The phone woke me later that evening at four thirty. I was a little disorientated, so it took me a second or two to recognise my whereabouts. The feel of Natalie’s naked body against mine reminded me. I smiled as I recalled the few pleasant hours ensconced in her arms and the playful banter she insisted was necessary. I touched her porcelain smooth skin as I reached to the floor to pick up my phone.

“Tony Harris,” I intoned quietly.

“Pat Dennison here, Tony, am I disturbing you?”

“I was just lying in bed, Pat.”

“I’m sorry, did I get you up?”

“No, I had to get up in any case, the phone was ringing.”

“Oh, good.”

“What’s up, Pat?” I asked.

“I called your office earlier but they told me you had taken a bit of sick leave.”

“Yes, the doctor called it stress leave.”

“You’re probably overworked,” he said.

“No, I’m fine in that regard. It’s just stress.”

“Listen, I think we got off on the wrong foot today. We should have a face to face chat before the meeting in the morning and clear the air.”

• Book 12 of 12
• Print length: 44 pages
• Language: English
• Publication date 22nd February 2026