Alan emerged from Bill's office feeling jubilant. Due to some glowing reports from Colin, Mr Roberts was going to give him a few straightforward accounts to take care of in the New Year. It was a step in the right direction. “I'll take the time to go through them with you myself.” Bill had told him. Alan knew he was being given a chance to prove his worth and he wasn't going to waste it.
After lunch the staff was more relaxed. Like all the other departments, the workload had slowed down. By two o'clock many of them were starting to drift off home to prepare for the dance. Colin and Alan volunteered to stay behind in case something turned up at the last minute. Besides, Colin wanted to make sure Bill got away in good time.
Bill called his secretary into his office. He told her she could g
