‘So, you could give me work if you like?’ I ask with what I hope are twinkling eyes.
‘I guess I could.’ He chuckles.
We talk about Luke’s promotion and his new responsibilities, then some deals he might be financing in the not-too-distant future.
‘Well you know where I am if I can help you,’ I say, kissing him on the cheek and escaping from his bear hug outside the café.
‘I’ll be in touch but I’m holding you to that night out too. I’m not waiting three months before I see you again, missy.’
Luke heads back to his office and I turn to scowl at Jackson. He’s already out of his chair, key in hand, ready to bundle me back into his car and take me to work.
‘Thank you for the coffee, Margaret,’ I call from my office as I take off my coat which, thanks to Jackson, has only a light smattering of raindrops despite the heavy downpour still in full flow outside.
While my computer bounces through stages of set up, I flick through the paper mail that Margaret has already vetted for me. A letter from Companies House has arrived, which states that the new owner of Sea People International is Eclectic Technologies or, put another way, Gregory. I lay the letter out flat on my desk and watch it as I sip my coffee, expecting it to turn black, crawl and attack me. When nothing happens, I cast the letter into my pile of filing for Margaret and open my emails. For the second time this morning, the unread count in my inbox jumps to an impossible number but since I checked in the car on the way here, there’s only one new message.
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Ryans, Gregory
Sent: Monday 3 Nov 2025 10.12
Subject: New Matter
Good morning Scarlett,
As we have recently discussed, I’ve have been in negotiations with a Chinese company regarding introducing innovative technology to the European market. I should be grateful if we could arrange a suitable time to discuss potential structures for the relationship; one possibility we have considered is a joint venture. Things are moving quickly so I would appreciate your support as soon as possible. Discussions are likely to involve Eclectic Technologies and Shangzen Tek (China). We’re about ready to get into the specifics.
Regards,
Gregory Ryans
CEO Eclectic Technologies
As I’m reading, another pops up in the bottom right corner of my screen.
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Ryans, Gregory
Sent: Monday 3 Nov 2025 10.18
Subject: Re: New Matter
iPhone.
Regards,
Gregory Ryans
CEO Eclectic Technologies
A message waits on my phone screen.
Please be honest with me and tell me if you’re not ready for a deal yet. I won’t go anywhere else. I can delay it.
I quickly reply.
I’m fine. Email…
