Akila walks over to look at Harri’s computer screen and frowns. ‘They have doubled down. I thought I saw the numbers a few days ago, how can they have increased them already? I mean—these just aren’t achievable. Panache couldn’t pull these figures.’

Harri will have to go and talk to Mackenzie about this, and she’d rather have a root canal. Through her eyelids. She’s really living the dream. People think that the life of an editor is a riot of free shoes and private jets to Paris. The reality is that at least half the time, you’re craven, missing most of your fingernails and envying people with proper power careers, like traffic wardens.

‘Nil desperandum,’ says Akila. ‘Before we really fall into the gloom pit, I’ve had a very interesting pitch this morning. We might have some super lucrative sponcon coming our way. I think that as long as you and Imogen go for it, we can get it signed off straight away. Have you come across Fallen Angels? The sex party people?’

Harri runs a quick mental Google search. ‘Yes! I’ve never been, I was always a bit spooked by their screening process, but I have a few glamorous friends who like to get a bit Eyes Wide Shut…’

‘They are very, very keen for Imogen to go along and do a piece. I’m trying to negotiate so it’s not just a one off—that it would lead to some regular advertising—but their marketing budget is nuts. I think they just got bought out, or something. It might cover most of our operating costs, and any other ad revenue would be profit. Even Mackenzie would have to go for it, it’s a no brainer.’

It’s a long time since Harri felt her sap rising, but she feels her spine uncurling, her shoulders descending from underneath her ears. ‘Akila, you superstar. You genius! This is brilliant news!’

‘Well…unofficially, shucks, it was nothing. Officially—yes, I am a genius! You’re very lucky to have me, and don’t you forget it.’

‘Spoken like a true hashtag girl boss.’

Akila grimaces. ‘Harri…promise me you’ll never use that expression ever again.’

Chapter Thirty-Two

The Art of War

Imogen

I can do this. The last six weeks have been a blip. I just needed a decent night’s sleep, and a proper cup of coffee. Now, I am properly caffeinated, courtesy of Sam Strong’s Keurig, armed with a page of ideas, and fortified by a cursory glimpse at Make Big Business Work For You! and The Art Of War. (His library is pretty limited.)