Page 60 of Wife After Wife
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Harry made his way back to the top floor, going over their conversation—every nuance of Ana’s words, every fleeting expression.
He’d done it. He’d told her how he felt.
Now he could start the serious business of wearing her down, until, like every woman he’d ever wanted, she’d be his.
Step one: deal with the opposition.
As the lift doors opened, he saw Connor Black waiting in the reception area. “Connor, sorry if I’ve kept you. Come on through.”
“Harry, mate.”
Connor was a hugely talented and precocious adman who was true to his East End roots. His TV ads had won all the awards going, and he’d already been offered feature-length films to direct.
They each took a sofa in Harry’s office, on either side of a low glass table.
“So, Harry, you said you had something important to discuss? Is it about the new campaign? I’m not happy with it myself yet.”
“No, Connor, I’m afraid it’s not. It’s about something a little more delicate.”
Connor’s self-confident gaze faltered. And so it should. Rose’s business was a huge part of their portfolio.
“Oh?”
“Percy North. You know he’s seeing a senior member of my staff?”
“Yes, Ana. Lovely girl. Very stylish, very posh.”
Harry ignored the comment.
“Through Ana, Percy has had... access to sensitive information. I’m afraid that information has reached ears it shouldn’t have, and Rose’s position has been somewhat compromised as a result.”
“Really? In what way? Can you be more specific?”
“No. Like I say, it’s sensitive. North should never have shared that information with your staff. He should have known better. I have zero confidence it won’t happen again.”
“I’ll give him a bollocking, mate. You can count on it.”
“Not good enough.” Harry sat back and crossed his legs, waiting.
“A written warning?”
“Won’t cut it.”
“So... what are you saying?”
“I need him off the business. From today.”
“Can do. I’ll move him across—”
“And out of London.”
“You what? Seriously?”
Harry leaned forward again. “Connor... mate. Percy North’s motormouth has caused me serious grief. I should really sack the agency.” He was gratified to see Connor turn pale.
“But if you send Percy North north, or west, or preferably overseas, I’m willing to continue our otherwise wholly satisfactory relationship. I’m happy with your work, Connor, but lose the bag carrier, OK?”
