Dark Sand

5 - Keep it and enjoy...

AFTER HIM

I stood close to the door ready to bolt past him when the lift doors opened. I don't know why I expected him to have made it down first with some superhuman ability to run downstairs but I'd seen him defy logic before.

I rushed out the lift as soon as the gap was big enough and only slowed when I saw the security guard sat at the desk. He was on the phone and looking at the lift doors on the other side of the building.

"I understand, sir," he said and my infinity pool of adrenaline flooded me with energy again, enough to run for the doors.

He turned as I bolted past him and dropped the phone.

"Stop!" He yelled and I ran faster.

"Not today, fucker," I mumbled and ploughed straight into the fire exit to the right of the main door, knowing he wouldn't have thought to lock it.

The alarm went off and the security guard swore loudly. I glanced behind me when I got outside and saw his conflicting decision of whether to follow me or turn the alarm off. Then I ran again, darting between the startled Londoners on their way back from work. The station was close and it was only when I reached the escalator and caught my breath that I realised I had no shoes, no purse and no portfolio.

My pounding head made my eyes blur. Luckily by the time I reached the bottom and headed into the tube station, I had my thoughts in order.

I had my train tickets in my pocket and I would buy shoes using my phone banking after the tube ride.

I got on the packed tube, narrowly avoiding my toes being trampled. I looked at my phone. Julie had been the one to call me. She'd sent texts after I hung up.

[I'm hoping you not answering means it's going well?]

Then ten minutes later.

[Champagne or ice cream?]

It's our code for a good day or bad day.

[Gin and crisps]

I wrote back. She tried to call again but I didn't feel like talking yet. My heart was still racing and my mouth dry.

[On the tube, will call you on train. Signal crap]

[Okay, will get junk food and booze... hope you are okay :/ xx]

[Will be fine after I leave London smog! ;) x]

She sent a gif of a clip from the live-action Flintstones movie of Sharon Stone blowing cigarette smoke into the air which turned into a dollar sign. It was a niche reference which showed our ages and I smiled despite the drama of the day.

I got off the tube and went into one of the station shops to buy a ridiculously overpriced and ugly pair of shoes and some water.

The cashier looked at me questioningly as I put the shoes on my bare feet.

"Traded mine for drugs," I said with a grin.

She smiled back just a little bit more confused and I finally settled down on the train home.

I didn't bother ringing Julie until I got most of the way there.

"Bad then?" She asked.

"Inconclusive," I said with a sigh. "Two of the guys seemed to like it but the third guy wasn't convinced. I think they are going to want to meet you first."

"Well if you couldn't charm him, how the hell am I supposed to do it?"

I shook my head. I couldn't bring myself to tell her who it was yet. Maybe if they did set up the second meeting, I would have to warn her but after the incident in the bathroom, I wasn't so sure it was a good idea getting involved with Dominic again. I needed more information on how much influence he had over the company and how much influence he would have over our business. And then I needed a new plan.