one person can change everything

chapter 9 Linda

I unwrapped my scarf and hung it up on the coat rack before I turned my computer on. No one was really about at all, I put Mr Smith's radio on and cleared away the two mugs left on his desk & I couldn't help but think that's very strange even Mr Smith would take his mug to the kitchen for me to wash up but he hadnt. I made my way across the glass floor in the hallway toward the small but fine kitchen to make our drinks, keeping a eye on the time for Mr Smith to come in. Humming away to myself as I took the milk from the fridge I heard from behind me.

"Linda.." a strong chesty voice

"Hello Mr walsh..would you like a coffee too.. I'm just making Mr Smith's. " I stuttered and nervously said

"No thanks.. your in early."

"Yes sir I left early yesterday with Mr Smith's permission so I've come in early to catch up.." my knees felt weak

"Yes yes yes Lonan said... look my pa is off again would you mind helping with some my admin.. Lonan wont mind."

"Yes sir no problem. What can I do for you once I have sorted Mr Smith's stuff first.."

"Good.. ill ring you once in ready."

"Okay sir.."

"Carry on Linda carry on" he waltzed off in his tweed matching suite jacket, was it coat and trousers. I finished the drinks and made my way back to office. I placed my drink down before heading into Mr Smith's office.

"Oh my... emma... You made me jump.. Why are you in Mr Smith's office." I. Held my hand to my chest, carried on walking. Her expression said it all as I noticed a note she left for him in a plain envelope.

"Emma?" I asked again

"The post"

"The post.. but it's blank."

"It was on my desk"

"But it's blank."

"Its for Lonan"

"Mr Smith?" I corrected her sternly

"Yes... I... I should get back to my desk"
She panicked

"Yes. Thank you for the post" I held it in my hands, Emma couldn't walk any faster in them far too high heels that she thought she could walk in.

I turned Mr Smith's computer on and started to water the plants as I didn't do it last night.

"Good morning Linda." A cheery voice of Mr Smith came bonding through the door.

"Oh morning sir.. coffee ready for you."

"Thank.You. how did yesterday go?"

"Yes fine... Emma handed me blank envelope for you."

"Emma?...front desk Emma" his expression said it all that he was as puzzled as me.

"Yes sir"

"Okay ." I passed it to him

"Mr Walsh has asked me to help him with admin work as his pa is not in again."

"Again.. No problem but ill let him know we need to sort few things first"

"I already explained that sir to Mr Walsh." He let out a chuckle which you don't get to see often or hear. He was smiling brightly and his eyes were bright and bold

"Great.. if a friend of mine rings or turns up just put her straight through or bring her up.."

"Alex Cooper?"

"Yeah.."

"No problem. Your diary isn't that busy today but you do have a meeting with all the other directors"

"Yes that going to be long one" I watched him roll his eyes and Mr Smith always liked to be efficient And tried to keep meetings short and sweet so he could attend to what ever else beckoned his door.

I finished everything Mr Smith asked me as quick as I would at my normal fast pace.. Mr Smith was on the phone with his back to my desk, I gingerly knocked his door and stood with my hands tightly linked together in front of me. Mr Smith wasn't a scary person but I never wanted to annoy him so being polite to him kept him polite to me. I always thought he seemed lonely to what I always invited him to my family days but he always declined. The invite never invited that fiancee of his, she never seemed to bring the best out in him but who am I to say anything or judge. Mr smith spun around with his mobile stuck to his ear.

"Linda.. hang on a minuet mum.. sorry Linda I didnt hear you come in... everything okay?" He generally asked

"Yes sir everything is fine, I have finalised your work so shall I go to Mr Walsh's office."

"Yes.... No wait Linda.. mum... I will ring you back.. Yeah I will in 30 mins.... alright mum bye bye...." he push his mobile on the desk stood up and smiled.

"Mum okay?" I asked as she was always so chatty when she rung up & even when i made excuses for Mr Smith she never let on she knew.

"Yeah my Dads birthday bash.. yet I tell mum I will sort it and pay for it all to be ready.. but tells me off for offering..."

"Sir.. maybe she just wants you home to help." I weakly smiled in hope I hadn't over stepped the line.

"Yeah true.. right lets go to Mr Walsh's office" I walked with him trying to keep up with his stride.

"Linda come in.." Mr Smith opened the office door before me.

"Linda... Lonan sit. Come in." Mr Walsh demanded while smoking a cigar. His office was much more old fashioned, Brown leather arm chairs with high backs, wooden bookcases which held lots of books.. gold photo frames too the walls.

"Lonan good day? Ready for our meeting?"

"Yes ready when you are.."

"In ready just waiting for one more recognition email from Tommy.."

I perched myself in the chair listening to then both talking, recognition report for the staff, Lonan never fills them out, I always do it for him & then let him know who we chose which he always seemed happy about.

"Right Linda.. I just need you to help me draft up some letters." Mr Walsh turned his attention to me, blew smoke in the air.

"No problem Mr Walsh. "

"Okay with you Lonan"

"Not at all but I require Linda to be at her desk though."

"Yes yes.. right now Lonan go leave myself and linda to discuss." Mr walsh playfully winked at Lonan who swiftly made his way to the door.

"Now no stealing my pa Mr Walsh"