Cuthbert Racing

On Friday afternoon Thelma put on a farewell party in their office for Sophie and in presenting Sophie with an expensive pair of earrings whispered, "He's dropped Margaret and I'm in... he can't get enough of me."

"Just play it cool darling and work to place him on a lead otherwise some other bitch will come along."

"Ah, just like I have?"

"Yeah, but then you are a bitch with brains."

In a short speech Sophie said the expected things and then added, "I'll be back to solicit the support of your guys to drive the Cuthbert project. It was amazing that Kathryn's research based on the opinions of people in the know turned up the optimum boat length of 45ft, which is what I learned from another source that had access to full-blown computer analysis. So Kathryn, you can bet Cuthbert will be 45ft or I'll walk away from the project."

\ Kathryn and David were out with friends when Sophie answered a knock at the back door. She greeted David Blake.

"Oh hello stranger. I was watching something stupid on TV, let's set outside."

"I've been away on the band's final tour. It ended in Melbourne and we have broken up as almost everyone has other things to do."

"Oh, I'm sorry not to have taken an interest. I am working."

"Yeah, so mom said. I turned twenty-three while away on tour and now commit to my final year for my music degree."

"And then what?"

"I don't like recitals. Too stiff and formal for me. In two weeks I have to give recitals at university on guitar and piano."

"Piano?"

"Oh yes, it is my preferred option. I also play the clarinet pretty well so am equipped to teach music. Look I have two things to ask you. Could I fuck you reasonably regularly?"

Sophie coloured and said that was a little in-the-face, asking her that on a cold start.

"Well?"

"W-e-l-l, oh crap. Yes. I don't appear to have any objections. I am playing around with this boating guy who is currently separated from his wife but according to him they are confident of getting back together after a cooling off period. Yes David, I accept your offer. As a matter of fact I was thinking it was the kind of birthday present you might appreciate."

"You are the best woman I've every fucked Sophie and that's the truth."

"God, I've found someone with my values," Sophie giggled, "but with a few rough edges to smooth. Does this mean you'd also go out with me... I meant locally down to the bar and would not feel ashamed of being seen with an older woman?"

"Well now that I've turned twenty-three currently our age difference is four years. I can wear that."

"Oh thank you. What was the other thing you wanted to ask me?"

"I'm allowed to have one guest at my recital that is performed before my whole class and a panel of tutors and the associate-professor. Mom has been waiting months for toenail surgery and the dates clash. I want you to be there."

"David, only one guest? You can't ask me. You have two married sisters and there's your father and you have aunts and uncles no doubt and cousins and close friends."

"I want you to be there."

"Oh David."

"I want you to be there."

"Well on this condition that you first clear it with your mother."

"My mother suggested it. She says I'm always talking about you and you're the only female apart from family that I talk about apart from the girls in the band. She says I have a thing about you and ought to be with you and get it out of my system."

"So your mother wants this and not you?"

"No, fucking you regularly was my idea. I'm sure she had no idea we've done in twice."

"Three times actually David. Am I so insignificant as that on the landscape of your life?"

"Three? Oh yeah, over the front of my car that evening you came down to watch the band in rehearsal. That was a great way to spend a break."

"Thank you David. Yes I would be honoured to be your guest at your recitals. I will manage to take time off work."

David and Rebecca arrived home to find the couple, nude, in the double sun-loafer sound asleep.

"God he's still up her," David snorted.

"It will be flaccid," Rebecca hiccuped, swaying. "You go off to bed; I'll deal with this."

Rebecca softly kissed them awake.

"Oh God, caught in the act," Sophie smiled and kissed Rebecca back.

David shot to his feet, hands over his genitals, and said, "Sorry Mrs Cuthbert. I found Sophie irresistible."

"And I don't blame you young man. Goodnight, I'm off to bed/"

"Um, did Mr Cuthbert see us like you did?"

"No David. You must visit and do this more often. Good night."

* * *

Sophie went to the HR department, thinking it was better having her ascent through the departments formalized rather than screwing her father for consent to be placed where she wanted to be placed when he'd have no idea of the disruption such decisions might cause. She found the HR manager was the blonde Meg who'd been sitting with Thelma and Sebastian on the day Sophie had worked in the café.

"Oh Miss Cuthbert. I heard you finished in Corporate Affairs on Friday and just assumed you'd float into the next department at whim with your father's blessing."

"You have the right to kick my butt Miss Sharpe. I was wilful and apologize and respectfully ask for your support and cooperation."

"Ask? Don't you mean demand?"

"Miss Sharpe, I'm not a particularly patient woman..."

"Oooh, a threat. I demand an apology."

"Get fucked."

"Ah, that's better. I like knowing where I stand with people. "I'll back you 100% in the hope you give me the chance to race on Cuthbert. My two sisters and I own and race a Mumm 30. I'd like to advance into something bigger. However my desire remains an expression of interest because if I demanded jobs for a berth that could be interpreted as a bribe. Please call me Meg."

"I shall remember this conversation in the nicest possible way Meg. Please call me Sophie. Where should I spend this week?"

"Here in HR. We are amid job annual assessments so need assistance with hiring, firing and complaints. You will have assistance."

"I wouldn't need assistance if I was placed exclusively on complaints."

Hmmm. Okay if you promise me you won't hit anyone."

"Love your humour Meg. May I start off with a complaint against my elder brother?"

Meg sat stunned. And then, "How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"We have this unresolved complaint against him and it's ticking over us like a time bomb."

"Because I'm a drama queen and that would naturally pop up in my path for me to deal with? No I had no idea but my instinct told me bullies attract complaints."

"I've failed in two attempts and had your mother with me on the second occasion as legal counsel, to no avail. I could be fired if I handed this over to you and you failed and it inflamed the situation."

"Just give me the file Meg, show me a workstation and then get on with your job assessments."

"Oh you are stupid, fucking stupid Meg," Meg wailed, unlocking the bottom drawer of her desk. I'm only doing this because my instinct tells me you have a superior brain to your brother's."

* * *

Meg looked in on her brother's office three times without success and the fourth call arrived just as his PA Josephine went in, leaving the door wide open. She went in and closed the door saying, "Hi guys, this is timely."

"Good morning Sophie," Shaun said curtly. "Josephine this is my sister, Sophie meet Josephine Toms."

"Hi Josephine. Now to business. Do you two wish to continue working for the corporation?"

Shaun looked even more shocked that Josephine.

"What the hell do you mean by that and what the hell are you doing in here without an appointment?"

"Such an attitude is not conducive to the settlement of this outstanding complaint between you Mr Cuthbert and you Miss Toms. I began working in HR today, focusing on complaints and I asked for a tough one to start off with and apparently this little conflict is the best my manager could come up with. I anticipate a court hearing has been mooted, but what a stain that could leave on the business reputations of both of you -- a boss allegedly touching his PA and the incensed wording of the complaint suggesting a fear of rape, although not quite stating that, the wording being and I quote, "in fear of my ability to choose."

"I strenuously object..."

"Please Mr Cuthbert, allow me to finish. My objective is instant resolution not a protracted slanging match with one or both parties digging in. The time has passed for that so I either I receive a statement signed by both of you that you have resolved the outstanding issue of sexual harassment existing between you and you Miss Toms attach a declaration in which you state emphatically you have withdrawn your complaint or I recommend to our resident lawyer Mr Sebastian Cuthbert that we filed for this unresolved matter to be heard before a judge in the appropriate court."

Roland looked at Josephine and her face crumpled and she began dabbing at her eyes.

"Sophie, can we talk informally about this?"

"No as I said earlier, the time has passed for that."

Roland crashed his fist on his desk, making both women jump.

"Josephine, I state categorically I was out of line putting the hard word on you and then ignoring your rejections, repeating it the next day. It was boorish behaviour and totally out of line and I deeply regret my action and apologize to you without reservation."

"God, I never thought I would hear you say that Roland. I accept your apology and I shall be writing a draft of our joint statement and my statement of withdrawal as soon as you leave Miss Cuthbert."

"Thank you Josephine."

"And thank you guys," Sophie said. "Josephine, do you wish to be placed elsewhere within the corporation?"

"No thank you. I'm happy here apart from those two occasions when Roland apparently forgot he was married."

"Well, I'm off. I came in here almost wetting my pants you two would reject my pathetic attempts to get you to climb out of this hole."

"You did well Soap. I think you have missed your vocation."

"Yes Sophie. You were the only person to talk to us as if settling the dispute was more important than worrying about who said what, who did what, and what amount of compensation would make the injured party happy. You are such a sensible young woman."

"Thank you Josephine. Bye."

Meg had noticed Josephine enter the HR offices and give something to Sophie and the two women appeared animated. Before she had returned to her own work Sophie had knocked and was waiting to be invited in.

"Yes Sophie, I trust you are making progress with our delinquents upstairs."

"Here is my report and a couple of attachments Meg. It's all over. Perhaps you should give me a heap of complaints for me to resolve so I don't have to disturb you so often in seeking new work."

"It's all over?"

"Yes."

"But how...?"

"I just acted as if dealing with two delinquents Meg. Apparently others who had been involved were too circumspect with Mr Roland Cuthbert being involved."

"Thelma is so right about you. Your tough behaviour is consistent -- straight as an arrow."

The next day Sophie invited her father to take her to lunch. He claimed he was too busy so she asked should she advised her mother he'd personally head-hunted Miss Big Tits to be his PA.

"I think I can manage lunch," he'd chuckled, adding, "You little bitch" and was told to bring her mother.

CHAPTER 3

Sophie was already seated at the restaurant table when her parents arrived. Diana kissed her daughter and thanked her for her 'marvellous achievement'.

"What achievement?" Roland asked, already seated with the wine list in hand.

"Your daughter has gotten your son off the hook on that sexual harassment complain."

"Who Sophie?"

"Oh, what do we have here? I was unaware you had more than one daughter?"

Roland threw a two-finger gesture in the direction of his wife and a crisp "Daddy!" produced an apology and he said it was unbelievable Sophie had achieved that.

"What did you do, threaten to kill that dumb broad?"

"Daddy!"

"Sorry."

"Thank you. No I made it quite clear I was the last-ditch attempt to salvage their careers."

"That's bullshit -- we would have paid her off rather than allow her to take her complaint further."

"I'm afraid you have under-estimated the morality of Mrs Toms daddy."

"I'd agree with that Roland. That's why we were treading softly, softly. I was astounded when I learned that Sophie had been thrown at those too but by then she'd won full resolution so who was I to complain? I just heard today that Butler and Jones Ltd have finally agreed to pay that outstanding twenty grand because your daughter walked in and found all they wanted was an apology that our late delivery cost them a $10,000 contract."

"Well why didn't they tell us that?"

"Because no one bothered to investigate their grievance until your daughter poked her nose into it. She also got their agreement to resume doing business with us because your daughter was smart enough to offer them pricing at trade less 2.5%, knowing that they had spent, on average, over the three previous years $1.37 million per annum with us."

"Christ why did it have to wait until Sophie came along?"

"Sophie has already requested Meg of HR to investigate. Obviously someone in her department allowed that one to slip through the cracks."

Roland said, "Well done baby. I hear people talking about you and mostly it's good. So we are at lunch to celebrate your victories?"

"Not at all. I have set up a meeting at 4:00 on Friday at the boatyard of Williams and Son."

"They built our launch."

"Oh did they?" Sophie said vaguely. "I want you, mom and the boys to attend and stay on for drinks."

"Is this something to do about that yacht you spoke about?"

"Yes."

"Then you should be paying for this lunch."

"I don't have a expense account."

Diana said tut-tut. "Darling, please fix this up for Sophie."

"Okay but I'm not sure I'm ready for exploratory talks -- I require a full appraisal. The board would want my scalp if I went to them asking for $1 million with anything less than a full appraisal including cost-benefits."

"That is underway daddy. The meeting on Friday is to commit. If the board won't play ball the family commits. Uncle David will be in and I'll call grandpa and grandma."

"Now just you wait young woman..."

"Leave her Roland. She's got you by the balls; I bet there is more to come."

"Thank you mother. Well the shell of the hull is already available from a special project that went financially phut. It has been designed by Jake Williams, Andrew's son, as the ultimate racing machines -- or his version of it, with clean lines and to be raced with a crew of five to seven, depending of weather. Dad, I've been to see the drawings. I bet you'll drool. I see myself as sailing master-tactician, you as helmsman, and Uncle David as navigator. One of the other crew slots is for any proven sailor from work, including mom and alternating, and I'll find two semi-professional racing crew whom we'll have to pay."

"Why can't the family and the company provide the total crew?" Diana challenged.

"Because mother dear, the objective is to win races, heaps of races, so we want some of the crew with a race-winning pedigree."

As they began eating Diana said, "Roland, don't you dare stand in our daughter's way."

"Okay dear. But please give me credit for having a brain. After we decide if this is the boat for us or we find another design, we launch Cuthbert Racing. The boys if they are interested can alternate with David and I. Sebastian has experience as a navigator. I suspect David and I will soon run out of puff. What we need to do Sophie is to build the entire organisation around you, so don't marry a fucker who is not into yacht racing, at least in his support."

"It's okay daddy, a dick and a yachting interest are my only requirements for a husband."

"God, and you two reckon I'm coarse," Diana frowned.

Back at the office Diana called Jake Williams.

"Yes, Friday is confirmed for your meeting with the nucleus of Cuthbert Racing."

"What, you have a name before you have a keeler?"

"Yes and dad is committed, whether it's this hull or someone else's design. I suggest you get someone to paint Cuthbert from your drawing, a really good artist's impression that will hit him between the eyes and I'd then say, game over."

"Yeah I remember him when he and dad were discussing the launch. If dad was attempting to describe anything technical he'd sketch something and your father would be fine. You father has a brain that is substantially image-focused rather than data-focused."

"Oh that explains why when he sees big tits he knows they are tits."

"Excuse me?"

"Just a private joke Jake. Let's win this one on Friday night with a cheque being handed across eh?"

"Damn right. I received the independent surveyor's certificate today that our incomplete hull is in A1 condition, thanks to it being kept in the mould and covered. We'll haul it into a shed for Friday night and flip it upright. We'll have drinks and nibbles beside it."

"Good thinking. I suggest you get some of the leading hands to join us. Dad will probable remember some of them."

"Yeah. Er, Melba in the office has big breasts. I was thinking of asking her to join us but then remembered your mother would be present."

"Mum won't even notice," Sophie lied. "The important think is we want to keep dad relaxed and looking at Melba might be a big help."

"Well I hope it works. Dad will be staring at your mom... he thinks she's a bit of all right."

"Oh, despite he's in his mid-70s; aren't we a big happy family? Let's win this one Jake."

At home that evening when Andy came up from between her thighs grinning and chin dripping, Sophie pulled him up on to her and kissed him, saying she was glad her aunt had invited Andy to come and go as he pleased and to even stay a night every so often if Sophie wanted that.

"Well, this is my last time for a few nights," he said, as Sophie steered him in. "From tomorrow I'll be practising at the university from around 7:00 until I tire, which will be after midnight, until my recitals next Tuesday. You'll have to find your own way there."

"I'm a big girl; I'll manage. Why don't you spend Sunday over here with Aunt Rebecca and me -- swimming and lazing around, eating and having a few drinks?

"Yeah, that sounds great. Thanks."

As Andy began picking up pace he said, "These solo recitals are important. I'll be graded on my performances. I have requested these recitals because I've been a bit slack in participating in approved activities although my tutors were aware I was playing three nights a week with a live band and went on three tours."

"I'll give you all the support you need," Sophie promised, already having to support his weight as he pounded her and she attempting to push back with impeccable timing.

On Friday Meg took everyone in her department out to lunch and thanked Sophie for her major contribution.

"You really contributed heavily and helped weld us into a team. You've shown us numerous thinks about dealing with complaints. I have been asked to make this presentation to you. We had a whip-round and I doubled the proceeds from my slush fund.

Sophie opened the box and it contained a beautiful pair of high fashion red slip-ons.

"So Ivy, this is why you asked me yesterday what my measurements were including shoe size?" Sophie said to the office junior. "I just assumed you were thinking of borrowing clothes from me."

Every one laughed and Sophie thanked Meg for her support. "Meg and I are likely to develop a sailing association soon as it has been a valuable time in a social sense coming into your department as well as learning something of how this corporation functions."