a cursory rap. And there beside him was a Wolf in sheep’s
clothing, smiling politely, listening intently - acting like the
dutiful new employee. Emily wondered how long it would take before
the fangs came out and Willy Ross was torn apart. It would be a few
years at least before he was established enough, but Emily was sure
it would happen. Willy Ross was a wily old fox. But a fox is no
match for a hungry wolf – not when he’s decided it’s time to go
after the boss’s job!
“Got a minute, Emily?” Willy asked as he opened the door. It
was a rhetorical question – everyone apart from Donald had a minute
if Willy wanted one.
“Sure,” said Emily, her voice betraying a quiver of
excitement. But that was okay –what red-blooded woman, even one
with a wedding ring on her finger, wouldn’t be excited in the
presence of the man who was following Willy around.
“I’d like you to meet Adam Wolf,” Willy said. “He’s going to
be joining the sales team on Monday. Adam – this is Emily Johnson,
Donald Harper’s P.A. Be nice to her. If you want Donald’s help in a
campaign then it’s Emily you’ll need to beg to free up some of his
time.”
Adam Wolf stepped forward as Emily rose from her chair. The
right hand shot out courteously vertical, not assertively tilting
with the palm face down like most arrogant salesmen preferred to
do. Emily accepted it. The shake was firm but not stupidly
crushing, and lasted the prescribed three seconds, during which
time Adam held Emily’s eyes and beamed her a knee trembling
smile.
“Good to meet you again, Mrs. Johnson,” Adam said as they
shook.
“You know each other?” quizzed Willy.
“Not really,” replied Adam as he freed Emily’s hand but still
held her eyes in a powerful gaze. “We’ve just shared the elevator a
couple of times, and passed a few words. Hopefully now that I’m in
sales, we’ll have the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Sounds like a charm offensive will be in order. I do hope that I’m
up to the task.”
Adam gave Emily a wink as he said this, out of sight of Willy
of course. Then he turned to his new boss and looked at him
expectantly.
“Is Donald still in his meeting with Barry?” asked the Sales
Director.
“Erm – yes!” stammered Emily feeling totally flustered.
“Should be finished soon though, then he’s free for an hour or so
after that. I can call you when it’s over.”
“No, don’t worry – he’s already given the thumbs up,” said
Willy, slapping his new salesman on the back. “The Italian Embassy
- I’m going to have to keep an eye on you, Adam – you’re obviously
better connected than I am.”
Adam feigned a modest blush, shaking his head deferentially
like the expert player he was. Emily watched the act, impressed by
the performance – Her Master’s outward demeanour so different from
what she was used to seeing. But to Emily’s eyes it was still the
same man... a master of control, skilfully at work!
“Okay,” said Willy swallowing it all, welcoming his own
nemesis into the fold. “I’ll take you round to Tessa Clifford now
and get the paperwork sorted out. See you later, Emily.”
“Yes, see you later, Mrs. Johnson,” Adam added as he made to
follow Willy out the door.
“Please, call me Emily,” she said to the Master that was
leaving.
Adam stopped and turned in the doorway. Willy halted as well
only a few yards away. “Emily!” exclaimed the Master. “Oh – well
you must call me Adam if I’m calling you Emily. And are you working
late tonight... Emily?”
“Erm... perhaps... I’m not sure. I could be... I mean... Why
do you ask?” stammered Emily all in a fluster, her eyes flicking
from Her Master to Willy. The Sales Director was blatantly
eavesdropping, his suspicious mind racing, wondering if there was
more to this relationship than claimed.
“I’ll be here till seven,” said Adam. “I’d better stay late
and clear a few things up if I’m to start the new