Prin grabbed his own headset. The calls had built up again. They would have to wait. Prin’s heart was racing and he needed to take a second.
Why would Elliott do that? It’s not as if he needs the money.
Prin needed to think. Richard had made it perfectly clear that he didn’t want trouble in the department. Prin knew deep down he should pretend he never heard or saw anything. Yet, his parents then his nanny had raised him differently. All his life he’d been told to do the right thing. He’d also wanted to make his parents proud. This time being no exception.
Unable to focus on a call, he threw his headset down again and headed off to the bathroom. At least there he could get five minutes’ peace to work out what the hell to do.
On his way, Richard intercepted him. He had a habit of appearing out of nowhere. A bit like a great white shark.
Shit, did he see me standing over his son?
“Prin,” Richard barked.
“Yes, Richard,” Prin replied.
“How is it going over there? Are the calls any less?”
Prin scratched his head. “Not really. The server is running again but the diagnostics will take another half an hour at least.We’re routing the essential people to the second server. Others will have to wait.”
Richard glanced to where the team were busy.
“Is Elliott pulling his weight?”
Prin’s whole body tensed.
Major hazard alert.
“I’m sure he’s doing his best,” he said.
Richard raised an eyebrow. “Prin. If there’s one thing about you that really pisses me off, it’s when you don’t say what you mean. Is Elliott doing everything in his power to solve this or not?”
Prin stared Richard in the eye. “Elliott is booking a holiday, Richard.”
The wave of adrenalin that followed these words almost knocked Prin over. He had never been that brave before. Yet, Richard had asked for it, so really, Prin was still being one-hundred-percent obedient.
“A holiday?” Richard said. “With what?”
He glared over at his son before turning back to Prin.
“Breathe a word of this and I’ll make your life a living hell. Do you understand?”
Prin nodded.
Richard stormed off towards the team. Prin watched him. He had never seen his boss so angry and there had been many occasions where Richard had lost his temper.
Weird.
Colin put a plate of roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables in front of Prin. It smelt incredible. The weather had reverted back to being a little colder and Prin couldn’t wait to dive in.
“This looks amazing,” Prin said, staring down at the plate.
“It’s only a roast,” Colin replied, sitting.
He’d pulled out all the stops with linen napkins and the best china. Colin gestured to a gravy boat in the shape of a swan.
“Help yourself,” Colin continued. “I like to drown my dinner in the stuff. I often forget not everyone does.”
Prin poured the thick sauce onto his meal. At first he had been unsure of gravy but he’d soon come round.