Beauty from Ashes

A Difference of Opinion

Miles Pakorn was nervously drumming his fingers on his desk. He was reading the report from Kongpob and Nam Soon about the nefarious activities of the men in the Chiang Mai office. His heart sank as he saw what they had been up to. Miles knew it was bad, but he had no idea just how bad it really was. After finishing the report, he picked up the phone and then slowly placed the handset back in its cradle. He needed a minute to gather himself before making a dreaded phone call. Miles stood and paced in his office trying to calm his nerves. The fallout from this would be immense. The stockholders would be in an uproar, people would go to jail and his own job might even be on the line, but what could he do? He couldn't allow this to continue.

Taking a deep breath, he once again reached for the phone and placed a call.

"Hi. Is he in? Good. I'll be right up."

Miles took a cleansing breath and exited the elevator to the executive suites. He hesitantly approached the reception area for the CEO's office and took a seat waiting to be seen. After what seemed like an eternity the receptionist called his name letting him know he could enter.

"Good morning sir."

"Miles. Long time no see. I was surprised to see your name on my call sheet. What brings you up here my man?"

He grasped the report he had in his hand and eyed the nameplate at the edge of the CEO's desk, which read Earth Perrawat, Chief Executive Officer. The CEO had a reputation for being a kind and reasonable man, but he was also known to change in an instant when betrayed. He had little patience for traitors and even less patience for thieves. Once he found out what was happening in Chiang Mai, his response would be explosive. Miles felt his throat go dry with fear.

"Um, sir. I need to talk you about..." He coughed. His voice catching in his throat.

"Do you need some water? Hold on." Earth pressed a button to summon his assistant and asked her to bring a bottle of water for Miles. She returned instantly and handed Miles the bottle. Miles smiled thanking her for the water. He drank almost half the bottle before placing it on the side table next to his chair. Earth smiled at him and motioned for him to continue.

"As I was saying sir. I need to bring something to your attention."

"Is that so? What is it?"

"There's a problem in the Chiang Mai office. The division director brought it to my attention and I had it investigated by the white collar division of the Thai Police. This is their findings." Doing his best to keep his hands from shaking, he handed Earth the report. He began reading it and as he continued his face darkened.

"How long has this been going on?"

"Based on what we know it's been an ongoing thing for several months. It looks like we have everything we need to drop the hammer on these three, but I'm concerned how this is going to play to the stockholders."

"That's no longer your concern. I want these three in my office before the close of business tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Did I studder? Yes, tomorrow. In fact, leave it to me. I'll need you to stay here in Bangkok to deal with this. You're good for now. I'll take it from here and contact you when I need you again. And Miles?"

"Yes sir?"

"This stays between you and me. Tell no one. Does anyone else know about this?"

"Other than the people mentioned in the report, no one knows. I've kept it under wraps."

"Good. Keep it that way. That's all for now. Thank you for all you've done. Don't worry. Your job is safe. No need to worry. I'll take care of everything."