Touched - By Malcolm Havard Page 0,34

more loudly than he intended, ‘I’m sorry. No, I’m just a bit worried where I might have lost them. I was in Salford and, well…’

‘Well yes, there are some people around who would definitely take advantage. It will give you piece of mind?’

‘Thanks Adele, yes. I’ve got some quite expensive camera kit.’

‘I understand. Leave it with me, I’ll need to call around a couple of locksmiths, see if we can keep the cost down for you. I’ll give you a call back and then we can arrange a time when it can be done.’

‘Thanks Adele. Much appreciated. And sorry again.’

‘Don’t worry. It happens. At least it’s only your spare set.’

‘Thanks Adele, speak soon.’

Dan rang off and pocketed his mobile and tried to get back to work. He had hoped to speak to the letting agents who managed his flat before he had got in to avoid the obvious questions but had only got Adele’s voicemail. Boris had been flicking idly through Property Week but now he put it to one side.

‘Been a bit careless then?’ he said, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Dan chose not to reply.

Hannah came out of Ian’s office carrying a file. Dan guessed that she had been running through a report.

‘Morning Dan, good weekend?’ she said.

‘It was OK thanks. Went over to see my brother in Sheffield. How about yours?’

‘Not too bad after looking after Jen on Friday night. God she was ill! She was really worried what you’d think of her.’

‘Yeah, I know. I’ve spoken to her.’

‘Oh good,’ said Hannah, sitting at her desk. Dan thought that she was trying – and failing – to seem disinterested. ‘You going to take her out then?’

Dan tried not to smile at his reading of his colleague’s character. ‘Yes I think we might take in a film later this week.’

‘Good stuff.’

Dan was pretty certain that this had not come as a surprise to Hannah.

‘Way to go Dan!’ grinned Boris, ‘You’re in there you know. She’s got the hots for you.’

Hannah gave him a look that could have peeled paint off a wall at a range of 5 metres.

At that moment, Dan’s mobile rang.

‘That’s probably her now,’ said Boris, sticking his tongue out at Hannah.

Dan glanced at the display, thought briefly about walking out of the office before taking it but then pressed receive.

‘Hi Adele,’ he said.

‘Hi Dan. I’ve found a locksmith who can fit you in at lunchtime. Can you be at the flat at around 12.30? Then he can do the job and give you the new keys there and then.’

‘That sounds great. Should I pay him direct?’

‘Yes please. A cheques fine.’

‘Brilliant. Thanks Adele.’

Dan rang off.

‘Having problems?’ Hannah was absently browsing a website.

‘Danny boys been careless with his keys,’ Boris replied before Dan could get a word out. ‘Hey maybe it was Jen who took them! I wouldn’t change your locks, you might find yourself snuggled against a curvy blonde in the middle of the night!’

‘Boris!’ Hannah gave him another one of her fierce stares.

‘Well I wouldn’t chuck her out of bed,’ leered Boris.

‘In your dreams, Boris,’ snapped Hannah.

They were interrupted by Ian leaning out of his office door.

‘Dan, can I have a quick word please?’ he said.

Dan had an instant sinking feeling, but he said; ’Sure Ian,’ and followed him into the office. Ian shut the door behind him. Now Dan was absolutely sure he knew what was coming.

‘Sit down, Dan,’ Ian sighed. He was looking grim. ‘Look, there’s no easy way of saying this…’

‘It’s OK Ian,’ interrupted Dan, ‘When do you want me to finish?’

‘Thanks Dan, I really didn’t want to say it. You know if I could avoid it I would. End of the week I’m afraid. I’d love to give you more notice if I could but, well, I’ve really kept you on longer than I should and the other partners are getting shit-scared about cash flows.’

‘I know, mate, I know, Really don’t worry about it.’

Ian looked relieved. Dan could tell that this was genuinely hurting him.

‘What will you do?’ he said.

‘I don’t know. I’ve thought about the middle east, Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Colin’s in Dubai and raves about the place though they are struggling out there too of course. Other than that I may just take some time off and take stock. May be time for a career change, who knows?’

‘You ought to do something in photography. You’ve a real talent there you know.’

‘Thanks. Well you never know. I don’t think I’m up to professional standard but perhaps I should give it a