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“No, it’s free.”
I turn my attention back to my Americano, shifting away from him slightly, giving him no encouragement to talk to me.
“You must be new here. I’m Rory, I work in men’s gifts.”
I nod and stare at him with a considered expression.
He takes a sip of his coffee before smiling. “You must be new.”
“Must I.”
I really don’t want to encourage conversation with him, but he doesn’t get the message.
“I know everyone who works here.”
“That quite a statement.”
“I’ve worked here for years and seen them come and go. To be frank, a lot go. They can’t hack it.”
“Why is that?” I lean forward, more interested now because he could be just the man I need.
“Conditions aren’t that great.” He shrugs. “Don’t let the surroundings fool you. This place runs on goodwill and fear most of the time.”
“Fear! I find that hard to believe,” I scoff, and he shrugs. “You’re new. You’ll soon learn.”
“So, enlighten me.”
He leans forward and whispers, “The owner is a… well, let’s say I don’t swear in front of a lady.”
“Mr Harvey?”
“Yes.” He shrugs. “It’s a shame because his father was completely different. Mr Harvey senior was a kind man who treated his staff well.”
“Was?”
“He retired two years ago, which is a shame because his son is all about the business and nothing about the staff.”
“He must have made a few enemies.”
“If you count the entire staff, then yes, that’s quite a few.”
“Have you met him?” I ask because it appears that not many do, and he shakes his head. “I’ve seen him in the distance, but not to speak to. He surrounds himself with his team, who never stray from his side. The only people he apparently speaks to are his immediate staff and board members. Once a week he hosts a meeting of floor managers and that’s about it.”
“So, he never mingles with his staff.”
Rory is wearing a knowing smirk that instantly rubs me up the wrong way. “What?”
“If you’re thinking of catching his eye, I would reconsider.”
“I’m not thinking of any such thing.” I huff indignantly and he shrugs. “You wouldn’t be the first pretty girl to fantasise about our elusive leader. Some guys too.”
Drawing myself up to a straight-backed sitting position, I scowl. “I’m here to work and nothing else. Not every woman is hoping to catch the attention of a man.”
The salacious glance he throws me makes me bristle with anger and he says with a low hiss, “Shame. Anyway, if you fancy meeting some of the other workers, we all head across the road to The Viking after work.”
I raise my eyes and he grins. “To drown our sorrows and moan about our jobs. If you like, I’ll buy you a drink later and tell you anything you need to learn about Harvey’s.”
“Maybe.” I shrug and stand, cutting off this conversation with an abrupt, “Anyway, for your information, I’m here to do a job and I’d thank you for ignoring me if you see me around the store. I work for the security team undercover and would appreciate your discretion.”
