Temps

By Naomi Abdull

Kitt Jones, a forty-something manager of a temping agency finds her office in danger of closure during the economic downturn. Regional manager Steve Ellis gives her a contract to manage, a lifeline, which if successful would change her fate.

The contract is a success thanks to the efforts of her team of temps, Shawna, Esther, Natalie and Krystal. However on the eve of the celebration, happiness soon turns to sorrow when Kitt’s limp body is found by Shawna, an empty pill bottle indicating suicide.

Confusion and chaos abound as the women contemplate her reasons for wanting to end her life. Their bewilderment ensues when upon regaining consciousness, Kitt is adamant that she didn’t, but unable to remember what did happen.

As Kitt sets out trying to determine the events of night, both hers and the lives of her temps begin to unravel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244336660

Book preview

Temps

Chapter 1

CHRISTMAS

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy and a chorus of chatter.  They were all sat round the table getting merry with several bottles of house wine.  The remnants of pulled crackers were scattered all about them and colourful paper streamed from poppers.  The waiters and waitresses hovered around, refilling near empty glasses, clearing plates and replacing them with new dishes.

This food is like soooo amazing! said Krystal as she delved into the meatballs.

I know right.  I really thought they were gonna give us a crappy Christmas party. You know how tight they are! replied Shawna.

Shawna, they’ve hardly pushed the boat out.  I mean the food is good but we’re only across the road.  After all the hard work we’ve put in, they coulda stretched to taking us central.  Then we could’ve gone clubbing or something!

Shawna laughed. 

Krys the tube station is only down the road.  If we really wanna go into town afterwards we can.

Yeah, I know, but it’s not the same when it’s out of your own pocket, Krystal said taking a large gulp from her third glass of wine.

Take it easy Krys, we have a whole evening to get through yet.

Why do you think I’m gulping it down, Krystal whispered as she and Shawna fell into each other laughing.

What are you two giggling at over there? Natalie bellowed across the table as the girls struggled to compose themselves, the wine prolonging their giddiness.

We’re just laughing at Krystal’s inability to hold her drink.

I object to that comment! said Krystal.

Overruled! shouted Esther as she banged the table with her fist causing her wine to spill. Oops, she said laughing, her paper hat falling onto the floor.

Lightttttweight, Krystal sung into Shawna’s ear as she struggled to contain her laughter. …and you were worrying about me having one to many, or in her case, just the one.

Have you got something to say Krystal? said Esther leaning forward as Natalie thrust some patatas bravas in front of her.

Come on Esther have some of these.  The food seemed to distract her attention as Natalie raised her eyebrows at Shawna and Krystal who both pursed their lips, in an effort to halt their laughter.

Esther, how many glasses have you had? Asked Natalie as she tried to steady her.

A couple that’s all.  Didn’t know you cared, she said as she spat out a chortle only to take another gulp.

Of course I care.  We all do, Natalie replied.

Speak for yourself, mumbled Krystal.  Natalie shot her a look that made her shrug in apology.

Well I’m fine, OK.  Just fine, said Esther.

Really, because considering ….

I’m fine, she shouted.

OK, said Natalie holding her hands up in surrender.  OK.

How is the food? said the waiter.  Before anyone could speak Esther shouted, Splendid! to which all the others smiled in agreement, sending him on his way.

Can you believe that the project is nearly over! said Krystal.

Shawna looked at all of their faces.  She laughed to herself.

What’s so funny?  Are you going mad?? said Natalie laughing. 

No, she replied, not yet anyway, though the past few months would be enough to turn anyone crazy.  Who would’ve thought that four months ago we would all still be here?

Natalie looked at everyone and smiled. 

I know, replied Krystal. But it’ll all change in the new year.  You’re off on your new adventure, Natalie has her new job and Esther, she said as they all watched her pour herself another glass of wine. …. looks like she might be checking into rehab.  They laughed, Esther, the source of their amusement drinking her wine, oblivious.

Aren’t you gonna take up your place at UCL? asked Shawna

I dunno, said Krystal avoiding eye contact.

Well whatever you do Krys, I’m sure it’ll be fabulous, said Shawna, squeezing her thigh reassuringly.  Come on guys let’s have a toast to the future, whatever it brings.

Let me just fill my glass, said Esther as they all looked at her with incredulity.

She just filled it, whispered Krystal into Shawna’s ear.

I know.  I hope you know that you’re sharing a cab with her, replied Shawna as Krystal nudged her in the ribs.

Ready! shouted Esther above the Christmas music, as she stretched forth her glass.

Well here’s to friends and the future! The clink of the glasses was barely audible, as the volume of the sound system increased with people starting to hit the small area cleared as a dance floor.

You wanna dance Krys?  Krystal looked up.  It was Jo from IT.  The girls looked at her with cheeky grins on their faces and she could feel her face turning into a scowl.

Nah, said Krystal shaking her head. Not right now Jo, the food is still digesting, she said touching her stomach.

OK, maybe later then, he said with despondence. She smiled as he walked away.

Oh Krys, you could have danced with him, poor sod, said Natalie.

Yeah, piped in Shawna. I felt like I just watched Bambi being shot.

Shut up Shawna.  Like I said, I’m full.  Plus he is so lecherous.  He tried to get a kiss of Esther earlier.

When? said Natalie, her eyebrows raised.

When she was getting us these drinks, Krystal replied holding up her glass as evidence.

Adie ran over.

Shawna!

Hi Adie. Are you enjoying the evening?

Oh, she said flustered.  It is a good night isn’t it?

Great night Adie.

Isn’t it?

As I said, it’s great, said Shawna as the three other girls started to giggle.

Yes I thought so.  I organised it.

I know Adie.

We all know, said Esther under her breath.

Not that I’ve received any gratitude for it, she continued.

Is there something you want? said Shawna, losing her patience.

Yes, she replied, exhaling with irritation.  I need you to go across the road and get Kitt.

Can’t you go? said Natalie.

"No I can’t! I have to be here and manage the party! I can’t do everything you know.  Kitt was meant to give a speech before everyone started dancing.  She’s been gone quite a while."

It’s fine, I’ll go, Shawna said exhaling exaggeratedly.

Thanks, said Adie as she ran off.

Shawna you should’ve said no, said Natalie.

It’s fine Nat, Shawna replied standing up, placing her serviette on the seat. I’ll be back in a mo.

She teetered across the road with haste trying not to lose her balance in her four-inch heels.  She wished that she were more like Natalie, having the confidence to tell Adie where to go.  The cold night air hit her bare arms and she rubbed them briskly.  She tried the door, which wouldn’t open.  She banged on it a number of times and waited.  There was no answer.

Shawna teetered back across the road to Su Casa, the sound of the music getting louder as she approached the door.  As she walked through it she could see Natalie and Krystal dancing and Esther was stumbling off into the back of the restaurant.  Her eyes scanned the other people in the room until she found Adie.

Adie.

Where’s Kitt? She replied, her eyes looking past Shawna.

She’s still in the office.  The door’s locked from the inside.  I tried banging on it but she can’t hear me.  She must be in the back.  Can I have your key?

Adie sighed as she searched through her bag.

The whole night is ruined!  She was meant to do her speech an hour ago according to the schedule!

I doubt anyone cares! said Shawna as she grabbed the keys.  That woman! she said as she crossed the road, the door slamming shut behind her.  The key jingled in her hand as she looked for the right one.  She struggled to open it, the lock sticking.   After a couple of tries, she stumbled in, the lock finally giving way.  Straightening herself up, she put the keys on one of the desks.

Kitt! she shouted as she strolled through the main office and into the back.    She placed the keys on one of the desks.  Kitt, I’ve been sent to get you!  Come on, everyone is waiting.  Adie has her knickers in a twist.  You know what she’s like, she laughed.  Kitt,…... 

She stood in the doorway of Kitt’s office, frozen, her mind trying to process what was in front of her.  On the table was a bottle of red wine, half empty.  Next to it two empty glasses, one of which had Kitt’s signature red lipstick stain on the side.  Shawna’s breathing became heavier.

Behind the desk Kitt’s body was slumped in the big leather chair, her mouth open.  Time came to standstill as she stood there unable to move, her heartbeat slowly increasing.  She wanted to move towards her, touch her, say something, anything, but she stood there frozen to the spot.

Kitt, she said at last, whispering as though she might disturb her slumber.  She tiptoed around the desk.  Kitt, she repeated as she gently took her limp hand into hers, trying gently to wake her.  Kitt, everyone is waiting, y…your speech…. It was meant to be a while ago according to Adie and you know what a drama queen she is.  She watched Kitt’s eyelids, waiting for a flicker, but nothing.  Nothing.

Kitt, she said, her voice now louder, terser.  Kitt!  She had released the limp hand and grabbed hold of her shoulders shaking her to and fro, trying to wake her by force but still, nothing.  She started to sob.  Kitt?

She leant over Kitt’s body, her face millimetres from Kitt’s rouged lips.  Tentatively she felt Kitt’s wrist for a pulse.  It was faint.  As she reached for the phone, her eyes glanced in the waste bin next to the desk on the other side of Kitt’s chair, inside of which innocently lay an empty medicine bottle.

Chapter 2

Shawna

⌘

Shawna sat there her head in her hands, replaying the scene in her mind over and over again. 

The wine glass.

The pill bottle. 

Kitt’s limp wrist……..

She got up and took another cup of water from the water machine, knocking it back like it was shot before pouring herself another.  She sat down in her seat replaying the last few months in her mind, searching for some hint, some sign that could have indicated that today would have happened.  She couldn’t think of anything. Not one thing. 

Yeah sure, the contract had been stressful.  Yeah, there were times when they all thought they weren’t going to get enough people, when they thought that the contract wouldn’t be renewed, but they did and it was, so why now?

She sat there and felt arms being flung around her, not registering to whom they belonged.  She remained motionless.  Voices talked at her rather than to her, it all sounding like a muted blur.  She just sat there oblivious to it all, concerned only with knowing why.  Why would Kitt do this to herself?

Shawna, she felt her body being shaken and her eyes focussed, registering Krystal’s face staring back at her, contorted with concern and fear.  Shawna!

Huh.

Shawna, are you OK?  Where’s Kitt?

I’m fine, she replied, turning to her left, realising that the second voice came from Natalie, who was sat beside her.

Where’s Kitt? Is she….. Shawna could see that Krystal was afraid to ask.  The words not leaving her tongue for fear that the answer might be yes.

Shawna? said Natalie in her soothing motherly tone.

No. They are working on her.  As far as I know she’s still alive but I’ve not heard from anyone in a while.  Shawna looked around.

Where’s Esther?

She was in no fit state.  She was a drunken mess.  John had to take her home.

What a night! said Krystal. Adie must be having a fit right now.  What an end to the party!  Natalie and Krystal laughed and Shawna found herself laughing too, imagining Adie in despair, not about Kitt but about the fact that her precious party was ruined.  Remembering where she was and why she was there , Shawna’s laughter came to an abrupt end.  I’m just glad she’s not here, Krystal continued.  Could you imagine her here?  She’d make everything so much worse.

Could it get any worse? said Shawna, as a tear escaped from her eye.  Krystal squeezed her hand, which only made her tears form a stream.  You should’ve seen her. Lying there.

Don’t upset yourself, said Natalie putting her arm around her as she glanced up at Krystal.

You didn’t see her Nat, said Shawna shrugging her off.  She was so….. lifeless, she said, her tears in full flow.  I just don’t understand why?  Why would she do it?  Her last sentence hung in the air as Natalie and Krystal looked each other with realisation.

No, said Krystal, You think that she….

It’s the stress, replied Natalie.  She doesn’t know what she’s saying.  It’s been a long night.

Yes, Krystal!  That’s exactly what I’m saying.  She did this to herself!

Oh come on Shawna, that’s a bit far fetched.  Kitt?  As if she would! said Krystal.

Why do you think she would do such a thing? Said Natalie perplexed.

Shawna smoothed her hair.  When I found her, there was an empty bottle of wine on the table…. and an empty pill bottle in the bin beside her.

The silence that lingered was intermittently interrupted by bursts of sobs from Shawna as Natalie and Krystal processed what she had said.

There could be many explanations for that, said Natalie.

Like what? said Krystal.  Shawna could see that Natalie was trying to take on the role as the mother, being comforting and reassuring in the midst of a crisis, but even she was struggling to find an answer other than what seemed evident.

Excuse me, are you the lady that came in with Katherine Jones? Shawna looked up at the doctor who stood over her.  She was afraid to answer not knowing the sequence of events that would follow.

Yes, I am.  How is she?

We had to pump her stomach.  She is very weak but stable for the moment.

What was wrong with her? said Natalie.

For God’s sake Natalie! She tried to kill herself! Shawna shouted storming off down the corridor and outside, the sharp cold night’s air hitting her with a force.  She found herself throwing up at the side of the road as she relived the night’s event.  There on her knees she broke into an uncontrollable sob.  She felt someone lift her to her feet.

Come on.  Let’s get you home, she heard Natalie say as she gently stroked her hair with a mother’s caress.

No. I’m staying here, at least until she wakes.

Look at the state of you.  You couldn’t possibly stay.

I can’t leave her here on her own! Said Shawna brushing Natalie off.  The nurse said that she has no next of kin written down.

  What about her partner…. George isn’t it?  I would’ve thought that he would’ve been her next of kin.  His number must be in her mobile.

I, I’m think I left her bag in the office, her phone must be in there, said Shawna sighing at her error.  Oh, my God, the office.  I left it unlocked.

Don’t worry Shawna.   Adie took care of the office.  Look, I’ll stay with Kitt and I’ll contact Adie and ask her to go to the office and sort Kitt’s belongings.  We will find some way of contacting her family., OK.  You go home.  You’ve had a terrible shock.

Shawna knew Natalie was right, her mouth tasting of vomit, her clothes dusty from the ground and her face tightened by dried tears.  She was of no help to anyone in this state. 

Shawna, you can come back to mine if you don’t fancy going to yours, said Krystal appearing by her side.

No, that’s alright.  I need a shower and a change of clothes.  Nat, you promise you won’t leave her on her own? she said, fresh tears wetting her face.

I promise, said Natalie.

Krystal escorted a fragile Shawna to the taxi rank.  She helped her in before getting in herself.  As it drove off, Shawna watched Natalie, standing on the curb, her face concerned as the unanswered questions hung in the midnight air.

Chapter 3

Shawna

⌘

SEPTEMBER

She stood there in front of the open doors.  She had been standing there for at least five minutes, although to her it felt longer.  She looked inside, her eyes moving over the clothes that had been thrown and tossed into a messy heap.  She wondered what she could possibly wear.  She wasn’t short of clothes, yet she couldn’t find one item that was suitable.

She placed her hand on the white stripy shirt, and then she removed it – that would require ironing.  She then went for a skirt that was wedged between a jumper and her favourite blazer.  She pulled it out and then put it back as that would require shaving. 

Shawna, do you realize what time it is?  You’re gonna be late!

She pressed the keys on her phone, illuminating the screen – it was 8.20.  She hurriedly grabbed a pair of black trousers, a yellow vest and put them on.  She looked at her face in the mirror despairing at the fact that she hadn’t any time to put on any makeup.  She then grabbed her blazer, oyster card and ran down the stairs tripping over the last two.

I’m fine, she said as the thud drew her unimpressed mother into the hallway.  Shawna slipped on her shoes and rushed out of the house, shouting for someone to lock the door behind her.

Shawna ran all the way to the tube station, through the barriers and onto the carriage as the doors were closing, her blazer getting caught.  A tall man in his 20’s helped her tug it out, the altercation leaving a slight mark.  She frowned and started rubbing at it in an effort to get it out, forgetting to thank the kind Samaritan, leaving him wondering why people had such bad manners.

She let out a sigh as she lent on the glass pane by the door and searched her bag, hoping that she had left a bar of chocolate in there, her stomach reminding her that she had not eaten.  To her delight she found a misshapen KitKat that looked as though it had melted twice over.  She ripped off the wrapper and started to munch as the tube jolted along.  She rummaged through her bag again to find the notes that she had written the night before.

Shawna?

She thought that maybe she could pretend that she was someone else or that she hadn’t heard her name being called, but it was too late.  She looked up meeting the person’s eyes.  The face was familiar but all other details escaped her for which she felt guilty

It’s me, Minali.

And there it was.  She remembered alright.  Minali Patel.  Minali and Shawna were in the same class at high school but that is where the similarities ended.  Minali was 5’9", slender and neatly put together. Shawna glanced over her corporate dress and court shoes, her pearl necklace matching her studs.  Her hair was glossy and bouncy with bronze highlights. She looked like the walking talking advert for L’Oreal.  This was in stark contrast to Shawna who had a size twelve hourglass figure. Her hair always had one strand that pointed in a different direction to the others. She never wore heels and always looked slightly shabby. 

Shawna thought about what she must have looked like in Minali’s eyes in her hastily put together outfit.  She quickly glanced down at herself and saw that she had managed to smudge some of the chocolate on her yellow top.

Minali, she exclaimed whilst buttoning her blazer in an effort to cover the stain.  The two women embraced, Shawna’s face being smothered by Minali’s modest bosom.

How are you?  You look great, she said with a tinge of sadness towards herself.

So do you! (No I don’t, thought Shawna)  I’m really good thanks.  Can’t complain.  I can’t believe it’s you.  It’s been so long.  What are you doing with yourself now?

Shawna hated this question.  She never knew how she should answer it.  Saying nothing was never an option even if it was the truth.  However she was far too tired and flustered for any embellishment. To be honest Minali, I’m looking for work at the moment.  I’m actually on my way to an interview.

She could feel Minali’s eyes gloss over her outfit as she said this.

That’s great, what’s it for?  Shawna started to play with a loose thread on her jacket hoping that Minali would get off the train soon. 

Oh, just a telesales position.  Not exactly what I want to do but gotta pay the bills, she said with a cheeky grin.

Oh you moved out then?

Shawna sighed. No, just a figure of speech, she said her grin getting smaller as the tube jolted along.

Oh I was gonna say, ‘cos you got on at the same station you always used to get off at when we were at school.

How on earth did she remember that when I didn’t even remember her name, thought Shawna. 

So where are you working now? Shawna said hoping to shift the focus off of herself.

Oh me?  I’ve just got this job as a PA in this big firm in town but it took me ages to find.  I was off work for about a month!  Shawna tried hard not to shoot daggers as she embarked upon her sixth month of waking up to Jeremy Kyle. 

But I got it through this agency called Temps Minali continued. They were really helpful. I think I have a card in my bag somewhere, she said as she started to rustle through the main compartment of her brown signature Mulberry bag, only to pull out a patent Louis Vuitton purse from which she pulled a slightly creased piece of card.  Shawna was green with envy.

Here it is.  If you’re struggling, call them and ask for Nina, she helped me.  She’s absolutely fab.  Shawna knew she was only trying to help but still felt a tinge of annoyance towards Minali, with her designer bag and purse, perfect hair and teeth and now she had become a regular fairy godmother. 

Thanks.  That’s really sweet of you, she said taking the card and feeling guilty for the thoughts that she was having.  Hopefully I won’t need to use it after today.

Hopefully, fingers crossed, Minali replied as she crossed her fingers in an exaggerated fashion.  But it’s always good to have a back up plan.  Anyway this is my stop.  If things don’t go to plan, give Nina a call, and tell her that Minali sent you.

OK will do, said Shawna as Minali held her in an unwanted embrace, her arms dangling either side of it. 

Bye! said Minali, her hair bouncing in slow motion as she glided off the train.  Shawna’s smile disappeared and she stuffed the card amongst the heap of junk that filled the compartment of her withering Primark handbag.  She leant against the glass pane by the doors and looked up at the tube map.  Just another seven stops to go, she thought, as she closed her eyes.

Chapter 4

Kitt

⌘

She sat at her desk with her feet resting on it.  She lit a cigarette.  Her fourth one of the day, and it wasn’t even 10am.  She couldn’t hear a thing beyond the closed door.  They had been in the office for an hour and the phone hadn’t rung once.  No one had come in, apart from the staff that sat doing nothing but discussing last night’s telly.  She tapped the ash into the ashtray and took another drag, leaning back in her leather chair as Esther opened the door.

She could see the disgust on Esther’s face, her left hand batting away the smoke as her right hand placed the coffee cup heavily on top of the desk. Kitt braced herself for an altercation.  Esther had been working there less than a week and was already starting to grate on Kitt and all of the other workers.  She already had a nickname – Hoity Tointon, one that Kitt thought was quite apt. Hoity Tointon straightened her back and lifted her chin, before beginning her onslaught.

"As you can see, I have brought you your coffee, even though it’s not in my job description.  I would like to take this opportunity to firstly say that I do not appreciate being used as your personal dogs body.  It’s not what I expected when I took on this role.

Second of all, do you realise that smoking indoors has been banned for a while now?  Think of the harm you are doing to yourself, if not everyone else in the office."

Kitt’s anger filled the room like the smoke from her cigarette.  She took one last drag before stubbing it out and removing her feet from the desk.  She sat up straight in her chair and looked Esther straight in the eyes.

Are you finished? she said.  Esther took a moment to think about her response.

Yes, I am, she said with confidence.

Good.  Now I have enough shit going on without you getting on my back.  You’ve been here, for what, two days?....

Four actually. Esther interjected as Kitt took a deep breath, and exhaled, invisible steam flowing from her nostrils.

Two, four, who cares Esther!  The fact of the matter is that you haven’t been here a week and you storm in here telling me what’s what.  I don’t know how they did things where you worked before but this isn’t how we do things here. If you have a problem with my smoking you know where the door is.

Esther tried to interject but Kitt cut her off.

Furthermore in your job description it states that you must do other duties as well as those specified.  Other duties being whatever I see fit, obviously within reason, and I doubt that getting me a coffee is an unreasonable request.  I didn’t pull you away from any pressing work, unless you call discussing EastEnders pressing!

Esther straightened her tailored dress.  Her eye twitched.

I was never spoken to like this when I was in the city!

Well you’re not in the city anymore, Kitt interjected. You’re here, in Besbury.  If you could’ve had a job in the city, I’m guessing you wouldn’t be here. So unless you want to end up in the dole queue at the job centre like all the other poor sods, I suggest that you don’t storm in here any time soon, do you understand? 

Perfectly, said Esther tightly as she left the room leaving the door open behind her.

Kitt sighed as she got up to close it.  When