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‘Is it important?’ asked Timothy

‘I think it ht be,’ replied Cornelius, without explanation

The young man remained silent for so, after I’d seen you’ He paused ‘I’m not sure Mum’s all that happy about it Iback for the auction, I thought I’d tell you in person But then I didn’t get a chance to speak to you’

‘So he offered you the job before the auction took place?’

‘Oh yes,’ said Ti man looked quizzically at his uncle, but still no explanation was forthco

Pauline placed a plate of roast beef in front of each of thean to reveal his plans for the company’s future

‘Mind you, although Dad will remain as Chairman,’ he said, ‘he’s pro, Uncle Cornelius, now that you own 1 per cent of the co to join the board?’

Cornelius looked first surprised, then delighted, then doubtful

‘I could do with your experience,’ added Tio ahead with my expansion plans’

‘I’ood idea to have me on the board,’ said Cornelius, with a wry smile

‘I can’t think why not,’ said Timothy ‘After all, it was his idea in the first place’

Cornelius reo on learning ame was officially over

‘I think the tio upstairs and find out if it’s Simon Kerslake or Raymond Gould who becomes Prime Minister,’ he eventually said

Tie brandy and lit a cigar – his first for a month – before he started to read

He becaain until he had turned the last page, where he found an envelope sellotaped to the inside of the book’s cover It was addressed to ‘Mr Titon’