Norma watched the stiffness in Francesca’s shoulders ease and the darkness behind the smile on her face fade.

‘Maybe, Fran, we should have called it Nightmare on Elm Hall Drive.’

Norma laughed and Francesca joined in but she knew the young estate agent didn’t understand the joke. ‘It’s a reference to an old American horror movie, Fran. Just as a matter of interest, do you like horror movies?’

‘I’m more into romantic comedies.’

‘Me too, me too.’

Norma processed the information Francesca had offered and remembered the What’s On page in the local free paper that she advertised her properties in.

‘Why? Why have you called me in, Norma?’

‘So, how’s your newly repaired laptop serving you, Fran?’

‘It’s been great, Norma. No problems at all. The virus that was driving me mad – it’s sorted.’

‘Glad to hear it, Fran.’ She loved the cut-back sound of her employee’s name, the music of abbreviation.

‘I do have a viewing in half an hour…’

‘Yes, yes, yes, I know you’re busy. I get that.’

‘Then…?’

‘I’m worried about you, Fran. You know I don’t have children of my own and you know I’m old enough to be your mother…’

‘Where? Where’s this going, Norma?’

Norma nodded.

‘I’m not going to beat around the bush. When your laptop went away for repair, I received a report back from the IT technician who had a good old root through your history in the process.’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t know the IT technician had the authority to do that.’

‘Fran, please don’t tell me you didn’t read our IT policy when you joined us.’

‘I did. Of course I did…’

‘Then you must have forgotten that any company technology we use, laptops, iPhones, whatever, is subject to investigation. I haven’t invaded your civil liberties. Ultimately it’s my property you’ve been using and I have every right to make sure that my property isn’t being abused.’

Norma pushed a thin card file towards Francesca.

‘Do you want to open it or shall I tell you what’s in there?’

As Francesca opened the flap and slid out a small sheaf of papers, Norma watched the colour rise in her throat and chase up the channels of her unblemished skin to her cheeks, saw her face flood with pure embarrassment.

‘I’m sorry, Norma.’

She placed the papers back inside the file and closed the cover.

‘Fran, you’ve been going on to internet dating sites during office hours. During my time.’

‘It was only during my breaks.’

‘The times and dates of your many visits to these sites are listed in that file.’

Norma took a tissue from the box on her desk and handed it to Francesca.

‘Don’t get upset, Fran. I haven’t brought you in here to read the riot act to you.’

Francesca made eye contact with Norma.