in my office" I add as I turn around and make my way out.

"Yes sir" he replies and follows me back to my office in silence.

As soon as we are alone I gesture to a seat and he sits down, looking up at me expectantly.

I fold my arms and raise my eyebrows, "You said we are on target to complete all the forms for today's despatches?" I say.

Len smiles widely and nods, "Yes sir" he says.

I shake my head, "We?" I ask.

The smile slips a little and Len nods, "Yes sir" he says.

"Ok," I say, "So, let me elaborate on that, does we, include you or does we simply mean everyone else apart from you?" I ask.

"We are a team in despatch" Len says immediately his eyes flashing with anger.

I can't help the rude snort of laughter that escapes me and I shake my head. "And that team has a leader who barks orders, and willingly distributes all the work whilst not lifting a finger himself" I say.

I watch as Len opens and shuts his mouth but nothing comes out, eventually he recovers and goes to protest but I hold up my hand to stop him.

"I have just watched you Len, I was watching for over five minutes and in that five minutes you didn't process a single picking form. I videoed it so you can see exactly what I am saying. I also have the productivity figures here for despatch for the past week since I warned the entire department and those figures indicate that significant improvements have been made. Everyone who was warned about their conduct has improved dramatically, everyone is working at 100% productivity which is the way it should be… everyone except one, and that is you Len. Your name is at the bottom of the productivity list, the best you scored was 82% and after witnessing what I have this morning I can't understand how you got that much".

"This is victimisation" he splutters.

I shake my head, "No Len, this is you being bone idle and not doing the job you are paid to do, and this is me calling you out on it. You no longer have Norman Thomas to hide behind and let you get away with murder. I have the proof here in black and white you are not pulling your weight; you are not performing to a standard I find acceptable so it is with regret that I am going to have to terminate your employment here at Cross Industries with immediate effect. Clear your desk you have 15 minutes before security escorts you from the depot" I say.

"But, but" he stammers.

I shake my head, "No, Len I will not tolerate laziness, excuses or lies. You were warned, given the opportunity to improve but you squandered it. Instead shooting your mouth off to anyone within the depot who would listen accusing me of victimisation when you are the only one to blame for what has happened, that is all you are dismissed" I say.

Len stands and leaves without another word. I sit and think for a moment and then make my way back down to despatch. I see the shocked faces as Len is holding court giving a highly embellished version of what just transpired. He stops dead as I walk in and quickly goes to his desk and gathers up his personal effects.

I turn and address the department, "I am sure you are all now aware that Len has been terminated, I will not tolerate laziness or incompetence. Everyone who was previously warned about pulling their weight and doing the job that they are paid to do was offered with that warning the opportunity to improve, everyone took that opportunity and improved, except Len and he now faces the consequences of that. I am keeping a close eye on the despatch department to make sure that these better levels of productivity are maintained".

"Erm… excuse me sir, but who will be in charge here in despatch now?" Hayley asks.

I smile at her, "I haven't decided yet, being in charge doesn't mean simply barking orders and demanding everyone toe the line, it means being willing to equally participate in whatever you ask those you are supervising to do. So, I will be watching you all closely and whoever I see displaying the qualities of leadership I am looking for will ultimately get the position, so for now you need to pull together and work as a team," I say.

There are murmurs and nods and I wait while Len leaves giving me a filthy glare as he walks past me.

I head down to the picking floor and I see Eva laughing with George and a couple of others as she pushes a trolley filled with supplies. She doesn't see me and I take a moment to watch her, George sees me and nudges Eva and nods towards me. She looks up and smiles at me but carries on working. George leaves her and walks towards me.

"Good morning sir" he says politely.

"Good morning George, just thought I'd come down and let you all know, Len has been relieved of his position here at Cross Industries" I say.

I see the surprise on George's face and he smiles widely at me. "Well that is good news, since you kicked them all up the arse he has been going round telling everyone that he was being victimised, we all knew you warned a load of them so we knew it was bullshit, but we wondered if he was still trying it on and not doing anything. As he still never actually seemed to be doing anything when we dropped off picking forms, all he seemed to do now was yell at everyone else to get them done… it wasn't right," George says as he shakes his head.

"I saw that for myself this morning and I got the up to date productivity figures and they spoke for themselves. He didn't have a leg to stand on, and he has now gone. I intend to bring this depot up to scratch and stop any laziness, bullying and any sense of entitlement. We are all a team here and there is nobody here who is indispensable but at the same time everyone will be treated with respect if they do the job that they are paid to do and I will do my best to make sure if anyone has any difficulties that they can come and talk to me or Martin and we can sort something out for them" I say.

I see Eva walking towards us "What's going on?" she asks.

"Len's gone" George says.

"Gone?" Eva asks looking questioningly at me.

"Sacked" I reply, "He continued to take the piss despite his warning and so I sacked him" I say.

Eva smiles "Good for you" she says sincerely and she turns to walk away.

I follow her to the shelf she is pulling supplies off and she looks up at me.

"What?" she asks.

"I need to talk to you, when you get your break can you come and see me?" I ask.

Eva nods and looks worried so I put my hand on her shoulder, "Not work related" I murmur in her ear and she nods again, now looking slightly less concerned.

"Maisie got to school ok?" she asks as I walk away.

I turn and smile, "Yep, we nailed it!" I say with a grin and Eva laughs and shakes her head before returning her attention to her work.

I go back to my office and return to my work. As I am completing an email outlining my decision to terminate Len which I send to head office, my phone rings.

"Cross" I say as I answer.

"Erm, Mr Cross I have your father on line one for you" the girl on reception says.

"Put him through" I say and wait. A moment later the call connects.

"Cross" I say again.

"Gideon, it's me I just thought I'd call and see how things are going?" he says nervously.

"Everything is fine, I had to terminate someone this morning which wasn't pleasant but necessary" I say. "I've sent an email to head office outlining the decision and my reasons along with corroborating evidence to support my decision" I add.

"Alright, I'm sure you didn't make the decision hastily and I trust your judgement" he says.

I wonder where this conversation is going, "Listen dad, I am quite busy, was there something in particular you needed?" I ask.

There is a silence for a moment then he speaks again, "I just wanted to talk to you, after everything that happened at the weekend. I knew you'd be at work, perhaps I should have called you on your mobile, your mother and I had a long talk after you and Eva left – it was civil and although I'm under no illusions that any more will come of it, it was pleasant and good to clear the air… your grandfathers funeral will be on Friday and I am hoping you and Eva will come" he says.

"What time is it? I am helping Eva with childcare now, this week I am responsible for getting Maisie to school so I wouldn't be able to leave Stoke before 9 o clock, and I wouldn't expect Eva to accompany me, as she didn't know him. I'll ask her of course but I don't think she will as she has only just returned to work after being off sick" I say.

"The funeral is at 2pm so you'll have plenty of time to make it up here" he says.

"Ok dad, listen I have to go, I'll call you tonight and we can talk properly then" I say.

"Alright son… and Gideon…" he says.

"Yes?" I say.

"I love you" he says.

I smile, "I love you too dad" I reply, "I'll talk to you later" I add.

A few moments later there is a knock on my door.

"Come in" I call.

The door opens and Eva stands there with a plastic cup filled with coffee, she is munching on a chocolate bar and she takes a sip of the coffee and grimaces.

"What did you want?" she asks.

I stand and round my desk and close the door, before pulling her into my arms.

"Firstly, Maisie got off to school fine, but you need to show me how to do plaits. I couldn't do it and so she ended up with a pony tail" I say.

Eva giggles, "That is what you wanted to talk to me about?!" she says incredulously.

I shake my head, "No, I said firstly, meaning there is more, and I don't know how to tell you this, as I don't want to look like I am coming between you and your friends or causing trouble" I say.

This gets her attention and she moves towards a chair and sits down, "Go on" she says looking at me intently.

I sit in front of her on the edge of my desk and reach out for her hand, she empties the cup of coffee and throws the plastic cup in my bin before giving me her hand.

"What's this all about?" she asks and I see the apprehension on her face.

"Your friend… Megan" I begin.

I see Eva relax immediately and she even gives me a small smile, "Don't tell me, she tried it on with you didn't she?" she says after a moment.

I stare at her in surprise, "How did you know? I swear I didn't encourage her in any way" I say.

Eva shakes her head, "No, I know that, did she get in your personal space and get all touchy feely, pawing your arm and reaching out for you?" she asks.

I nod, "I was quite uncomfortable, in the end I told her to back off" I say.

Eva lets out a bark of a laugh, "Oh I bet that went down well" she says and then she sighs. "Meg has been my friend for ever but she is a jealous cow, not to mention a right royal bitch. If she thinks I have something better than her she tries to take it from me, she's always been the same. I should really have warned you about her and what she can be like. I'll tell you now, you have to watch her – especially now you have told her to back off, she'll take that as a challenge and will try and cause trouble. You know, stir things she'll say stuff to you about me to try and cause problems between us and she'll do the same with me about you. I know what she's like, and you just have to let her play her silly childish games and just ignore her". She pauses and looks carefully at me, as I am shocked at what I am hearing although incredibly relieved that she has taken this so well.

"She didn't scare you did she when she touched you? I know you are ok with me hugging you and all that now, but having her throw herself at you must have been a bit weird" she says.

I smile in relief, "No, she didn't scare me. I was more disgusted than anything, plus everyone was watching her and she didn't seem to care, does she have no shame?" I ask.

Eva snorts "Erm… no, everyone knows what she's like. She has had a go at splitting anyone up who is happy, she can't keep a bloke herself so she tries her hardest to make everyone else's relationships shit as well. It worked for a while but people caught on and now they just ignore her, let her get on with it and laugh at her".

"That seems incredibly sad, doesn't she have anything better to do?" I ask.

"No, that's the whole problem… she doesn't, and as I say she is envious when she thinks someone has something better than her. When I was going through shit with Nathan, she was a really good friend because at that point, my life was worse than hers and to her credit she was there for me. Which is the only reason I have anything to do with her and haven't told her to fuck off". Eva pauses and looks at me with such love I feel my heart lurch at the sight of it. "Is that what you wanted to talk about?" Eva asks me and I nod.

She smiles, "I'm sorry I really should have warned you, I thought you'd get the message about her the way she was eye fucking you the first time I introduced you to her".

I am relieved about that and glad I had decided to talk to Eva and be honest, "Have the school called yet about Maisie's assessment?" I ask, remembering that that was due today.

Eva shakes her head, "No, not yet. It depends on when they do it I suppose. If they haven't done it yet they might not bother and leave it till I go and fetch her".

"Ok, I'd better let you get back to work" I say.

Eva nods, "What do you want for tea tonight?" she asks suddenly.

"I don't mind, surprise me" I say as I sit down behind my desk once more, "I'll be leaving here about 5ish so I should be home shortly after that" I say.

"Alright" she replies and with that she is gone.