Bite by Nick Louth Read Free Book Online Page B

Dijkstra’s entourage was due in five minutes.
    â€˜I think so. Bob had done his homework ahead of time,’ Quiggan said.
    â€˜Good,’ Erskine said. ‘It’s embarrassing enough him throwing himself into a canal. But being behind on the paperwork would be unforgivable.’
    Quiggan squinted up, searching Erskine’s features for a flicker of irony. He didn’t find it. ‘Is that what you’re gonna tell Heidi?’
    â€˜Who?’
    â€˜Bob’s wife. She arrives this afternoon, remember?’
    â€˜Oh yeah. Penny’s taking care of that.’
    â€˜Yeah, but Penny’s booked a table for four of us this evening. Expects us to take Bob’s wife out to dinner. Say a few words about his contribution. Make her go home feeling good.’
    Erskine sighed. ‘I’ll put Penny straight on that. The guy was only with us three months, you don’t earn a tickertape parade that quick.’
    Quiggan nodded. ‘Yeah. He was fine on the financials, but I didn’t rate his understanding of the industry nor his work rate.’
    â€˜It was commitment he lacked, Don. The guy’s no loss.’ Erskine straightened his tie. ‘I’ll speak to Penny. Sure, we’ll take care of Heidi and the brats. But dinner, no. I’ve got plans.’ He cupped his hands under imaginary breasts, and winked at Quiggan.
    The chief financial officer hoisted one side of his face. ‘The blonde, from last time?’
    Erskine nodded just as the phone rang. Quiggan answered it. Dijkstra had arrived and was on her way up with a party of ministerial officials. Erskine levered himself off the couch.
    Suddenly he felt dizzy and remote, like he was looking up at the room from the bottom of a swimming pool. His head throbbed, blood hammered in his ears. Quiggan seemed to move in slow motion, opening the door to a large woman with short hair, and two male officials. Erskine saw his own hand reach out to shake the one she offered to him, but he didn’t hear the words she was saying to him, only a buzz in his head.
    The next thing he was aware of, Quiggan was propping him up against the wall in the bathroom splashing water on his face.
    â€˜Come on, Jack. C’mon. How you feeling?’
    â€˜Weird. What happened?’
    â€˜You keeled over just as you were shaking her hand.’
    â€˜I don’t believe it. What a disaster.’
    â€˜You don’t know the half of it. She got her jacket off, told me she was a qualified doctor, and put you in the recovery position herself.’
    â€˜Fuck. Just tell her I got the sweats. That’s all. Tell her I’ll be out in a couple minutes, okay?’
    â€˜Jack, I do think you need a doctor. Postpone the meeting. You’re real pale, boy.’
    â€˜No. I’ll be fine.’ Erskine dried his face and stared at Quiggan. ‘No more postponements. I’ve never cried off a meeting because of ill health and I definitely ain’t gonna start with this one.’
    After Quiggan had gone Erskine stared closely at his face in the mirror. His fleshy face and large jaw looked like raw pastry. The tan had vanished. His pale blue eyes were bloodshot. Sweat had darkened the collar edge of his blue Lauren shirt. His joints were aching and he felt lightheaded. He took three deep breaths and opened the door. Everyone was looking at him. He beamed, boomed a hello and jogged down the two steps into the conference room like a chat show host.
    â€˜I’m so glad to see you so recovered, Mr Erskine.’ The minister shook his hand warmly. ‘How are you feeling?’
    â€˜I’m just fine,’ he said. ‘I think I may have a touch of the flu, but it takes more than that to put me out. You know, I was only saying to Don here the other day what a great place to fall ill Holland would be. You guys resource the health sector properly.’
    â€˜I’m glad you approve. Perhaps that was why you wanted