Chapter 6

Perhaps punch drunk from my previous encounters with the girl, I was relatively unworried about possible repercussions from the events in the church. After all, even though I had been inside illegally, I hadn’t damaged or stolen anything. Consequently I was able to get a relatively good night’s sleep.

The next morning, while eating my breakfast, I listened to the news on local radio. The newsreader mentioned a break-in at St Peter’s church. “Police think it was probably teenagers looking for somewhere to hang out since nothing was taken or damaged. The perpetrators fled when the alarm was set off, but a neighbourhood canvass by PCSOs failed to turn up any witnesses.” I was relieved there was no mention of the rather large cum deposit I had left seeping down the front of the stage.

When I reached the unemployment benefit office for my interview, I had a longer than usual wait before I was summoned. I was directed to a different cubicle than usual and the clerk was older and presumably more senior. He had paperwork in front of him for their retraining schemes. “It’s been several months since you started receiving unemployment benefit and you’ve had no success in finding another job in your field,” he asserted, with an annoyingly smug look on his face. “The rules say you have to sign up for a retraining course or your unemployment benefit could be forfeit. Have you chosen which type of retraining you’d like?”

“Actually I’m going to a job interview tomorrow. Amalgamated Engineering contacted me after I was recommended to them by my previous employer. They’ve just taken on a big contract and they need someone with my experience to provide supervision and mentoring.”

“Oh.” The smug smile vanished. “Well, good luck tomorrow. If you get the job, don’t forget to let us know. But if it doesn’t work out, you’ll still need to sign up for retraining. Complete the application and drop it in at reception before your next appointment.” He passed over a copy of the paperwork. Then, having no choice, he had to approve my unemployment benefit for another month.

That over with, I headed to the dry-cleaner’s and brandished my receipt. I was served by the same young woman as before. She took the receipt and vanished into the rear of the premises, returning a short time later bearing my suit in a clear plastic wrapper.

“All sorted for you, Mr Pearson,” she said, giving me a look that made it clear she knew exactly what had been sorted.

I felt my face burning and yet I was relieved at the implication that the cum stains had been removed. However I didn’t have the courage to inspect the work there and then so I settled the bill and hurried outside.

I was very careful on my way home, constantly checking for any tell-tale flashes of yellow and white but, to my relief and disappointment, I encountered no sign of the girl. Were the girl’s appearances predictable? So far they had been at least a couple of weeks apart, other than the next day after the thwarted blowjob in the shopping centre.

None of my rooms at home had a fluorescent light but, when I carefully examined my suit, there was no sign of any cum stains on the trousers. I hoped the lighting where I was to be interviewed wouldn’t reveal otherwise.

The next morning I reached the main reception of Amalgamated Engineering a few minutes ahead of my appointed time. I asked for Eliogu Kwante and was directed to wait in the seating area. My suit looked fine under the fluorescent lights: the dry cleaner had done a good job despite the embarrassment factor.

It wasn’t long before Eliogu came bounding into reception sporting a sincere smile. “Thank you for coming, Mr Pearson,” he said as we shook hands. “First I’d like to introduce you to the project manager for an overview of the product we’re contracted for, then give you a tour of the shop floor. If we seem compatible, we’ll discuss details in my office.”

The project manager, Ben Hardisty, was a little off at first. I guessed it was because I was being brought in from outside without his prior approval. But when he explained what they were developing, I understood why Consolidated Industries had recommended me to Eliogu. It was right up my street and I immediately felt at home. I was able to make some salient observations and gradually Ben warmed to me; soon we were in danger of becoming bogged down discussing technical minutiae. Eliogu interceded and I was whisked away to tour the design and shop floor facilities.

Most of the machinery on the shop floor I was immediately familiar with, and I even recognised a couple of former Consolidated Industries colleagues; we greeted each other by name and exchanged pleasantries. Then there was a quick visit to the design office. It was well-equipped with computer workstations but there were also adequate facilities for more traditional methods of design drafting.

Finally Eliogu conducted me to his office and asked me to wait while he arranged refreshments.

I was kept waiting longer than I expected, but then Eliogu arrived accompanied by a waitress pushing a tea trolley.

“I’ve just discussed your suitability with Ben,” admitted Eliogu. “He was initially reluctant to have an outsider in the role, but since meeting you he’s become a firm convert. We’d like you to work for us.”