Chapter 17

“Yes, I will, sir, thank you.” I also laughed.

After putting the phone down, I spotted Mary hovering nearby. “I got it!”

“Yes!” she shouted.

“Shhhh,” I said, looking round at the few bemused members of the public who were staring at Mary.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

I related the strange conversation I’d had with Mr Appleyard.

“You daft bugger.” She shook her head in amusement.

“I know my lunch is almost up, but would you mind if I nipped out to Daphne’s and told Mark?”

“Course not.” Mary waved me away. As I was leaving I heard her add, “boss.”

* * * *

Walking down the street, I thought I might do the same trick that Mark had pulled on me. But I just couldn’t wipe the silly grin off my face. Mark must have been watching the door, because as soon as I walked through it, he saw my face, asked Daphne if he could take me into the back and motioned me into a storage room off the kitchen.

“Congratulations.” He hugged me and gave me a kiss. “You deserve that promotion.”