“Right,” said Bill, feeling a little embarrassed by Alan's enthusiasm. “Now take the mail and go home. And have a good Christmas. See you in the New Year.”
“And the same to you,” Alan replied, leaving the office. He was relieved there had been no further mention of the earlier episode.
“I'll be back in a minute Bill.” Colin followed Alan out of the office and caught up with him in the corridor. “Don't you ever let Bill down will you Alan? He likes you; so don't use it as an excuse to leave your work for him to finish. As I said last night, most of them here pile work onto him, from the Chairman down. I can't do much about some of the others, but I won't sit back and let it happen from someone he considers a friend. Just you try it and you'll have me to deal with.”
“Colin, I'd never do a
