Page 22 of Kicks

God, he’s trying to psych me out. How embarrassing.

“Like I said, we’ll both do our best. The winner will evidently be the best one for the job.”

“Let’s see, shall we?”

“Let’s.”

Brad got up, sending the chair spinning away. He stormed off to the other side of the office.

“What was that about?” Kat asked.

Eddie watched Brad slamming down at his desk.

“I think it’s game on,” Eddie replied.

“Thank fuck for that.”

Eddie sat up at his desk. “Meaning?”

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Kat said.

Instantly he tensed. Why did people say that shit before coming in for a character assassination?

“Go on.”

“You don’t always do it on purpose.”

She evidently had something to say. By circling around it, she was getting right on his nerves. “Please elaborate. Honestly, you know how this bugs me.”

“You have a natural talent, love. It’s a good thing. The only bit that’s missing in the strategy is killer instinct.”

Eddie had had enough of this. Did everyone see him as the office labrador? Just bumbling around and responding to treats?

“Will you stop?” he said. “It doesn’t all happen by accident, thank you. I make it look like that because it suits me. Why does everyone think I don’t work? My numbers speak for themselves.”

Kat held her hands up. “Fine. Have it your way. I’ll tell you this. If I end up working for that overly tanned blond gobshite, I’ll be holding you personally responsible. Take it seriously, please.”

“No pressure then?”

Bina glanced up from her laptop. “Your luck is in,” she said. “I’ve got a new enquiry email for you and it’s in Brighton. Land it quick and you’re golden.”

Any potential sales leads were shared out equally.

This was a turn-up for the books.

“Send it over,” he said, rubbing his hands together.

“Done,” she said. “Over to you, Mr Marvellous. Make it work. For what it’s worth, I don’t want to walk for that seventies throwback either. I’m not sure the diversity training really works on our Brad. He asked me to bring coffees to a client meeting the other day.”

“You didn’t do it?” Kat replied.

“Of course. I had no choice. The clients were standing right in front of us,” Bina said. “When I agreed, he called me a good girl.”

“No,” Kat said. “Don’t tell me any more or I might have to beat him to death with a dildo.”

Eddie zoned them out as he scanned the email.

“Interesting,” he said.