Since You've Been Gone. Anouska Knight

what puts me off, Mr Argyll. Well, it would, but places like that just …’ I remembered to choose my words carefully. I might be sat on my bed, for some bizarre reason talking about frivolous haunts, but I was still talking to a customer.

      ‘Not your thing?’ he offered. Exactly.

      ‘Nope. Not really,’ I said, wondering how to round this chat off before I did offend him.

      ‘And is it Jesse’s thing?’

      I gave a small laugh myself then, his question had surprised me. ‘Anything with gold, music or overindulgence is Jesse’s thing.’

      ‘Then the Gold Rooms must score highly on places he’d like to visit?’

      Jesse had already made it perfectly clear how much he’d like to visit. It would be mean to head off a chance for him.

      ‘You’re welcome to ask him if he wants to cake-sit. But your best chance of catching him will be on Monday … when we’re open.’

      The line went quiet again for a few moments. Maybe I’d gone in too hard. ‘Sorry, I’ve kept you. I’ll deal with Jesse then from now on?’

      ‘Jesse’s your man.’

      ‘Thank you for your help, Miss Jefferson. I’m sorry to have disturbed you. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’ He clicked the phone off before I had chance to say bye.