Out of the Shadows (Akira and Deane Thriller Series Book 1) by Tim Jopling Page B

like
me to arrange a visit from a careers counsellor? I’m convinced they
could help you here, Burton. At the very least, point you in the
right direction.’
    ‘Actually sir,
it was you I wanted to see. I need to ask a favour.’ Burton noticed
his superior’s face light up at the mention of the word. ‘Not
exactly protocol I know but I was wondering if it was possible to
have an advance in pay? Obviously this is a personnel matter but
they would require authorisation from you, wouldn’t
they?’
    ‘That’s correct. You do realise
that we’re not in the business of bailing out members of
staff?’
    ‘I realise
that, sir, but I’m desperate here. You know, I can hear the wolves
at my door.’ The expression on Ramsey’s face did not change. ‘I
have worked for the service for close to thirty years, sir. I’ve
never once made a request like this before now, have I? Well, have
I?’ The desperation could be heard in Burton’s voice.
    ‘That’s true,
your record has been exemplary up until this moment.’ Ramsey placed
his hands together, looked away and thought hard about his next
response. ‘Ok Burton, I’ll authorise the advance in pay. I’ll
explain everything to Elliott on his return.’
    Burton suddenly
looked energised. ‘Thanks, sir! I do appreciate it, really I do,
I’ll put in extra hours or something, I’ll make it up to you and
the service!’
    ‘Fine. I’ll
have my assistant inform Personnel to authorise the advance of five
thousand pounds to your account immediately. Just make sure you use
that money to get yourself back on track, you hear me Burton? We
can’t afford mistakes in our line of work.’
    Burton’s forehead began to
sweat again, as he tried to recall the last ten seconds of
conversation. ‘I’m sorry, how much did you say sir?’
    ‘Five thousand
pounds. I’ll also need to see proof of your mortgage papers, bank
statements and any letters of relevance.’
    ‘Right…um…don’t
think I’m not grateful for you bailing me out like this sir, but
I’m going to need more than that. I mean, I’m at rock bottom here,
you know? I was thinking along the lines of at least twenty
thousand. I’ll probably end up spending most of the five grand on
nappies for god’s sake!’
    Ramsey scowled
at the agent in front of him. ‘Maybe you’ve forgotten who you’re
talking to Burton but it’s only because of your commendable service
over the years that I’m authorising this advance at all! Your
problems are yours alone; we all have them. I can’t pay off every
bill for you, is that clear?’
    Burton
struggled to keep his tone of voice in check. ‘Well, obviously I
can’t believe that after working my ass off for the service,
putting my life on the line, all I’m worth when I hit the skids is
five measly grand!’
    ‘Don’t kid
yourself, your days as a field agent are long gone, not to mention
short in the first place. The five thousand advance stands. Either
take it…or leave it, is that understood?’
    He paused and
wondered where the last thirty years had gone. Despite his
daydream, he knew it was better than nothing. ‘No. That’ll be
fine.’ He ran his hand through his hair and began to massage his
aching forehead. ‘I’m out of line here, sir, I…apologise. The
advance will come in handy. I appreciate it.’ Burton’s mouth went
dry as he finished. ‘Um…thanks for listening and all.’
    ‘Well, I’ll
sort out the advance straight away.’ Ramsey walked over to the
window and grimaced slightly, wondering whether he could have
handled the situation better. He returned to his desk and reached
out to the intercom, connecting him to the outside office. ‘Could
you come in here for a moment, please? I have a couple of things
that need processing straight away.’
    A sweaty palm
pressed the lift button as Burton leaned against the mirrored
walls. A digitised voice called out each floor as it passed by but
the exhausted father of one didn’t hear any of it. The lift