Tell Me - Ashe Barker Page 0,42
staff and make sure they know me. I want to boost confidence, and develop a sense of pride, of ownership even amongst my teams. I want them to feel a part of Dart Logistics. Maybe then they won’t steal from me.”
“Most people aren’t dishonest.”
“No, I get that. But it won’t hurt to win them over a little, get them on my side. Our side.”
“Ah, a hearts and minds offensive then?”
“Yes, exactly. And while I’m doing that, you can be sorting out our backroom, make sure Dart Logistics has systems that work, policies that make sense, and we can enforce. And close any loopholes in our security. I want to be running a tight ship, and I intend for everyone who works for me to know that. Fair, but firm. I intend for Dart to be a great place to work, but a lousy place if you’re idle or feel like putting your hand in the till.”
“More carrot and stick than hearts and minds, then?” Another spring roll found its way onto Thea’s plate.
Tony shrugged as he poured them both a second glass of the complementary cola that came with their meal. “Maybe, though I do subscribe to the UN maxim on international peacekeeping—when you have them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.”
Thea arched one expressive eyebrow. “I rather like getting up close and personal with your balls, Sir, but I’m not sure about the rest of that analogy.”
Tony stood and leaned across the table to kiss her hair. “You need to become a little less fastidious, but I have every faith in you, Mrs Richmond. We’ll make a great team.”
*****
“Which office would you like me to use?” Thea stood in his doorway, her briefcase dangling from her right hand. She was dressed in a tight-fitting navy blue suit, the jacket buttoned over a crisp white shirt. Her hair was drawn back into a neat, if rather severe chignon, and her black leather court shoes gleamed. She looked formidable, formal, and sexy as hell when he considered the lush, curvy body which he knew for certain was to be found beneath those austere layers. His cock leapt to attention.
“Shit, you look—different.”
Thea narrowed her eyes, and flicked them briefly to her left, indicating the presence of Isabel nearby. “My office?”
“You can share mine, at least for now. I don't intend to be in here that much.” Tony stood and gestured to the chair he just vacated. “Did you speak to Mrs Metcalfe yet?”
“No. That’s my first job. I should be able to get that out of the way before the police arrive.”
Tony nodded as he passed her to lean around the doorway to the outer office. “Isabel, could you arrange for a second desk to be set up in here please? And I think Mrs Richmond will need you to locate Denise Metcalfe and have her come up here. Have we heard anything more from Inspector Collywood?”
His PA glanced up from the post she was opening, her expression stony. “Yes, yes, and no.”
Tony nodded, choosing to ignore her curt tone. “Right. And is there any chance of some coffee? Perhaps you’d like to join us.”
His PA’s expression warmed. “Right on it. How does Mrs Richmond take hers?”
Tony was relieved at the bright smile she shot him as she got to her feet and made a mental note to find ways of reassuring Isabel that her position was not about to be usurped.
Tony and Isabel both sat in on the interview with Inspector Collywood, but Tony had to admit it was entirely Thea’s show. And she handled it like the absolute pro she was. Their relationship outside of work was a bonus, and a seriously hefty bonus at that, but here in the work environment she was just awesome. She knew her stuff, could deal with every issue raised, understood her evidence, and the implications of every fine detail. The officers appeared perfectly satisfied that there was a case to answer. They left, on their way to pick up the three suspects and question them.
“Do you think we’ll have David Lister badgering us again? He’s already phoned three times this morning, and I can't count how many emails he’s sent.” Isabel folded her notes into a tidy stack and rose to leave too.
Tony nodded. “Probably. Almost certainly once the police let him go. Just keep on fielding his calls if you would please. Neither me nor Thea intend to talk to him.”
Thea glared at him. “Would you like me to