Page 32 of The Typo

Amy x

PS: How frustrating that your camera’s been playing up. I hope it doesn’t cause problems on the trip. I shall settle for looking at the Edinburgh Zoo webcam penguins until your photos come through.

PPS: I’m going busking on my next midweek day off to raise money for a wildlife conservation charity. Wish me luck!

Now I had to make it true.

ChapterSeventeen

At lunchtime I decided to take my sandwich down into the Cellar Bar and consume it while continuing with the transformation work, safe in the knowledge that Creepy Colin was a stickler for taking his meal breaks. Although I’d been dubious about his work ethic, I was quite impressed by what he had managed to achieve, and without making the boss aware of the work. It was amazing what a difference a good vacuuming had done to the place. Now the 70s décor looked like a deliberate design choice rather than old-fashioned. The floor was immaculate and every surface sparkled. The smell of furniture polish had replaced the stale scent, and my lofty ambitions for the place now seemed far less unrealistic.

I started setting out the chairs, shunting them around in different positions until I’d worked out the best layout. I stood back and admired my efforts. The U shape around the area I’d designated as the stage created a more intimate atmosphere, and would hopefully increase the connection between the audience and the performers. It would mean being clever with the lighting, but I knew exactly who could help with that.

Malcolm answered my FaceTime call on the first ring.

‘Amy hen, to what do I owe the pleasure?’

‘How are you, Malc?’ I asked, hoping my shock at how grey his complexion appeared was not showing on my face. His features were clearly etched in pain, and he seemed to have aged a decade in the week he’d had off work, discomfort from his injury and concern about his precarious position no doubt playing their part.

‘I’m hanging on in there, hanging on in. I’m already sick to death of daytime telly though. I can feel my brain cells dying off as I lounge around here doing sweet Fanny Adams. I’m driving my wife to frustration. I’m not used to having nothing to do and nowhere to go.’ He sighed and then made a visible effort to put on a brave face. ‘But never mind me. How are you, young Amy? Is that the Cellar Bar? Or at least, a much cleaner version of it?’

I explained how I’d enlisted Colin’s help with my plan. Malcolm raised an eyebrow.

‘I know I teased you by suggesting him as a beau, but I would advise you to keep a close eye on that lad. When push comes to shove, you can be sure he’ll only look out for number one. You’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position by doing something Ian isn’t keen on.’

I tried to ignore the anxious churning sensation in my stomach which his words provoked.

‘Don’t worry, I’m being careful, and I’m hoping the benefits will outweigh the risks. And how do you know Ian isn’t behind this?’

Malcolm laughed. ‘I’m not daft. He’s never been one to enjoy change. And he’s never appreciated other people showing signs of initiative. If it doesn’t go to plan, he’ll be ruthless.’

I nodded. ‘That’s why I have to make sure it does all go to plan.’

‘And of course, when it does come good, Colin is bound to claim credit for the whole project.’

‘Quite possibly, but if it helps to secure the Variety’s future, then I’m content for him to be as smug and credit-stealing as he likes, I really won’t care.’

‘Hmm. I think you can guess my view on that, but no matter. And now you’d like my assistance with the lighting design?’

‘If you wouldn’t mind. And I promise if it does go to pot, I won’t breathe a word of your involvement.’

Malcolm smiled. ‘I’m beyond worrying about that kind of thing. Let me have a think. If you can send me a few snaps of the room and then a copy of the lighting stock inventory, I should be able to work out what you’re after. Leave it with me.’

I was reassured that if nothing else, by the time we’d finished the call, Malcolm was looking a lot brighter than he had at the start of it.

I was making positive steps at work. Now I had to make sure I followed through outside of work too.

* * *

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 5 Feb, 09:12

Subject: Audition

Dear Ms Cameron,

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