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"What? But… why? You’ve been away all week! I haven’t seen you!"

"I know I’’s come up" He exhales sharply "There’s a PR crisis with the Arcodas Group Normally I’d leave it to Gary and the teaoing to have to deal with itin disappointment "I understand"

"But I’ve had an idea" He hesitates "Becky, coape at the phone

"Come now I’ll send a car I’ve"I’ve so missed you"

"But it’s not just that" He hesitates "I’ve spoken to Gary… and we’re both agreed We’d love your input on this We could do with a few bright ideas What do you think?"

I stare at the phone, transfixed with longing This is exactly what I alanted! Husband and wife helping each other Brainstorether A real, proper partnership

But I can’t let Jess down Not now

"Luke, I can’t co planned for today I promised Jess And… some others I can’t just abandon the rueful "My fault for not hiring you when I had the chance Well… I’ll see you this evening" He sighs "I don’t knohat time I’ll be finished, but I’ll call when I have an idea"

"You poor thing," I say syoes well I’ll be there in spirit Where will you be?"

"Well, that’s about the one positive thing I’ll be up in the North Fairly near where you are, in fact"

"Oh, right," I say, with interest "So… what’s the crisis? Another fat-cat businessri up out of nowhere"

"An environ! That is such a coincidence, because--"

Abruptly I stop My face suddenly feels hot and prickly

It couldn’t be…