‘Jonathan, Jon, Jonnie Pencey.’
‘Which is it?’ I ask as he thrusts his hand too anxiously, first to me, and then to Amanda. His hand is clammy and trembling.
‘Erm, err, Jon, I think.’
Amanda sniggers and I glare at her.
‘Sorry. I’m Jon, I’ll start again. I’m the new trainee in the Corporate team. I’ve been pulled out of my seat in the Banking team because Corporate needs more support. I was told to see you and help with whatever you need.’
‘Right. Who sent you?’
‘Neil Wallace.’
‘Okay, well I’ve got a lot of work on so I could definitely use some support. Whose office will you be sharing?’
‘Amanda Darling but I’m not sure who?—’
‘Me?’ Amanda all but yells. ‘Why do I have to have a trainee? Don’t move your stuff in yet, Jonnie.’
With that, she turns on her heels again, and this time, she does storm out of my office.
‘She’ll come round,’ I offer. ‘I need to get sorted and I’ve got meetings most of today but get yourself set up and I’ll come to see you with work.’
‘Awesome. Thanks, Scarlett.’
Awesome?I walk around my desk and sit back into my office chair. Jon is still watching me when I raise my head from my computer screen to look at him seconds later. ‘Was there anything else, Jon?’
‘Ah, err, no, sorry.’ His cheeks flush pink and he shakes his head before scurrying out of the office.
Finally, I skim the new emails in my inbox. There’s one from Neil Wallace inviting me to brunch and separately explaining that there might be a potential sale of the Platinum Spring Hotel Group to a company based in Abu Dhabi but it’s highly confidential at this stage. Margaret has sent me a calendar appointment for the meeting I’ve moved to tomorrow and Gregory’s invitation to his interview withThe Times Magazineis waiting for a reply.
To: Ryans, Gregory
From: Heath, Scarlett
Sent: Monday 9 Nov 2025 9:28
Subject: Re: Times Mag Interview (1pm)
Gregory,
Many thanks for the invitation to your interview today. Unfortunately, I have a brunch meeting which is likely to last until at least 1p.m. Is this something in relation to which youneed legal advice? If so, I could take a call before 11a.m. to discuss.
Regards,
Scarlett Heath
Director
Saunders, Taylor and Chamberlain LLP
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Ryans, Gregory
Sent: Monday 9 Nov 2025 9:29
Subject: Re: Times Mag Interview (1pm)
