46 Chen is good at her job, they won't fire her

Wang had listened as Louisa spoke quickly and asked her to send five specific people to him in Mario's office. Hanging up he had rung security and asked them to stop Chen at the foyer, he knew she rarely drove to work, and they took her directly to HR where she was detained.

Having heard the recounted stories Mario picked a few of his people and called them into his office. He then rang HR and put it on speaker phone as he talked.

"I called Wang to a meeting in my office this afternoon regard Chen Hayes; I believe she is there with you at the moment. Could you put me on speaker phone please?" Mario waited as there was a click and a dull echo sounded around the voice of the HR manager.

"As I said I called Wang Wei up for a meeting this afternoon regarding some complaints I have received from my staff regarding workplace harassment and bullying, Wang said he had similar reports on his level but as Chen was very efficient at her job, he thought the promotion she was due would be enough to curb her sense of importance among the people on his floor. I have within my office nine people from both floors who have filed complaints over the last nine months with both myself and Wang. I believe you have copies of some of them." He paused and allowed the manager to agree and quiet the spluttering rebuttal of Chen.

"It has come to my attention that perhaps the wheels of justice are spinning a bit slowly in HR regarding these complaints and having just been informed of gross misconduct by Miss Hayes I felt it imperative it be dealt with directly," once again he paused as he heard Chen swear and begin to shout her own complaints until the manager once again gained control.

"Contrary to Miss Hayes belief the girl involved in the incident does not wish to make a statement at this time but I have..." Wang held up his fingers, "six emails all sent to the manager of that floor at the time of the incident detailing the exact words used and their own distress at having to witness such a threatening act of harassment," Mario smiled at the women in front of him.

"I will take Miss Hayes Statement, and you can send me the emails unless any of the witnesses wish to come directly to me to give a statement, and I will consider the incident this evening and talk with you and the other parties in the morning," the hollow voice of the manager sounded through the phone.

"Thank you, I will expect to hear from you early then," Mario said and hung up without the usual pleasantries. "If any of you wish to go down and see HR management this evening or first thing in the morning I will support you as I am sure Wang will also," he addressed the people before him before dismissing them from his office.

"So, what will she do when they fire her?" Mario leaned back in his chair looking at Wang.

"Chen is sexy, smart and good at her job they won't fire her," Wang said, "they will wait until she gets the mandatory warnings before anything that drastic," Wang said.

"Not her, this girl you're fucking that caused Chen to have a jealous tantrum? You know it will all come out now; HR doesn't like the prospect of sexual harassment suits," Mario said seriously, "Trust me. I know."

"Fuck!" Wang exclaimed. "Okay, give me your wisdom, how do I manage this?"

*****

As the time lengthened waiting for Wang, Changying rang her mother and explain she was held up and would be late and perhaps they could reschedule for maybe a shopping trip on Thursday. Mollified by the idea of shopping Chunhua agreed and didn't push her daughter on the worried sound in her voice.

"You don't have to stay, I am fine," Changying smiled at Louisa showing how much better she felt.

"What sort of friend would I be after that little show if I left you alone now," she grinned, "I don't have any plans anyway."

"She's not alone," Wang's voice said softly as he came into her office and picked her up hugging her tightly. "Still planning on seeing Chunhua tonight?" he asked looking at her face.

"No, I rang and cancelled promising her a shopping trip on Thursday night," Changying grinned.

"In that case," Wang turned to Louisa, "Would you like to join us for dinner and a trip to a special art gallery?" he turned back to Changying, "Now that the cat is out of the bag no need to sneak around anymore."

"That sounds great!" Louisa gushed.

"Great let's go. I know just the place to eat," he grinned and escorted them both to the car park. Louisa had caught the train to work, so Wang promised to drop her home later that night as they climbed into his car.