Chapter 404 - Can we talk (13)

10 May, LY Store, City Y

As they arrived outside the LY store, Lexi turned to Karen and said, "You are sure on all of this?"

Shaking her head Karen responded "Absolutely Boss. That includes dealing with this. Stopping it getting worse is the right move, and it will improve all staff morale. The issues first came to light from store salespeople and demonstrating that take their issues seriously must have priority over respecting store management in this case. Plus, if we let it go on the brand damage will be significant. Just remember this is why you recruited me. This stuff is what I have done for almost as long as you have lived."

"But the closer we have come, the more it worries me..."

"No, you worry about the people, your staff. That makes you a great person to work for but at times it prevents you from being as hard as you need to be to protect your business. There are just times you need to put that aside. Plus, I know people like this store management team, if you are not involved, they will try running to you and attempt to convince you to change the decision."

"I know I need to be hard, but besides this, they have helped grow my business, and that means something,"

"It does," came Karen's quick response. "That is why I proposed this course of action. Firing them in person with immediate effect and not pursuing criminal charges or compensation for what they did. Their employment contracts allow you to pursue compensation in circ.u.mstances like this, so this balances things."

Taking a couple of deep breaths, Lexi said "I just wanted to be sure."

"Sure," came Karen's almost sarcastic reply. After a brief pause in a more normal tone she continued "What have you done with my hardnosed boss in the last couple of days. Normally, after you talk through a situation and reach a conclusion you do not question yourself like this. Something is messing you up."

Lexi paused. She forgot about her close team knowing her too well. Karen was right, normally she would not be like this. While she would often work through matters with her team, when she made a decision, she would stand by it. Matthew's actions the last day were messing with her too much. No! That had to stop, as if he could do that then nothing would change because of this mess and she could never be certain of why he was still in his relationsh.i.p.s with her. That would ensure that it was never a marriage of equals.

"Sorry about that Karen. With everything regarding Dominic, it is so easy to start questioning things. I should leave my home life there, ..."

"He was the reason you made the decision to move back here. I know that boss. But know that you are with him for what may come. But from what you have said, and the little research I have done, he has high prospects of beating Leukemia and otherwise living a normal life."

After pausing, for a few seconds to let Lexi take in what she had said, Karen continued in a much more busines like tone, "Now are you ready to deal with business, because the sooner we get business done the sooner you can get home to him as he needs is mum with him as much can be arranged."

Turning to look directly at Karen, Lexi could see the kindness in Karen's eyes. That told her, that whatever would come, she would have the support of her close team and could be with Dominic without worrying about the overall impact on her business.

Nodding, she followed Karen who quickly entered the store. As they entered Lexi could see Karen was right. This whole branch had an attitude problem. They barely cared about the store and the two people looking at items. Karen firmly moved to where the staff were standing around, and said "Get your on-duty manager here now."

"What right do you have to demand anything of me," snapped the woman Karen knew was one of the management team."

"What right. I am your boss'…"

"My boss is the store manager, so you have no right…"

"Let me finish," came Karen's harsh response. Lexi could not help but smile. Karen knew how to trap people well. "As I was saying I am your boss' boss' boss. So, get your manager," Karen shook her head, and then continued "No get all the mangers in here. I do not care what they are doing. Tell them they have thirty minutes to get here unless they can explain to me why that is impossible."

Lexi turned trying not to laugh, and observed the two young shoppers looking at clothes, totally being ignored by the staff who were too focused on what Karen was doing. Lexi wandered over and saw that one girl had two scarfs in her hand and could here them debating which one she should by. Taking a look at the scarfs, she could see why they were drawn to them, as it was an item that they stocked to draw loyalty from people. But the reality was neither suited them.

She moved over and said "What is it…"

The Girl with the scarfs in her hand said "I cannot decide. I wanted to buy my mother something special for mother's day but I did not realise that a scarf could be so expensive."

Sensing the pain, Lexi said "Can you tell me why you want to spend your money to buy a scarf for your mother?"

"She is everything to me. My dad abandoned us when I was a baby and she has struggled to raise me on her own since then. I was lucky a few months ago and got an afterschool job. While I gave her most of my money to help, I kept some back so I could buy her something special for mother's day."

Hearing this, Lexi paused and asked, "Do you have a photo of your mother?"

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