Harriet's Arrangement

Vulnerable

Malcolm sent a shiny new mobile phone to her desk the following week. It didn't say it was from him, but she knew. She didn't even open the packet, and immediately placed an advert for it online, intending to donate the money she received from the sale to charity. Johnny, typically, noticed the lack of iPhone later that day, although he thankfully hadn't seen the brand new one that she'd hidden in a desk drawer.

"What happened to your phone?" he asked, indicating the one she had sitting on the desk beside her.

"Oh, klutz over here dropped it and it totally shattered," she said, rolling her eyes, "My... well I'm not sure what he is... boyfriend? bought me a cheap one while I figure out whether I can get the other one fixed."

"Boyfriend?" Johnny's ears pricked up, "Do tell! Is he hot? Does he take you on awesome dates?"

Harriet laughed. "Nosy," she said, but she didn't really mind, "His name is Tom. Of course he's hot. He gives me coffee every morning: we got talking."

"Ah, coffee," Johnny said, nodding, "I can see the appeal."

She laughed again. "He's a keeper," she agreed.

"Oh, good morning, Malcolm," Johnny said, surprised, looking over Harriet's shoulder and raising a hand in greeting. Harriet stiffened and turned to see Malcolm standing behind her.

"Good morning young Johnny," Malcolm said warmly, "And hello Harriet," he added, his voice changing subtly with that silky, dangerous undertone, "Did I overhear what I thought I overheard?"

She didn't know what to say. He'd never directly addressed her when anyone else was present, and she couldn't call him "Sir" in front of Johnny.

"Harriet was telling me about her new boyfriend," Johnny said, seeing Harriet was a little lost for words, winking at her – clearly thinking he was helping, without knowing he was very possibly making things worse.

"Is that right, Harriet?" Malcolm asked, not taking his eyes off Harriet.

"Um... well, he's, I don't know if boyfriend is really..."

Malcolm smiled at her as she tailed off, but it was one of those that got nowhere near his eyes. "How lovely. I was hoping for a quick word, Harriet," he said, mildly, "Could you spare me some time?"

She stood automatically and saw Johnny throw her a curious look but didn't respond. "Yes..." she murmured, fighting her automatic addition of "Sir" to save herself further embarrassment with Johnny but dreading the trouble it would get her into. She followed Malcolm along the corridor to the stairs, but as he held the door open and ushered her through, she heard someone call Malcolm's name.

Malcolm turned. "Kieran," he said by way of greeting. Harriet's heart leapt into her mouth. She and Kieran hadn't been alone since she had told him everything, and they hadn't discussed any next steps yet: a meeting had been scheduled for later that day in fact.

"Can I help you, Malcolm?" Kieran asked, shooting a quick glance at Harriet. She avoided his gaze, staring at the floor and chewing her lip.

"No, no," Malcolm said, "I was just having a quick word with Harriet. Good to catch up!"

Harriet's heart was hammering in her chest now. "Any reason you can't catch up while Harriet is at her desk? It's a busy time as you know," Kieran said, taking a minute step towards Malcolm.

"Oh I'd just like somewhere a little quieter," Malcolm said easily, "All this chatter down here – it can be difficult to think."

"Well do you mind if I join you?" Kieran asked, "I'm sure it would be a useful catch up with the three of us."