Page 12 of Perfect Three

Lucy had reminded Jake, her case-manager at the temping agency, on Monday afternoon that she was free, but he’d told her they had nothing at the moment.He did ask if she’d take on a three-month block in two weeks’ time.Naturally, Lucy agreed.It was now Wednesday lunchtime and she wondered what he wanted.

“Lucy, any chance you can do a rush job in the city?You’re always the most accurate person we have to do urgent stuff.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“A complex had their bookkeeper take ill suddenly.Apparently, they’ve got an audit next week.Everything has to go to their accountant by Friday evening.Their bookkeeper had most of it done so there are only a few things left.Plus, it still has to be checked in case anything’s missing.”

“So I’d have tomorrow and most of Friday to make sure it was all ready?”

“Yep.So will you do it?”Lucy could imagine Jake on his knees pleading as he added, “Pretty please, please.”

Lucy laughed.“I will.Can you text me over the address and contact details please?”

“Thanks.Knew I could rely on you to help.Honestly, Lucy, you’re our number one girl.Thank you again.I’ll send it through now.Bye.”

“Bye, Jake.”

Lucy hung up and waited a few minutes for the text message to come through, laughing when she saw the name of the place—Split The Atom, where she’d been on Saturday night.

Jake: Meet manager Roger Hammell @ 9.Go to coffee shop & ask for him.

Lucy:Will do.Thanks.

****

The next morning, shedressed with care in a simple navy-blue sheath dress with a pair of black pumps.Twisting her hair into a knot held with a clip, Lucy made sure she had her glasses, phone, and wallet.Then she grabbed her keys and headed out.

The drive from her house in Little Hartley, down the mountain, and into Katoomba took about thirty minutes.Fortunately, the traffic, although heavy, flowed smoothly, and Lucy found a parking spot close to where she’d parked on Saturday night.Walking down to the side entrance between the two buildings, Lucy reached the enormous green, wooden-barn doors with one side opened.The mouth-watering aroma of freshly ground and brewed coffee filled the air as she strode through.

At the busy coffee shop, Lucy waited her turn then explained who she was.She was greeted with a smile, “Hi, I’ll let Roger know you’re here.”

A few minutes later a man came toward her, hand outstretched.

“Hi, Lucy.The agency said you’d be here around nine.I’m Roger Hammell, general dogsbody and day manager.”

Lucy grinned, shaking hands with him, while thinking he was very attractive.He looked to be around forty, maybe six foot one or two with a lean frame.He had dark brown hair and brown eyes.She gained the impression they’d usually sparkle with laughter, but at the moment they were simply filled with worry.

“The boss told me to arrange for someone to get things organized.We had to send our ‘keeper, Gordon, home yesterday.He was so ill.Been ill with a damn summer flu all week, but he tried to battle on.In the end, I knew if he didn’t leave, he’d collapse.I’m so glad you’re here, Lucy.I’ve been rather worried.Thank goodness the agency could help.”

“Well, point me in the right direction and tell me what I can do to get you organized for tomorrow.”

“Perfect!You’ll have all day today and until around four tomorrow.”

“Great.”

Lucy followed Roger up an outside set of brick stairs with high walls alongside the coffee shop.She soon discovered they led to offices above the shop and the large restaurant.He took her down the hall.There were several doors on the left side and one larger on the right.Opening one of the left-hand doors, he ushered her into a small, neat office.

“The boss is away until late tomorrow.He and his partner are at some big publican’s conference interstate this week.He’s having a panic attack, so at least I can tell him someone is taking care of his precious books when he phones.”

Roger made sure she had everything, then left her to make a start.

Lucy threw her handbag on a chair and studied everything on the desk.Gordon had laid out folders with everything she’d need.He’d left a Post-it note on the computer with the login details for her, along with printouts of anything he thought she’d need.Grateful he’d been able to organize everything, Lucy set to work.

She worked steadily until Roger came back in.

“Hey, Lucy, it’s eleven-twenty.Time to take a break!”

“Oh, wow.Thanks, Roger.I didn’t realize the time.”

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