A Pathway of Adversity
Chapter 2
"Good morning Miss. Collins!" The ever bright and breezy receptionist chirped as Joey walked into the plush reception area of the Summer Bay Fish and Crab Company.
Joey had worked for the company since leaving school; starting out as a deck-hand on various trawlers owned by the 'SBF and C' and after learning her trade, moved onto the commercial side, where she worked diligently and became the company Sales Agent; travelling many miles around the state, selling company produce to major food manufactures and smaller outlets. Joey was a well known figure in the Summer Bay community, having been born, educated and grown up in its environs. Even though Joey had moved on in her career with the 'SBF and C', she still liked to keep her hand in, and would occasionally set sail in one of the fleet trawlers; taking the chance to quality-control their produce at first hand.
"Morning, Marilyn! How are you today?"
"Full of the joys, Miss. Collins!" The receptionist answered with a big smile. "Life is so full of joy; don't you think?"
Joey tried to stifle a smirk and ended up coughing.
"Oh dear! Can I get you a glass of water, Miss. Collins?" Marilyn asked with genuine concern.
"No, no, I'm fine, thanks." Joey replied, patting her chest. "And Marilyn, I do wish you'd call me 'Joey'... everyone does, you know!"
"Oh dear me, no!" Marilyn jumped. "It wouldn't be proper; you being a shareholder and such!"
"Marilyn, I've told you before... my shares in the company are very limited and I'd much rather be called 'Joey'... 'Miss. Collins' makes me feel like a teacher!"
Marilyn looked uncomfortable and squirmed in her chair.
"Well, I'll try my best, Miss. Collins, but I have to be professional here in reception; being 'front of house' so to speak, it's my responsibility to make a good impression!"
At that moment, Irene Roberts; a major shareholder in the 'Summer Bay Fish and Crab Company', walked through the entrance door. Irene, having been left a sizeable legacy some years previously, had invested much in company shares. And though her name did not appear on the 'SBF and C' company payroll, took an eager interest in company matters; attending monthly board and shareholder meetings.
"G'day girlies! And what a fine one it is!" She smiled happily and put her arm around Joey's shoulders.
"Good morning, Irene, and how are you today?" Marilyn smiled happily at their visitor.
"Fine, darl. And how's Joey?"
"Good, thanks, Irene." Joey smiled and glanced back at the receptionist. "Marilyn, you call Irene 'Irene', but you won't call me 'Joey'!"
Marilyn looked confused and for once in her life, was lost for words. Joey shook her head sadly.
"What time's the meeting this morning?" Irene asked, glancing at her watch.
"It's at ten thirty, so you're a little early." Marilyn pointed out.
"That was my intention, Marilyn love. Want to have a little word here with Joey before the fun and games begin!" She said, squeezing Joey's shoulder.
"Anything up?" Joey asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Nothing to worry about Darl. Just after a few answers." Irene advised as she steered Joey towards her office.
"Irene! Miss. Collins! Can I order either of you tea or coffee?"
"Coffee please, Marilyn... and the name's 'Joey'!"
"What's this supposed to be, Watson?" Sergeant Buckton yelled from her office.
Constable Watson glanced at a colleague sitting opposite.
"I see old Iron Draws is in good form!" She muttered as she left her seat.
"I'll send flowers at your funeral." The Constable grinned.
"Serg." Watson said, as she politely knocked at the senior Officer's door.
"What the hell is all this about?" Charlie asked, in a tone, less than happy. "I thought this sort of report only came from rookies – not from a seasoned officer like you, Watson! Not good enough!" She said, flinging the file at the Constable.
Watson took a deep breath and counted to ten. This was beginning to be the norm around the Police Station these days. Every report submitted was pulled apart and scrutinized, right down to the crossing of the last 'T' and the dotting of the last 'I'.
"Sorry Boss. I'll re-do it. What exactly..."
"Everything, Watson... Everything!"
Watson swallowed again and observed the tram-lines which these days, seemed to be a regular feature of Charlie Buckton's forehead. She had watched this, beautiful and elegant, young woman, change almost overnight, from a fair and compassionate colleague into a hard-faced, work-machine; giving no slack to anyone; expecting only results and having no time for excuses.
"Sorry." She whispered as she picked up the file.
She hesitated at the door; turning to face the Sergeant and opened her mouth to speak, but the ice cube which was sitting in the Sergeant's chair had no intention of listening. Instead, Watson left the office and headed back to her workstation.
"Something on your mind, Irene?" Joey asked after Leah, the canteen manageress, had brought in a tray of coffee and left.
"Dunno, darl. But there's something that stinks around here, and it ain't just the fish!" Irene said; her brow furrowing.
Joey noticed the look of anxiety in Irene Roberts face.
"You mean..."
"You know exactly what I mean. I just can't put my finger on it, love. I look at the account books when they are presented to me – probably after they've been cooked – and though on face value it all seems straight, I just know something's not quite right!"
"Have you spoken to Alf about it?" Joey asked, sipping her coffee.
"Well, I mentioned it, but he told me to stop worrying; said I was imagining things."
"But what makes you think that anything's different from normal?"
"Okay, call me a weirdo if you like, but I know the time of day by the amount of delivery vans which leave this factory. I thought it was me to start with; missing the odd van... but it's been happening way too often. It's like every second van has gone missing!"
"Did you tell Alf this?"
"I tried, love – gawd, I tried! I think he thinks I've lost it!"
"Maybe they've changed the schedules and routes for some reason. I can have a word with Tony Holden. He might be able to help." Joey suggested.
"Well, I'll leave it with you, darl. I'm a bit worried about it. I know I'm only a shareholder here and it's difficult for me to keep my finger on the pulse, but I just know something's changed. Keep it to yourself, but keep an eye open, eh?"
"I will do." Joey nodded.
Constable Watson picked up her phone as a text message pinged through. She read the name of the sender and closed her eyes. She wanted no part of this and only wished Charlie was more approachable; once upon a time, she could have gone straight to Charlie and aired her concerns, but now, 'Old Iron Draws' had drawn a line which was not to be crossed, and Watson felt vulnerable.
She placed the phone back on her desk and bit her lip. What was she to do?
Alf Stuart, Managing Director and co-founder of the Summer Bay Fish and Crab Company, sipped from a glass of water and then placed it down on the large conference room table. He looked around at his colleagues on the board of directors and fellow shareholders of the company. Their heads were all turned; facing the deputy managing director, Hugo Austen, as he gave a speech, advising the board and shareholders of their profits and losses. Hugo was confident, clever and though sometimes took more risks than Alf thought necessary, always seemed to make it work. Alf was happy with his deputy; it took the heat off him as he got older.
Irene watched the speaker but her mind was too busy wondering if Hugo Austen was concealing facts from his audience. Joey Collins fiddled with a pen, but listened intently to the speaker, as the honey-toned words poured eloquently from his mouth. Irene's concerns played on Joey's mind. Irene was not stupid and certainly was not delusional. She knew Hugo Austin to be an unpleasant sort of guy and had his eye on Alf's business throne. She also knew that Alf treated him like a son and therefore, was unlikely to be helpful in any private investigation she might take on.
Constable Watson picked up her phone again and re-read the text message. She frowned and pressed the reply button.