Darkmans. Nicola Barker

(jocular): Well I was hardly going to place all my trust in AAABuilders, now, was I?

      (No perceptible response from Harvey to this crushing piece of rhetoric)

      Harvey: So Abacus was the first?

      

      Isidore: Yes…(sudden pause), actually, no. I believe yours was the second company I tried…

      Harvey (his ears pricking): Oh yeah?

      Isidore: Yes. But the first place I rang was engaged.

      

      Harvey: I see. And you wouldn’t happen to…?

      

      Isidore (without hesitation): A Priori.

      Harvey (in ominous tones): Ah (Harvey grimaces as he scribbles – all the more violently – on to his palm).

      Isidore (craning his neck over towards the palm, slightly concerned): Is that thing actually working?

      Harvey (still scribbling frantically): What thing?

      Isidore: The palm. I don’t think you’ve turned it on.