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I know I shouldn’t be so worried about a supposedly ‘minor discrepancy’, but what’s minor to a corporation like SKJ Robotics could be major to me, and I’ve hardly slept at all. It might only be eight in the morning, but I know a lot of people used to get into the office early, and I can’t wait any longer. I dial the number on the email, half expecting it to go to voicemail, and almost jump out of my skin when a man answers.
“Is that Howard Dawkins?”
“No. He’s not due in for another thirty minutes. Can I take a message?”
Damn…
“Sure. Can you tell him Livia Hopkins called?”
“Ahh… you’re the one with the problem paycheck.”
He makes it sound like it’s my fault, even though I had nothing to do with it. “Yes, although I don’t know what the problem is. I don’t suppose you can help?”
“I’m afraid not. Howard’s dealing with it. I can get him to call you, though.”
“Okay.” I give him my number. “I started my new job yesterday, so if I don’t answer, he’ll have to leave a message and I’ll get back to him.”
“I’ll let him know.”
I feel even more frustrated now, but I end the call and swallow down a quick cup of coffee before setting off for work.
It takes me less time to get to the office than I’d expected, and I’m parked in bay twelve well before eight-thirty. I’m not due in yet, so I sit in the car, hoping Howard Dawkins might call back, and while I’m waiting, I watch some of my new colleagues arriving to start their day. Most of them are dressed down, like Hunter was yesterday, and I smile. I like the relaxed atmosphere of this place, even if I am still wearing a suit myself… and I intend to keep on doing so. Like I said to Hunter, I find it easier to focus.
When I’m not thinking about him, that is…
My phone rings and I jump, even though I’d been expecting the call, or at least half hoping for it. I answer straight away, recognizing the number as the same one I dialed this morning.
“Is that Livia Hopkins?” The man’s voice has a higher pitch than most… or maybe I’m just getting used to how deep and masculine Hunter sounds.
Stop it!
“Yes, it is. Is this Howard Dawkins?”
“Yes. Thanks for phoning earlier. Sorry I wasn’t here to take your call.”
“That’s okay. I understand there’s a problem with my paycheck?”
“There is. I just need to find the document…” I can hear papers rustling, but the sound is drowned out by another. It’s the throaty noise of a car engine, and I look out through the windshield to see a bright red sports car drive past, the driver reversing with ease into a bay at the end of the garage. I admire the car, noting the prancing horse logo on the hood, and I smile… who wouldn’t? It’s a beautiful Ferrari, and I’m still gazing at it when the door opens and Hunter steps out. I don’t know why I’m surprised. It’s the perfect car for a playboy, and I imagine him with beautiful models on his arms, arriving at restaurants and opening nights.
God… what a depressing thought.
“Ahh… here we are. Found it.” Howard’s voice permeates my frozen brain. “It seems we made an error. You had some unpaid vacation allowance, which we failed to add to your last payment.”
I drag my eyes from Hunter, who’s leaning into his car, retrieving something, and I focus on Howard. “Are you saying the error is in my favor?”
“Yes.” I can’t help smiling. “The problem is, although we still have your employment file, I’m afraid your banking details were removed from our systems when you left.”
“So you can’t transfer the money?”
“No, but we can send you a check, if that’s okay… unless you’d rather give me your bank details again?”
“No, a check will be fine.”
To be honest, I’m so relieved I don’t owe them anything, I don’t care how they’re going to send the money.
I wait, while he verifies my address hasn’t changed, then we end the call and I let out a sigh, glancing out the windshield again, and gasping when I see Hunter is still by his car. The door’s closed now, though, and he’s just standing there, looking in my direction. Is he looking at my car, or at me? I can’t be sure, and I wonder if I should wave, or get out and go over to him. I hesitate, giving it a moment’s thought… but it’s a moment too long, and before I can do anything, he shakes his head and turns, walking away.
Well… that was weird.
