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So four days later, at about six o’clock in the evening, I walk slowly toward the doors of Brandon Co Luckily it’s the friendly doorh ti announcements of my arrival

I walk out of the lift at the fifth floor, and to my surprise, there’s no one on reception Hoeird I wait for a few seconds -- then wander past the desk and down the main corridor Gradually my steps slon -- and a puzzled frown co different

It’s too quiet The whole place is practically dead When I look across the open-plan space, ; there aren’t any people striding about; there aren’t brainstor on? What’s happened to the buzzy Brandon C atmosphere? What’s happened to Luke’s conize are standing, talking by it One’s got a disgruntled expression and the other is agreeing -- but I can’t quite hear what they’re talking about As I come near, they stop abruptly They shoot lance at each other and walk off, before starting to talk again, but in lowered voices

I can’t quite believe this is Brandon Communications There’s a completely different feel about the place This is like some deadbeat co I walk to Mel’s desk -- and, along with everyone else, she’s already left for the night Mel, who norlass of wine and gets changed in the loos for whatever great night out she’s got planned

I root around behind her chair until I find the parcel addressed to me, and scribble a note to her on a Post-it Then I stand up, hugging the heavy package to ot what I ca to keepat Luke’s closed office door

Luke’s office There are probably faxes fro in New York Maybe even aze at the so in and find out what I can

But then -- what exactly would I do? Look through his files? Listen to his voicethere, torn -- knowing I’h his stuff, yet unable just to walk away -- when suddenly I stiffen in shock The handle of his office door is starting to move

Oh shit Shit There’s so out!

In a ht, behind Mel’s chair As I curl up into a tiny ball I feel a thrill of terror, like a child playing hide-and-seek I hear sos open and soe point, all I can see is that it’s a fe those new Chanel shoes which cost an absolute bos, and the three begin to walk down the corridor I can’t resist peeping out fros, with Ben Bridges and a man who looks familiar but whoh She’s in charge while Luke is away But does she have to take over Luke’s office? Iroo "Obviously, next ti until they reach the lifts, and I pray desperately that they’ll all get inside one and disappear But as the lift doors ping open, only the faets in -- and aback toward Luke’s office

"I’ll just get those files," says Alicia, and goes back into Luke’s office, leaving the door open Meanwhile, Ben is lolling against the water dispenser, pressing the buttons on his watch and staring intently at the tiny screen

This is horrendous! I’ to hurt and I’ve got an awful feeling that if I move an inch, one of theht? What if they come over to Mel’s desk? What if they decide to make love on Mel’s desk?

"OK," says Alicia, suddenly appearing at the door "I think that’s it Good ht"

"I suppose" Ben looks up froht sue?"