Blood Tracks by Paula Rawsthorne

Author:Paula Rawsthorne
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Usborne Publishing
Published: 2013-04-26T12:00:00+00:00

SHIPMENT LOT SACK D.O.DEP D.O.DELIVERY CONDITION

874351 12 102 23/10/13 13/11/13 GOOD

His heart started to beat faster.

“Kylie, can you just run through what all the numbers stand for?”

“Are you after my job?”

“No, I just want to know how all the different bits work together. I find it fascinating,” he said.

“Really? Well, Tom devised the system, it’s quite straightforward, look.” Kylie pointed to the screen. “It’s always the serial number of the ship, the lot number, the sack number, the date the cargo left the port in the Ivory Coast, then we record what date the shipment docked here, and finally what condition the cocoa beans arrived in.”

“Of course, all the sacks have numbers on,” Declan said excitedly.

“Yeah, they each have a lot number and an individual number. Every sack has to be accounted for. This is big business, Declan. If a sack goes astray or gets nicked, we need to know about it.”

“And who decides which sacks to check?” Declan asked, trying to stay calm.

Kylie shrugged. “As far as I know it’s just random. Tom chooses sacks from different lots, just to get a sample.”

“And is it only Tom who checks them?”

“Well it is now. But Martin used to do it before…before…”

“Before he died.” Declan finished her sentence.

“Yeah,” she said, suddenly choked up. “Martin was the only one Tom trusted to do it properly. You have to know what you’re doing. They spend a long time in those containers on the ships. Things can happen: temperature changes, condensation. The beans can start going mouldy. Tom can tell if they’re okay by the feel, smell and colour. He has to separate out any bad beans. Our clients don’t want damaged goods.” Kylie was getting into her stride now. “It really is lovely to see you taking an interest, Declan. I’m sure the rest of the lads think all I do is sit here and text my mates all day. I play a vital role in this business, you know. Without me and my spreadsheets this place would be in chaos.”

“I know, Kylie. You’re wonderful.” He beamed.

“Do you want to see my spreadsheets for when the stock leaves the warehouse? They really are impressive: lists of buyers, dates, quantities, how they were transported.” She smiled proudly.

“Maybe some other time. I’d better get back to work before Tom accuses me of skiving.”

“Don’t you worry about Tom. I’ll tell him what an interest you’re taking in the business. He’ll be impressed.”

“No,” Declan said hurriedly. “Don’t do that. I don’t want him to think I’m a creep.”

Kylie looked at her watch. “Hey! Don’t bother getting back to work. It’s clocking-off time already. Come on!” She turned off the computer and ushered him out of the office, locking the door behind her.

“Right…okay, well I’d better get home quick then. Mrs. Mac is cooking one of her special stews,” he announced, heading towards the entrance.

Minutes later the warehouse staff were gathered at the small doorway cut into the closed sliding doors.

“Good work today, guys,” Tom said to them. “Are you off for a well-earned pint?”

“We sure are,” they chorused.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.