of the office. âQuick, before he changes his mind.â
She ran into the darkroom, left Pete with instructions on what to do while she was out, grabbed her camera and film, then hurried after Mike. He was waiting outside for her. âThanks, Mike.â
âDonât get too excited,â he told her with a grin. âItâs a simple job, but I know youâre fed up with what youâre doing, and I thought a look at whatâs going on in the streets might cheer you up.â
âYouâre right about that,â she told him. âI feel as if Iâve been banished from the real world.â
He chuckled as they got into his car and sped off towards Bond Street. And for once, she didnât take any notice of his driving.
Kate was much happier during the next week, and even the chore of attending fashion shows and taking pictures of models couldnât wipe the smile from her face. The Chief had allowed her to do a small job for Mike, and she was hopeful it would lead to others.
âLetâs get this lot developed, Pete,â she said, as they returned to the newsroom after taking photos of a large department storeâs new collection.
He gazed at her shyly. âIâd like to be a photographer one day.â
âWould you?â Kate wasnât surprised. He had been taking a great interest in the work.
He nodded and then sighed. âBut I donât suppose thereâs much chance of that happening.â
She stopped, her heart going out to him. âDonât ever believe that something is impossible. You can achieve anything if you try hard enough.â
He looked at her hopefully. âDo you think so?â
âPositive.â She smiled in encouragement and continued walking, determined to see what she could do for him. They got on well together, and whenever sheâd been frustrated with the work she was doing, Pete had been there for her in support. Although she was about five years older than him, as the weeks went by she could see he was very mature for his age. Being away from people yelling at him all day was allowing the sensible, intelligent side of him to surface. She was lucky to have him as an assistant.
âKate!â the Chief bellowed as soon as she opened the door.
âOh,â she said, pulling a face at Pete, ânow what have I done? Wait here. I hope I wonât be long.â
She headed for Andrew Stevensonâs office and walked in through the open door. âYou called, Chief?â
âYes, about time you got back,â he grumbled. âThis is Robert Sinclair. Heâs just joined us and needs a photographer for the afternoon.â
Kate smiled at the tall man, making a quick assessment. He was around thirty-five, dark blond hair and hazel eyes. He was outwardly attractive, but the deep lines around his mouth hinted at a man who was a stranger to laughter.
She watched him look her up and down, and when his gaze returned to her face she lifted her head slightly.
His expression said that he disapproved of her dark brown trousers, cream blouse and flat shoes.
âYou canât come with me in trousers. Iâm meeting an important man this afternoon,â he snapped.
âI keep a skirt here,â she told him.
âChange at once. We havenât much time. And I hope you know your job â I donât want to have to keep telling you what to do.â
âYou wonât even know Iâm there,â she told him sweetly. Then she turned to Andrew, who was viewing the scene through narrowed eyes. âCan I take Pete with me?â
âWhatever for?â he asked.
âIâd like him as my permanent assistant. Heâs very good at changing films and carrying equipment.â
âGood Lord, is he?â The Chief looked astonished. âHeâs always dropping things.â
âHeâs eager to please, thatâs all. So can I have him?â
âPete!â Andrew