She was certainly taking her time: faffing about with Mr Bartholomew’s booklets, closing down all her files, straightening her in tray, and fiddling with the contents of her handbag. Any more time-consuming nonsense and Kristen was going to have to march over there and physically propel her out of the office. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her friend dearly. She did. Which was exactly why she wanted rid of her: to enable her to make her phone call to Simon to see what was happening with the trip to Paris. ‘Sure you won’t come with me for a sandwich?’ Claudie called over to Kristen, completely oblivious to her friend’s train of thoughts. ‘No! Er - thanks. I’ve got to finish this letter before lunch. Mr Simpson’s orders.’ ‘Okay. See you later, then,’ Claudie smiled, throwing her bag over her shoulder and leaving the office. ‘Thank goodness for that,’ Kristen said under her breath, picking up the phone and dialling Simon’s number.
