from the book A double Irish and a Dutch
For tonight Avoka had a meeting with one of the lawyers for discussing the Cork case as well as how to deal with this current company. Avoka was sure they would let her fail.
At eight pm they met at the Shelbournes. Ian would join them. So far Jones the lawyer had no good news. During the dinner, he was explaining for the Fruit of the Loom company that their chances would be almost zero to win a case, as what they could hold against them was not enough. By law, they were covered with all their strange menu policies and for the bullying, Avoka would have needed to file immediately. They offered some kind of ombudsman with whom to make that claim in writing; they have a process for it. In addition, the other guys seemed to have gotten cold feet so they did not want to sign the papers and speak up.
Jones explained, “They probably will rather turn around and talk against you when we start a file. I’m really sorry, Avoka. But with this current case we have to wait; what we have so far is good. The trainer did not stick to the agreed reviews. So, we will see what they do on your exam result and then sue them.”
Ian added, “It’s so ridiculous that there is nothing we can do against this Fruit of the Loom when it is so obvious that those figures are fake.”
Jones said, “That’s true but we have no evidence, as long as we don’t have a person as a witness, and we don’t.”
Avoka said, “No, and they all stick together. They are all so afraid of losing their jobs; that’s how they can play that way.”
Jones agrees. “Well, sorry, I wish I could do more on that, but you know what guys, this evening is done; why don’t we go over to 37 Dawson Street and have a drink? I think that could help us all now.”
Ian said, “Yes, that’s a good idea. Let’s go.”
The three move on to one of the town’s best cocktail bars. They enter 37 Dawson’s and take a seat in the dark leather chairs behind the bar. Ian opens the bottle of Champagne.
“We can’t celebrate a case against Fruit of the Loom but we can celebrate the first won pitch of my girlfriend and her new office rooms on lower Baggot Street.”
He hands over the full champagne glass to Avoka. Jones says, “Congrats, Avoka, this sounds good, and for your present company case I will get you a nice sum that will pay your rent for the year. Cheers.”
They toast and Ian sits down again when suddenly the door opens and an elegant woman all dressed in black in a mix between black leather boots and a tight corset is coming in–a beautiful woman, but actually, unusually dressed. Walking along the floor to the bar, she looks over to Jones and winks.
Jones says, “Oh Ms. Fantasia, is it already that late? How time passes. I’m sure you know her, Ian; she has her entertainment business, the most well-known establishment here in town.”
Avoka looks at Ian with a gaze in her eyes, wondering, “Please don’t tell me you have been there.”
Ian flashes a smile. “No, I haven’t met her in person, but yes, of course, I have heard about her; who hasn’t?” Ms Fantasia comes over to the table while overhearing the conversation of the three from a distance.
“Who actually hasn’t? Jones, I’m pleased to meet you. How are you?”
Jones replies, “Oh Martine, a pleasure to meet you. What brings you here at this time? Isn’t this when you are usually busy at work?”
Martine, with a slightly arrogant smile, says, “Well, yes, Jones, that’s right but I actually needed a break from that asshole I just had in–you won’t imagine; this is one of our clients that exhausts me with his ideas. You know, one of those creative heads down from the Fruit of the Loom company.”
She pauses. “Well, after a two-hour whip trip I need a break and a good drink.” She’s sipping on a vodka lemon. Jones flashes a smile.
“A creative head from the Fruit of the Loom company, really? Yes, I can imagine they have fantasies to live. We were just talking about them. Don’t you want to have a seat?”
Martine joins the three. “Oh, you were talking about the Fruit of the Loom heads? You know them and their creativity?” They all agree and everyone gets the same thoughts that Ms. Fantasia might have some interesting stories to tell. Martine says, “Well, you won’t believe how crazy these guys are. They sometimes come over and have their private celebrations–you won’t imagine when they had their latest product launch what kind of sex orgy they had. A business party dress code: Eva costume and one of their latest gadgets, and my girls. I have this thing on video. It’s this whole personnel team, including the woman–you know her, the leader of that customer center? She’s actually involved in the girls’ business from one of the entertainment places, but not mine.”
Jones smiles, “Wow, you got that orgy on video? But it wasn’t a live stream, was it?” Martine says, “Of course not, but I got it. You never know, that’s why.”
Jones says, “Actually, we had an issue with some guys from that company and I wonder if you might help us.” Martine replies, “So let’s see, if you let me know more in detail what’s it about then I can see if I can do something for you. I have to go now; call me tomorrow and I’m sure we can work something out that helps you.” Jones agrees.
Ian can’t believe it. “Is this true? The evening looked like we had lost this thing and there comes Ms. Fantasia and presents the key to us like that?”
They all get up, making their way to the door. Jones says, “Yes Ian, that’s how it seems; sometimes you simply have to let go and the right thing comes your way. Avoka, seems like your lucky day today!”
Avoka is speechless. This Martine, Ms. Fantasia, seems to know all the secrets of the Fruit of the Loom people and is willing to help them.
Jones says, “So Avoka, leave it to me. I think I will file a case that will keep you satisfied. And let me know if you need any help on your new businesses.”
Old colleagues, new deals and examen day
The next morning Avoka is on fire. Early in the morning, she contacts Tim…
to be continued….
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Natalie Hush 