The kompromat to order

6.

A few free days from work allowed me to finish a lot of things at the university. All this time I was corresponding with Rob. I fell asleep only after our long conversation, which always lasted until late at night.

The last lecture of Friday was coming to an end. My phone in my bag was ringing insistently. After ignoring one ring, I heard it buzzing in silent mode a second time. The customer's name was displayed on the screen.

- Mr. Walsh, can I come out? - I excused myself from the lecture and headed for the corridor.

After making sure that no one else was in the corridor, I answered the phone:

- Good afternoon, Emma, - the businesslike tone of the caller confused me, - I wanted to know how our case is progressing.

- Good afternoon. Everything is going according to plan. We have already established contact with the client, - I said proudly, convincing him of my professionalism.

Every time I talked to this man, I felt uncomfortable. Unlike all the previous customers, he was very unpleasant and even repulsive. Evan scared me, so I hid my fear behind a mask of seriousness.

- How soon will I get what I ordered? - he continued.

- When I have the information, I'll let you know.

- I need it as soon as possible.

- I'm working on it... - my confidence began to melt under his gruff tone.

- Very slowly, - he said unhappy.

Despite my caution, I decided that this man only understood rudeness when he spoke rudely. So I asked him in a disgruntled tone:

- Do you want to suspend our cooperation? - the silence on the other end of the phone reassured me that I was doing the right thing. - If you're not ready to wait, you can turn to someone else.

- If you've already started working on this case... let's see what happens, - the client replied in a calmer tone.

- You mean I should continue? - I teased, glad to have made him calm down.

- Yes, of course.

- It's a deal. Goodbye, - I said, ending the conversation without even waiting for his response.

Feeling very pleased with myself, I returned to the lecture. I sat down next to my friend and looked at her notes, looking for the point at which I had fallen behind.

- Did someone special call? - Chris whispered.

- No, just a client.

- Mmm, - she said smiling, - does your client mind if you hang out with your friends tonight?

- Chris, what are you talking about? When did I ever need anyone's permission?

- Well, I don't know how things are going with Wilson... you don't tell me anything, - she smiled, pouting her lips.

- But he didn't call. I told you, it was the client, - I replied, - and besides, nothing is happening with us. He's on a business trip, he'll be back only on the weekend, so I have to devote time to my studies...

- Not on a Friday night! - my friend interrupted me sternly, - tonight the girls and I are going to a club. Come with us! You've forgotten about rest with your work!

Either the conversation with the customer made me determined, or the desire to meet my friends, or the lack of plans made me agree:

- You know what, I'm in! I really haven't had fun in a long time.