Read Online Bittersweet Sands by Rick Ranson - Free Book Online Page A

stamp was passed from delicate hand to delicate hand and used over and over to crucify the sheet metal worker. Every one of those files with DO NOT RE-HIRE stamped on the cover went to the Human Resources Departments of all the companies on that Fort McMurray site, and to every union hiring hall. His mouth, and those secretaries, destroyed his career.
    Years later, a sheet metal worker told Gwen that Potty Mouth had lost his farm.
    â€œI wonder what happened to his wife?” was Gwen’s only comment.
    That was then, this is now.
    Gwen handed Acastus a coffee. “Two sugars, two creams, right?”
    Acastus stared at her. He looked down at the coffee, then back to the secretary standing in front of him.
    â€œI want some information,” she said.
    Acastus opened his coffee-free hand, waiting.
    â€œYou’re a knowledgeable guy, Barry. Take me step by step through the harassment policy.”
    â€œWhy? Were you harassed?”
    â€œI spent my career working with men, and every one of them thought that the answer to all my problems was his penis. I’ve got good antennae and I have been called a lot of things, and I want to be prepared.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause this man meant it.”
    â€œWhat’s his name?” Acastus said, setting aside the coffee.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWas he one of ours? What’d he say?”
    Gwen stared at Acastus stonily. Finally she spoke. “No.”
    â€œWell, I can’t help you if you’re not up-front with me....”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWell, I can’t help you if—”
    â€œJust answer my question, Barry.”
    â€œWhat’s the sexual harassment procedure?”
    â€œYes, Barry.”
    â€œWell, at first, you have to tell the person that his, or her, advances are unacceptable.”
    â€œThat’s not going to happen.”
    â€œWhy not? You should at least—”
    â€œBarry, no.”
    â€œOkay then, you should talk to your supervisor and me as your Human Resources Officer. And we’ll either be there when you talk to this person or we’ll speak for you.”
    â€œThat will be four people that know about this.”
    â€œGwen, I’d lose my job if I talk about this.”
    â€œIt’s not your job I’m worried about.”
    â€œGwen, I think your mind is already made up. You’re going to let this, this... Hell, I don’t even know who we’re talking about. But it sounds like you are going to let this asshole slide?”
    â€œThis man is dangerous, and I’m not... Barry, if I go ahead and lodge a formal complaint, what happens?”
    â€œWe immediately remove this guy from camp. I’m assuming he’s in camp?”
    Gwen nodded.
    â€œHe goes to another camp. Like right now.”
    â€œSecurity? Security will take him?”
    â€œThey escort him.”
    â€œHow many people will know why he’s being moved?”
    â€œA couple. The main man will get the memo, and the escorts. Once a written formal complaint is made, an investigation will be started, and a formal report will be written. We’ll have to ask a lot of questions. Do you have witnesses?”
    Gwen shook her head. “His buddies at the table.”
    â€œWell, we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. After the report is written, a decision will be made and we’ll tell you and this guy what the outcome is.”
    Gwen stared out the window. “How long?”
    â€œWeek, maybe two.”
    Gwen looked at Acastus. “Thanks for the information, Barry.”
    Acastus had the distinct impression that he was being dismissed. “We can talk some more... if you like?”
    â€œThank you, no.”
    It wasn’t his imagination—he was dismissed. Acastus picked up his ever-present clipboard and started to leave. Halfway to the door, he spun around. “I have some pamphlets I’ll get for you,” he offered.
    Gwen’s eyes