‘If that holds the records for the project, we’re laughing,’ Hannah observed. With Cassie’s permission she began to rifle through a stack of paper. ‘Tenancy agreements.’ She read a file tag. ‘And, thank goodness – there’s planning permission for a sign on Fen Drove to show people where to turn in.’

Cassie began to cheer up. ‘Simeon’s had the sign made. Dark green with gold and white lettering.’ She showed Hannah a pair of crossed fingers and a beseeching expression. ‘Can you get Carlysle Courtyard ready for a nineteenth of December Christmas Opening? The conversion’s cost a bomb and if the tenants start walking out …’

Hannah flipped through delivery notes for a multitude of building materials, wondering if everything had at least been paid up to date. ‘Given the necessary budget and manpower,’ she agreed absently.

Cassie bit her lip. ‘Christopher’s being tricky about the budget.’

Slowly, Hannah dropped the delivery notes. The exhilarated resolve that had carried her through the morning vanished like the mist that lay in hollows in the fields beyond the car park. She smiled ruefully at Cassie’s anxious expression, making her voice reasonable. ‘I’m afraid this isn’t a charity project and I’m not a volunteer. If there’s no budget I won’t waste any more of your time.’

Panic flitted over Cassie’s face. ‘I’ll talk to him.’

Hannah shrugged. This unwillingness to pay her worth so hard on the heels of Albin making her wait for what she was owed prompted her to put in a reckless bid. ‘I’d charge three thousand pounds to get Carlysle Courtyard open by December nineteenth. That would include getting the shops presentable, sorting out any snags, arranging the PR and the Christmas Opening itself. I’d support the traders through stocking and merchandising, place ads and have flyers and posters printed for Bettsbrough, Middledip and Port-le-Bain. Social media accounts are a must but you don’t have time to develop a strong following for this year so I’d make use of community feeds wherever possible.’ Adrenalin thundered around her body, her words pouring out in breathless sentences. ‘I’d need additional funds for cleaning, hedge trimming and to get the roadside sign erected.’

Cassie’s chin wobbled.

Hannah’s heart sank. ‘But if there’s no budget then I’ll just wish you well.’ She shook Cassie’s hand and left the office feeling colder than the icy breeze dictated. She almost reached her car in a murk of disappointment when Cassie called after her.

‘Wait!’ She caught up with Hannah, her jaw set in determination now. ‘I accept.’ She thrust out a business card. ‘Send me images of posters and flyers and I’ll get them printed because I’ve got a friend who’ll shove them up the queue for me.’ She held her hair back in the wind. ‘OK?’