SAMSON (Book 1... Introducing Inspector Lord Pinhorn)

By Amelia Anderson

The serenity of beautiful Matilda Bay is tarnished by murder at Peterson Publications.... Genevieve's heart is set on fire every time Jake is near her, like a candle burning deep within her soul. The carnage continues while several romances unfold into uncanny events of fate and destiny linking their pasts. What family secret lies beneath the murky waters of Matilda Bay - visit to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amelia Anderson
• Release date: Jan 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458035332

Amelia Anderson

Amelia is a proud Australian born under the sign of the bull on ANZAC Day 25th April, 1955. She always found it easy to express herself straight from the heart hence her passion for writing, photography and love of nature.After completing high school she received her Diploma in Business and later her Cert. IV in small business management to commence her own secretarial and health business.'Amelia'and 'Adventure' go hand in hand as she travelled the globe to many remote areas soaking in their humble culture.She hopes somehow and somewhere to make a difference and to make each day count!

Book preview

Samson

(noun – a person of great strength)

by Amelia Anderson

(Book 1 in the Inspector Pinhorn series….)

A Murder Mystery Romance

Copyright 2011 Amelia Anderson

All rights reserved

Spelling in English/Australian version

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be copied, re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

- About the Author -

The author was born under the sign of the bull, Taurus, in Sydney, NSW, on Anzac Day the 25th of April 1955 (nee FORD).

She grew up in Concord and attended North Strathfield Primary School, then Strathfield Girls High School. Attending Metropolitan Business College, she received her Diploma and later her Certificate IV in Small Business Management before commencing her own secretarial business.

A tasty slice of her mischievous and adventurous childhood was spent on the family farm at Tinonee, on the banks of the Manning River in NSW. She enjoyed the carefree farm life and everything nature had to offer. The author appreciated her heritage in a quaint country town where time stood still, being the original cargo town before Taree was established on the opposite bank. From a very young age, she enjoyed writing poetry, compositions and stories straight from the heart.

I believe each person is unique and has their own special gift to offer. There is beauty in everything and everyone; it just needs to be drawn out and exposed for all to feed on.

Amelia is a proud Australian. She raised her family on the scenic Central Coast (Avoca Beach) where she resides today. Her other passions are the beach, dancing and photography. Amelia’s unique creative and designing flair is utilised both inside and outside the home and evident in her writing. She is worldly and has travelled the globe extensively. I have experienced the many flavours of life. These humble experiences have taught me to believe in myself and to never, ever give up on my dreams. Persistence and determination always give a positive result.

Canada holds a special place in Amelia’s heart after having lived and worked there. What she really cherished was the unique wildlife (seeing a bear for the first time in the wild), sharing Canada Day in Banff and The Calgary Stampede, attending an authentic pow-wow, the excitement of Halloween (she acted like a big kid) and the joy of seeing the Christmas boats and houses all lit up. Most of all it was the captivating beauty of the rugged snow-capped mountains that sprinkled their magic all over her; and the cherished life-long friends she met along the way.

Her motto is, ‘Enjoy life, breathe it, live it! Make each day count’.

Dedication

I dedicate my debut EBook to Sylvia, Shane, Marilyn and Uncle Bill who fought so hard for so long but in the end lost their battle to live.

Their memory and spirit inspire us all to live!

Contents -

CHAPTER 1 – Jakes Departs Matilda Bay

CHAPTER 2 – Jasmine’s Clumsy Arrival

CHAPTER 3 – Petersen Publications

CHAPTER 4 – Presentation Night

CHAPTER 5 – The Investigation Begins

CHAPTER 6 – Revelations

CHAPTER 7 – The Book Launch

CHAPTER 8 – Truth or Dare

CHAPTER 9 – Jake’s Untimely Return

CHAPTER 10 – Matilda Public Hospital

CHAPTER 11 – Business As Usual

CHAPTER 12 – Confession of a Lover

CHAPTER 13 – Love at First Bite

CHAPTER 14 – New Evidence

CHAPTER 15 – True or False

CHAPTER 16 – Laid to Rest

CHAPTER 17 – Destiny

CHAPTER 18 – Prince and Princess

CHAPTER 19 – Dirty Laundry

CHAPTER 20 – Biking Rendezvous

CHAPTER 21 – Hit, Run and Hide

CHAPTER 22 – Family Trait

CHAPTER 23 – Testimonial

CHAPTER 24 – Shock Discovery

CHAPTER 25 - Ward 8 Bed 2

CHAPTER 26 – Drip and Dip

CHAPTER 27 – Martha Magic

CHAPTER 28 – Mirror Image

CHAPTER 29 – From The Grave

CHAPTER 30 – Cheeky Jake

CHAPTER 31 – Reflections

CHAPTER 32 – Steam Rising

CHAPTER 33 – Caveman

CHAPTER 34 – Roots and Shoots

CHAPTER 35 – The Beach Hunt

CHAPTER 36 – Reborn

CHAPTER 37 – Confessions

CHAPTER 38 – Double Trouble

CHAPTER 39 – Interrogation

CHAPTER 40 – Rough Diamond

CHAPTER 41 – Roots and Sprouts

CHAPTER 42 – Bondage

CHAPTER 43 – Surprise Party

CHAPTER 44 – Night of Passion

CHAPTER 45 – Case Re-opened

CHAPTER 46 – Almadi Maas

CHAPTER 47 – The Plot Thickens

CHAPTER 48 – Love Is Blind

CHAPTER 49 – Sweet Alibi

CHAPTER 50 – Parlez Vous Francaise

CHAPTER 51 – Secret Evidence

CHAPTER 52 – Mystery Solved

CHAPTER 53 – Happily Ever After

CHAPTER 1 - Jake Departs Matilda Bay

Ding! Ding! Dong!! Ding! Ding Dong!! The familiar sound was like music to Genevieve’s ears as the clock tower chimed six times over the very still and picturesque Matilda Bay. It always made her smile on the hour, every hour. The white pointed steeple of the clock tower stood tall and proud amongst the other buildings decorating the shoreline of the beach and adjoining bay.

Instinctively Genevieve glanced at her wall clock to check the time but it had stopped two hours earlier. Looking puzzled she adjusted the hands to the correct time, waited to hear it tick and then gazed out the window looking forlorn. The sparkle dulled in her eyes and her chest tightened as her hear beat thumped away deep inside her.

Jake, your taxi has arrived, announced Genevieve in her quiet, refined voice.

Good., I’ll be at the airport in plenty of time! replied a deep husky voice.

You’ll be flying across Australia before you know it. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the sunset amongst the clouds, she added.

The very striking and well-built Jake planted a soft, tender kiss on Genevieve’s flushed cheek as he rushed out of the office clutching his luggage in one hand and his briefcase in the other.

Now be a good girl while I’m away, Genevieve, he said as he flirtingly brushed her bottom with his newspaper. I know you’ll do me justice in my absence. The staff respect you and that’s why I’ve left you in charge. If any problems arise that need resolving please delegate and don’t refer them to me. That’s why I’m getting away! he said chuckling to himself.

He noticed Genevieve’s concerned look and added, Only joking. Here’s my itinerary. Don’t hesitate to ring me if you need to. Good luck with everything. Jake flashed her a cheeky wink before disappearing out the front door.

Genevieve hardly had time to turn around before the back end of the orange taxi disappeared around the corner with the shadow of darkness looming in the background.

She sighed and forgetting she was alone and only talking to herself said, It’s been a long day and I can’t wait to soak in my bathtub. Tomorrow will be a new day!

Genevieve shook her head and thought to herself, ‘I’ll leave my car here overnight and catch up on some much needed exercise.’

She slipped off her stilettos and placed them in her bag. From the coat hook in her office she unravelled the bright shoelaces that tied her sneakers together. Then she squeezed her tired smelly feet into them ready for the half hour power walk home. Genevieve wanted to breathe in the fresh sea air and recharge her batteries in readiness for the gruelling day that lay ahead of her. Her fingertips quickly typed in her security code, she locked up and turned out all the lights before departing the building, forgetting the cleaner had not yet arrived.



The next morning, as the sun rose its shimmery sphere above the colourful horizon, it promised to be another glorious day, full of adventure and surprise…………

It was business as usual at Petersen Publications, a fast and upcoming publishing house in the heart of the city, yet only one block away from the beautiful pounding surf of Matilda Beach. Just around the inlet of the surf beach and rock platforms lay Matilda Bay, a popular safe haven for family and children.

Genevieve enjoyed her brisk early morning walk to the office. This was no ordinary day, it was her first day in her new role as Chief Executive Officer and she felt refreshed and ready for new challenges.

What distinguished Matilda Bay from other beaches down the east coastline of Australia was its very own colony of penguins. They waddled along dutifully grouped in their little families, following each other in straight lines. Their uniqueness drew huge crowds of tourists to the area.

The white foaming waves rolled in one after another crashing viciously against the jagged rocks sending a surging spray of water high in the air with the strong smell of salt nestling in the glistening white sand. It created an instant calm and was a vision of beauty through the glass walls of the ground floor foyer of Petersen Publications. Being the middle of the winter school holidays Matilda Bay was bustling with people and action. The entry was blocked by the flurry of children zooming by on their roller-blades and roller-skates, which pedestrians had to skilfully dodge. People were also still celebrating the ‘Christmas in July’ events. Many buildings and cafes were decorated with artistic snow scenes and elaborate window displays depicting the spirit of Christmas, which the tourists thrived on.

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas everyone, piped one jolly Santa dressed in his fluffy red and white suit, from one street corner, while ringing his tuneful bells with both hands.

On the adjacent corner stood a beautiful, tall, slim version of Mrs Claus, dressed in a furry red-and-white mini skirt, white top and fluffy Santa hat, accessorised with shiny, white patent leather above-knee-high boots. It was hard to miss her, as her beautiful features stood out in the crowd and her long thick golden hair glistened in the winter sun under her hat. Her husky, sexy voice rang out through the microphone concealed in the shiny copper bell that she clung to. Greetings, one and all. Get your Christmas bargains now!

Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king! sang the group of joyous carollers assembled in front of the shopping mall. The ‘Ho Ho Christmas Store’ was enjoying a thriving business as people hurriedly brushed by one another and ducked to enter and exit the shop through its tiny, quaint door. The dwarf doors created instant magic for the children as they pressed buttons to listen to Christmas carols or pulled strings to watch figurines and objects move around. Of course, walking or kissing under the mistletoe was a huge attraction and by far the favourite. The atmosphere of a white Christmas was ripe at Matilda Bay.

Genevieve arrived earlier than normal at the office and enjoyed not queueing in traffic jams and only relying on her feet to get her there. She felt excited and eager to carry out her dynamic new role of Chief Executive Officer to the best of her ability. When Genevieve walked into her office she sensed that something was different, but couldn’t quite place what it was. Inadvertently she looked up when switching on the lights and noticed the manhole above her desk was wide open and thought how strange that was.

Someone was up in the roof making a hell of a noise. She presumed the air conditioning man had already arrived, as discarded old Pink Batts were being hurled down the hole. Genevieve thought, ‘I wonder who let them in?’ She replied to herself, ‘probably the cleaner who left the building as I was entering. Hmm, I wonder if Jake told them someone was coming to fix the air conditioning?’

I must follow that through and check up for myself, she whispered aloud as she scribbled a reminder to herself on her upright desk diary, among the maze of messy handwriting.

She didn’t give the matter another thought, as phones frantically started to ring all at the same time well before opening hours. Damn! I should have left the answering machine on!

Genevieve was trying hard to focus only on the hectic day ahead. She started to organise and delegate her workload. Her graphic designers would be working under intense pressure so she would organise a healthy lunch to keep them refuelled and focused. It was paramount they kept to schedule or ahead of it.

She turned on her intercom, bent over her desk and pressed number four.

Good morning, Piaff. When you arrive today please organise a large platter of mixed sandwiches and wraps and some orange juice and chilled water for around midday in the conference room? Thanks for your help. She placed a large tick in her diary for the timeslot 12 to 12.30.

Genevieve’s private line rang and she fumbled to pick it up in time.

Hi Mum, this is a lovely surprise. Is Dad OK? Is something wrong?

Don’t panic, dear, we’re fine. Why do you always suspect the worst whenever I ring? Your father and I are excited about your promotion.

Yes, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime for me, my big chance to prove myself to my boss, my colleagues, my readers, but mainly to myself; my own personal challenge.

All your loyalty, patience and hard work have finally paid off my dear.

This really is the big break I’ve been waiting for.

And you deserve it my dear daughter.

I can honestly say, Mum, that I feel like a cheshire cat, purring away with contentment. Can your hear me purring through the mouthpiece?

Just about! she replied and then laughed.

You know, I’m determined to be successful!

Yes I know you are. Being acknowledged means everything.

I’ll be able to design and create and use all my skills. I can’t wait to put them into practice.

You’ve got so much energy and initiative that sometimes you’re like a bubble just waiting to burst, Genevieve!…. When we look into your eyes, we can even feel what you’re feeling. Your energy sinks into our skin too.

I hope that’s a good thing mum!

Of course! It’s natural for you to express yourself and bring joy to other people. It’s your own tortured soul you have trouble with, so be kind to yourself. You deserve it my dear.

Genevieve looked good for her age. She was still attractive with a mature, yet shapely figure, and a genuine smile. Her sense of humour and happy disposition made people laugh. She was tall and oozed class and charisma, yet in a casual way. Genevieve could be summed up in two powerful words – ‘enchanting’ and ‘exasperating’. Pollyanna would have been a more appropriate name. Her natural dress sense was obvious. She dressed young yet fashionably for her age. In her younger days, she had made the finals in various beauty pageants and wore the honour of the satin sash across her chest. She had even posed as a live nude model at several art classes. She found the experience very erotic. It was a huge ordeal for her to pluck up the courage just to take the robe off. She had always been naïve and shy about her body. The class loved her feminine poses so much that they asked her to return the next week. Apparently, that was rare, so it was a real honour and a compliment to her personally. She remembered how hard it was staying completely still in one delicate pose for ten minutes at a time. Her body would start to tremble and her eyelids would start to flicker. She then realised professional artists only thought of her as something to sketch, not as a nude body, and the more flab and wrinkles the better.

You have just made me realise how lucky I am, Mum. I’ve achieved so much in my life already and I have so much to be grateful for.

Yes, half the world seems to be at war, stricken by tragedy and devastation beyond our comprehension, exclaimed her mother.

Genevieve’s true passions were travelling and photography. She had travelled extensively to many remote areas, which had taught her humility. Her unique photography hung proudly on many walls at local exhibitions and gift shops for all to admire. Genevieve excited everyone when she talked about her travels, making their eyes light up with envy and delight.

My camera’s still my best friend and the perfect travelling companion. It never talks back, it’s never bitchy, it never criticises yet it’s an avid listener.

Her mother started laughing through the mouthpiece.

Oh Genevieve, your energy still exhausts me. ….… You wear bright clothing which emphasises your colourful and open outlook on life.

I hope that’s a virtue, Mum.

Her mother coughed and paused before continuing.

"You have a huge heart Genevieve but you’re oversensitive at times.

Doesn’t that mean I’m compassionate and caring? retorted Genevieve.

You must have inherited all those good qualities from me! exclaimed her mum.

Chuckling, Genevieve replied, Yes, I’m a softie just like you, Mum! Remember all the movies we’ve cried through together? We’d be choked with emotion and would empty the entire tissue box.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry right now, my darling daughter. You are such a deep and meaningful person, anxious to make your mark in the world. And you know what? I’m sure you will.

Thanks Mum for believing in me, but you are my greatest fan – and of course biased.

I’m allowed to be. I’m your mother

Well I believe everyone in the world is unique with their own special gift to offer. I think it’s so sad that most people take their entire life to find out what their special gift is and then die without leaving their special something behind them. I’m determined not to be one of them. I want to make my life count.

Well argued and I agree…. You can count me in too, dear.

You read me like a book, don’t you Mum?

It was the common, every day courtesies that really mattered to Genevieve. The little things that were taken for granted and often forgotten, really made her tick and pulled at her heartstrings. It was the occasional words of acknowledgment, encouragement, praise or even a simple ‘thank you’ that meant the world to her and touched her heart. Call her insecure if you like, but her emotions were raw and real, straight from the heart. In fact, everything Genevieve did was from the heart – she spoke from the heart, wrote from the heart, felt from the heart and acted from the heart. If something was troubling her, she had to speak the truth, no matter the consequences. Her values and principles were so important and strong to her that she would go out on a limb to help someone, or even lose her job if she thought a situation was unfair or wrong. As far as Genevieve was concerned, without values and principles, she was nobody and not worth anything. She would always fight for what she believed in, and fight hard.

What brought all this on? said her mother. It’s been such a long time since we spoke so frankly to each other. I feel like you’re sitting right next to me. If you were, I’d reach out and give you a big hug. Is something troubling you?

No, I just felt like a meaningful conversation with someone. You must have read my mind by ringing me out of the blue so early in the morning. I’ve been feeling a bit lonely lately. I guess maybe I’m a bit nervous about my new role as Chief Executive Officer. However, Genevieve knew deep down inside that it was much more than that.

Well, don’t be. That’s why I rang you. I remembered you have your first presentation and book launch this week, in Jake’s absence, and I just wanted to wish you the best of luck.

Thanks mum. Up until now, I feel I’ve spent half my life just finding out who I am, what I’m good at and what I really want to do with my life!

Well now you’ve found out.

I know how precious my family are to me – my rock to lean on, the fuel in my tank, my lifeline to the future. My family are all I have in this world

I know you felt your friends had faded away since your divorce and you felt betrayed but you shouldn’t feel that way. They were genuinely concerned about you.

I know that now mum. I’ve finally released all my built-up guilt and forgiven myself. It just took some time. All I need right now is a close bond with you, dad, sis and the kids.

They aren’t kids any more, Genevieve, they’re young adults. Your son’s just turned twenty-one and your daughter is nearly twenty. Don’t worry about them. They’ve got their own lives to lead. Shortly you won’t even have any children around you. That’s why it’s important to build your own life now and do what you really want. You must make decisions for yourself now and not for other people. Don’t underestimate their love; they’ll support you no matter what, just like you support them. They just want you to be happy.

Oh thanks for making everything seem so simple. I see it all clearly now..….I’m starting to feel all teary and emotional so I’m going to hang up now before I cry. We’ll speak again soon. I love you Mum.

I love you too sweetheart. Dad and I are so proud of you right now. Good luck. It was too late. Tears of joy were trickling down her cheeks. Genevieve grabbed a tissue and wiped them away feeling very loved.

CHAPTER 2 - Jasmine’s Clumsy Arrival

Without warning, the outer door of the office started to rattle as someone was clumsily inserting a key into the lock and turning it from side to side. Genevieve’s heart pounded. Who would be entering the premises so early in the morning, and who would have a key to the premises?

She was surprised yet relieved by the untimely arrival of her new personal assistant. The door flung open as Jasmine tried to keep her grasp on the huge cardboard box she was clutching with all her might.

Genevieve recalled her comments to Jake a week earlier. I’m pleased with my final selection from the short list of interviews I’ve conducted. I have no time for bitchy women and there isn’t one bitchy bone in this girl’s body. I always trust my feelings and instincts. Jasmine is young, confident and has all the right ingredients. She speaks well, dresses well and has a bright smile. Her credentials and references are excellent. I feel comfortable and trust her implicitly.

Jake had replied, Hire her immediately, Genevieve.

Jasmine’s long blonde hair and hazel eyes complemented the pretty plum suit she was wearing.

Welcome aboard Jasmine. What a surprise! You gave me such a shock arriving early like that.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle anyone. I’m just eager on my first day to get organised and settle in, insisted Jasmine, puffing and panting as she struggled to the table and released the cardboard box out of her clutches but not out of her sight.

Genevieve was grateful Jasmine had arrived very early but still baffled as to the real reason why. Bubbling over with enthusiasm, Jasmine seemed more relaxed now her hands were free. She was very guarded and protective of the mystery box that appeared to be bursting with files and books.

Is it all right if I unpack my things now and lock them away safely in a cabinet or drawer? Jasmine asked.

Her beautiful deep set eyes complimented by thick, long eyelashes were focused directly on her possessions.

Genevieve nodded her head in approval. Her eyes were now fixed on Jasmine as she quickly and possessively piled the entire box into the empty cubicle, fumbling for the key. Smiling, Genevieve said quietly, "I hope you feel more at ease now, Jasmine, but I assure you, there’s no need to use a lock at Petersen Publications.

I’ll give you a quick rundown, Jasmine. The Managing Director, Jake Petersen, is a lovable and well-respected businessman. He gives respect and receives it back, a two way trust. While he is away overseas for four weeks, both you and I know we’ll have our work cut out for us. It’s called ‘start at the deep end’. Don’t worry, we’ll work as a team to resolve all problems, meet all challenges, stick to the budget and make a remarkable profit. Together, we’ll make Jake proud! He has put his trust in us, and the reputation of his company. I’ll help you get acquainted with our accounts and settle in. We must not let him down.

Jake was well liked for his mischievous nature and Genevieve imagined what a rascal the young Jake must have been at school. He was tall and slender, and rumour had it that he had been quite a playboy back in his young, single days. Women of all ages still rang him from time to time and he would even receive the occasional feminine gift. He had only just left, yet she was thinking about him already. Genevieve would be delighted when he was sent flowers or a single red rose in a cylinder, as they would all end up sitting proudly on her desk.

Jake would casually enter her office carrying a lovely bunch of colourful flowers or a red rose and her heart would sink thinking he had bought them for her. She would pretend to be busy and bury her head in the bookwork or suddenly pick up a phone.

He would say, Hi darling. These are for you. They must have arrived on my desk by mistake but they would look much nicer on yours. Jake would turn his nose up at them, then plant a gentle kiss on her cheeks. She would blush. The staff would also pretend to be busy, but of course were watching intently their every move through the corner of their eyes. They were convinced she had a genuine crush on the boss. Genevieve would try her hardest to hide it, particularly from Jake, but they all knew. Truth be known, Jake seemed genuinely and equally attracted to her, too, and somehow enticed by Genevieve’s free and caring spirit.

Jake had a heart as big as Pharlap and a soul as deep as the ocean. His generosity was as endless as the clouds in the sky. If his heart had been made of gold he would have gladly melted it into bullion and shared it with the rest of the world. That is just who he was and the very reason that everyone adored him. Jake was a rare, rough diamond that sparkled with goodness and decency.

He had aged gracefully and you could tell he was a sailor from his rugged yet handsome, suntanned face. Any spare time was spent aboard his yacht in either a race or just entertaining and relaxing. Every kind, small wrinkle on his face told its story of his adventurous youth and the many wives, children and grandchildren he had acquired along the way.

CHAPTER 3 - Petersen Publications

Genevieve’s biggest challenge for the day was the presentation and launch that evening, which Jake had designated solely to her. She felt honoured to be trusted for such an important role. The night before, she had stayed up late preparing her speech and presentation, reviewing the photo-spread and designs many times.

She walked over to Jasmine and said, I hope you’re settling in OK now. I’m sure we’ll be a great team and each other’s leaning post as time goes on. As one of your first tasks here at Petersen Publications, I would be grateful if you could organise and order a delicious buffet dinner for six people this evening with a selection of red and white wines.

Thanks, said Jasmine. I would love to. Have you any recommendations for food choice?

No, I’ll leave it all in your capable culinary hands, Jasmine. I trust your wine tasting skills as well. They both laughed.

Piaff, our Receptionist who you briefly met at the interview, will tell you who we usually use and give you an order form.

Genevieve then disappeared back into her office. She sat down and thought, ‘This should impress all the guests tonight, being in the relaxed, casual atmosphere of Petersen’s spacious and scenic conference room. They need inspiration to choose the front cover design for the new book launch and every single detail will have to be examined and assessed, particularly the choice of colours’. An hour and a half passed by as she finalised her computer notes and scribbled in her diary.

Genevieve called Jasmine into her office by pressing number two on her intercom.

Jasmine, take a seat. I want to go through the schedule thoroughly with you. I need you to be aware of all my expectations about this evening. I realise I haven’t given you much time to settle in, but diving in at the deep end is sometimes the most effective way. Here’s a list of the invited guests. Did you organise the buffet dinner?

Yes, all ordered, plus a nice selection of wines, which I enjoyed sampling.

Jasmine was testing her boss to see what reaction she would give and to see if she had a sense of humour. She was glad she did.

I look forward to tasting them myself this evening. I’m glad you’re still sober! she said with an amused smile. She then continued, Could you please print this schedule of events for distribution to each guest, and familiarise yourself with it? I won’t let any of the panel leave the room until the important choices are made. It has to be just the right look and design to make this book a bestseller. The book launch will proceed without delay tomorrow, no matter what. I have never missed a deadline before and I’m not going to start now! This is far too important to Jake, to Petersen Publications and to us. Together we’ll make a great team. We’ll represent Petersen Publications to the best of our ability. Do you have any questions?

Not yet, thank you, but I’ll let you know when I do, replied Jasmine in her professional business voice, keeping direct eye contact with Genevieve.

The morning passed quickly and uneventfully with the usual continual ringing of the telephones and the foyer full of people. The colourful, modern office breathed professionalism, charisma and style. It reflected the creativity of Petersen Publications. The panoramic lifelike painting of Matilda Bay was stunning against the backdrop of the red wall and provided the finishing touch to the reception area. It was warm and welcoming.

After returning to her soundproof glass office, she realised that for the last hour or so she had felt peaceful and heard no noise above her or from anywhere. ‘Bliss at last!’ she thought.

She buzzed her personal assistant for confirmation.

Jasmine, I was just wondering if you heard the air conditioning man or noticed what happened to him? He was here earlier making a racket. The manhole has been replaced and the ladder removed.

No, I’m sorry, I have no idea. I’m so focused today that I tend to switch off to my surroundings. I didn’t even know he had been here.

I think it’s called ‘selective hearing’ though you usually don’t get that until you’ve had children, smirked Genevieve. Thanks anyway, I’ll leave you to it.

She pondered. ‘I’ll have to work harder and skip lunch to get the presentation ready on time. I already have Jasmine working flat-out with all the last-minute preparations. It wouldn’t be fair to ask any more of her. If Jasmine sincerely offers over and above her normal duties, then I’ll accept her kind offer of help. That’ll be testimony to my correct and careful choice of personal assistant.’

Jasmine must have read her mind, as minutes later she knocked on Genevieve’s door looking concerned.

Genevieve, we still have so much to do and appear to be a little behind schedule. I really don’t mind working through my lunch hour and after work to reach our deadline. I realise how important it is and I do know how to prioritise.

I’m impressed Jasmine and thanks so much. Four hands and two minds will certainly quicken the pace. Tanya and Kareena will also assist with the preparations, as the day is quickly disappearing. They are our two trainee graphic designers personally selected by Jake, fresh from university. I often rely on them. They’re young, vivacious and they add spice and excitement to the office with their enthusiasm and eagerness to succeed. She paused and smiled Yet I suspect they’d be a couple of rascals outside the office, seeking action in any shape or form. Genevieve felt very comfortable speaking so openly with Jasmine. Even though she hardly knew Jasmine she felt she had made the right decision hiring