HR - The End

Posted because I'm off tomorrow and didn't want to leave you all hanging!

9 – Unfair Dismissal

Sydney had taken Tung back to the hotel to which they had removed from Twerton Hall following Sydney’s attack on Lucinda. After a night during which Tung became very aware of the excitement aroused in her boss by the imminent pleasure of dismissing the two young ladies, Sydney returned to Updyke’s head office intent on bringing her plan to fruition.

Cecilia was in her office and had left the door open. This was unusual but deliberate. She sipped delicately at a cup of strong black coffee and waited patiently. A small smile of satisfaction came to her lips when she heard an exclamation from the office next door.

‘What the f…..’ was enough to tell her that Sydney had arrived and, as expected, was somewhat surprised.

She stood and slowly made her way into the corridor. She listened intently and, as she saw Lucinda approaching from the reception area, raised a finger to her lips. She made no answer to Lucinda’s enquiring look but moved slightly closer to Sydney’s office.

‘Holy cow, Tung,’ was all Miss Lickstensteinberg could exclaim before Cecilia opened the door and entered the office.

‘Interesting, isn’t it?’ Lucinda walked across the room and replaced ‘Diversity Issues Clarified’ in its proper place on the bookshelf.

‘How the f…?

My, my, you do seem rather lost for words, Darling. But one can see why.’ She pointed to a computer screen which was showing a rather explicit picture of Tung in a quite compromising position with the clearly delighted Miss Lickstensteinberg. ‘One does so hate cheap jokes but it does rather seem that the Tung has got your cat in that one, no?’ The screen changed to another image. ‘Golly, but one cannot but admire your technique, Tung. Rather surprising that old Portnoy didn’t crash the Rolls.’ Another new image emerged. ‘Oh look, I’m sure that’s Twerton’s fourteenth guest room. Wasn’t that your room, Sid, old horse? So what, pray, is dear Tung doing tied to the bed head I wonder. And, golly, isn’t that you. I say, that looks rather jolly. Do you always wear one of those in bed? Would you like to see the moving version?’

Cecilia pressed a couple of the computer’s keys and a new screen arrived with Sydney and Tung engaged in what was a clear breach of Article 38 but this time in motion and with sound. ‘It was good of you to leave the light on, the picture quality is so much better don’t you agree? Ah, Lucinda, Darling, do join us. We’re just watching some of Sid’s home movies.’ On the screen a restrained and blindfolded Tung bucked beneath an enthusiastic Sydney. ‘Hmm, for my money Tung just has the edge on you in the old technique, but it’s a close run thing.’ Sydney made a grab for the computer but Cecilia made no move to prevent her.

‘Lucinda, I think six copies of this little lot should be ample, don’t you?’ Sydney stopped dead in her tracks. ‘Personally, I’m all for a bit of diversity and whilst I’d have said Luce and I were hardly beginners, we shall love watching this and learning from your far greater experience. Do leave the door open as you leave just in case there is anyone in the company who hasn’t yet received a copy. I’d hate anyone to miss it.’

At that moment, Binky Updyke burst into the room. ‘Lucinda! Have you seen……’ he stopped abruptly as yet another image appeared. ‘Oh, yes, I see you have. Well, bless my soul.’ Sydney pushed past him to leave the room.

‘Tung is staying, Binky,’ said Cecilia. ‘HR in Jilling thought we might need her expertise.’

‘Yes, well, good show. Carry on ladies.’

‘Never doubt it, Binky, never doubt it.’