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The Agency

"Oh yes, she's perfect," I thought, eyeing the girl on reception.

        It was 11.45 a.m. and the others were already here. The advertising agency hoped to land a lucrative account today and the prospects would arrive shortly. Warm sun splashed through open louvres as a scent of quality espresso filtered throughout. Taking my usual seat, I plugged a thumb-drive into the Mac and opened a project I was working on at home.

        Alan came out of his office looking just the part in a silk suit he'd bought especially for such occasions. Stopping to breathe in the scene now before him, he beamed with the confidence of the seasoned salesman he was. It was going to be a good day.

        Before long the clients arrived and were ushered into Alan's office. The young lady on reception took her cue to go and see if they wanted coffees. Laughter could soon be heard from behind the closed door. So far, so good.

        I was engrossed in my work when the office door eventually opened. They'd agreed the deal and it would be finalised over a business lunch in some swanky eatery.

        "But first we'll give you the whirlwind tour," said Alan, his voice a decibel louder than usual. Time for those of us in the outer office to focus.

        As Alan schmoozed his visitors I rose from my seat and made for the restroom. There, I entered a cubicle and counted to thirty before returning to my seat.

        The group was by now on the way out, all smiling. The office could relax.

        A couple of hours later the phone system rang three times before falling silent - alerting us that the party was making its way back. We got ready. They arrived ten minutes later, clearly refreshed.

        Alan ordered a minicab for them. Once they were away, Alan paced slowly back inside with an index finger to his lips. It was his turn to count to thirty. Then - all clear.

        "We've another in a couple of weeks, if any of you guys can make it," said Alan, peeling notes off a roll for each of us.

 


Copyright © Russell Cavanagh

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