FIFTEEN
Self-instruction failed to deliver the desired effect, Emma’s mind still pursuing all manner of possibilities, as she slid into her chair on the front desk. Already seated alongside, Marise greeted her arrival with a frown, followed by a whispered, ‘Everything all right?’ to which Emma could only nod, lest a telling torrent spill from her lips.
By now, her queue was considerably shorter, the eight girls not processed during the morning having reconvened as directed. Emma considered asking to leave early, citing a stomach upset or headache, but subsequent communication from her buddy put paid to that idea. When reaching the end of one’s queue, a report had to be prepared for CAO Colin Theobald, giving details of the positions offered and the client’s attitude on being given that i
