Josephine Cox 3-Book Collection 1: Midnight, Blood Brothers, Songbird. Josephine Cox

venture is costly, and needs to be monitored at every step. We have to be sure that it’s going to work. In other words, we don’t need any hidden agendas, which is why I put that question to you just now.’

      ‘I appreciate that. But you should know me better than most, and what I’m saying is, there are no hidden agendas – at least not on my part.’ His deeper meaning did not escape them.

      Curtis Warren looked him in the eye. ‘Unfortunately, Head Office still remembers a certain occasion some four years ago, when you actually turned down a posting very similar to this one, and later on, the job Mr Branagan is doing so ably now. So, you can understand why we need to be sure it’s what you want this time round.’

      ‘You can be sure. You have my word on it.’

      From the receptionist desk, Bill West and Jan watched with great interest. ‘Looks like he’s getting a right grilling,’ Jan commented, secretly pleased. ‘I know Jack, and he’ll only take so much before he tells them to shove it where the sun don’t shine.’

      ‘Remember, it’s a managerial post,’ Bill reminded her. ‘You don’t easily turn your nose up at an offer like that. Well, I know I wouldn’t!’

      Jan made him a promise: ‘Your turn will come,’ she said confidently. ‘You’re made for promotion.’

      ‘Are you saying I suck up to the big guys?’

      ‘Not yet, no. But you will.’

      ‘Hmph! Thanks for that. I thought you and I were on the same team?’

      ‘We are. Only I’m happy just being a dogsbody, while you and Jack are meant for higher things.’

      ‘Hey, that’s a really nice thing to say. Thank you, Jan.’ Bill gave her an appreciative glance.

      ‘I really don’t want him to go,’ she said woefully.

      Bill grinned. ‘I knew it! You’ve got your eye on Jack, haven’t you?’

      Jan blushed bright pink. ‘Don’t be silly!’ It was the truth though.

      Seeing how embarrassed she was, Bill said, ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have teased you like that. None of us want Jack to go – he’s the backbone of this place. I’ve only been here for a few weeks, but even I’ve noticed what a waste of space Branagan is. Jack does twice as much work and shoulders too much responsibility. Our so-called manager squats behind that desk, like a fat king summoning the minions. I’ve yet to see him dirty his hands, or even make his own cup of tea. He doesn’t even pull his considerable weight when the salesmen are run off their feet, or someone is away sick.’

      Jan was horrified. ‘Ssh! You’d best not let him hear you, or you’ll be out on your backside before you can say “Jack Robinson”!’

      Just then, a customer arrived and Bill rushed to attend to her, all the more eager because she was young and easy on the eye.

      Half an hour later, Jack emerged from the main office. Jan held her crossed fingers behind her back, hoping that he had turned the new posting down, or that the powers-that-be had changed their mind, for whatever reason.

      The look on Jack’s face said it all. ‘Oh, Jack! You got it, didn’t you? Say something, dammit!’

      Jack leaned over the desk, smiling from ear to ear. ‘Yes, I got it, Jan, my little darling! I want everyone to come to the Red Lion tomorrow night. It’s time to party!’

      ‘Congratulations, Jack!’ she was genuinely pleased for him. ‘We’re not losing you just yet though, are we?’

      ‘Not yet,’ he reassured her. ‘There are a number of things to be put in place before I can move up there. Somewhere to live, for one.’

      Buoyed with a sense of accomplishment, Jack went about his work with renewed enthusiasm. Suddenly, his life was changing, and he was both excited and anxious. This was not just an ordinary move; it was far more important than that. He felt as though he was on a runaway train and didn’t know where it might stop.

      Time alone would tell whether he’d made the right decision.

      Just before one o’clock Jack drove to the little café in Bletchley, impatient to tell Molly the news. He was apprehensive as to how she would take it, now it was a done deal. Would she understand? Maybe overnight she had thought about it, and was ready to give way on her decision. He hoped so. Either way, for him there was no going back.

      The café was a small, family-run business, with home-cooked food and a smile served with it. Jack found it a welcome oasis in the storm of life. He ordered a coffee while waiting for Molly to come.

      ‘Well, here you are again, Jack – deep in thought as usual,’ said Maria, the friendly waitress. She glanced about. ‘No girlfriend today, then?’

      He returned her smile. ‘She’ll be along shortly.’

      ‘Same as usual, is it?’ She got her pad and pen ready. ‘Or would you rather wait for the young lady?’

      ‘I’ll wait,’ he decided. ‘Meantime, I’d love one of your special coffees.’

      After two cups of coffee Jack realised that Molly wasn’t coming. With a sinking heart he paid the bill, and left.

      En route to the office, he wondered if he should try to get hold of her at her workplace. Or maybe he should call Pauleen again. Perhaps she didn’t tell Molly he’d called earlier. Or maybe Molly just wanted to make him suffer.

      Once inside the office, the manager approached him. ‘You’re late back from lunch again, Redmond. Don’t think you can start taking liberties, just because you’re leaving.’

      ‘Sorry, Mr Branagan. I got caught up, but I’ll make up the time, as always.’

      ‘See that you do.’ With a face that told its own story, he stomped off.

      ‘He’s jealous as hell because Curtis Warren likes you.’ Eagle-eyed Jan didn’t miss a trick.

      Once inside his own office, Jack called the estate agency where Molly worked.

      ‘Banbury’s Estate Agency, Julie Hart speaking.’

      ‘It’s Jack here,’ he answered. ‘Could I possibly have a quick word with Molly?’

      ‘Sorry, Jack. Molly rang in to say she wouldn’t be in today.’ Julie gave a knowing little chuckle. ‘I don’t know what the pair of you got up to last night, but she sounded somewhat the worse for wear.’ Seeming to have suddenly realised something, Julie paused to ask, ‘Didn’t you already know she wasn’t coming in to work?’

      ‘No. I had an urgent meeting, so I had to leave early,’ he lied, to allay her suspicions.

      ‘Well, I’d give her a ring at home if I were you.’ She tutted. ‘Our Molly did not sound a happy bunny.’

      Jack went along with her chatter. ‘You’re right,’ he said pleasantly. ‘That’s what I’ll do. Thanks, Julie.’

      ‘You’re welcome.’ There was a click and the phone line went dead.

      Throughout the afternoon, Jack was run off his feet, but the minute he got a break, he rang Molly’s mother again, only this time it was her father who answered. ‘Hello, Ted. Is Molly there?’

      ‘No, she is not. And from what Brian just told me, she’s in no fit state to be anywhere. I’m sorry, Jack, but don’t you think it’s about time you and Molly sorted your differences out, once and for all?’

      ‘That’s why I want