‘Not at all. We couldn’t do without you.’ Not only had the increase been Anne’s idea, but the implementation of it had been her responsibility, and Pearly had forgotten all about it in concentration on his own concerns. Kylie’s pleasure was evidence enough that the raise was overdue. ‘I should’ve thought of it sooner,’ said Pearly. And, with unaccustomed modesty, ‘It was Anne who reminded me.’

‘Well, anyway, thank you both. I really like working here.’

‘We’re a team,’ said Anne.

‘That’s right,’ said Pearly heartily. ‘A bloody fine team.’

He went with Anne into her office, and they talked about the afternoon’s auction, their disappointment at not getting sole agency for the sections in the Lottefield development, and the problem that had arisen in the Pegasus Building sale.

‘I’ll go back to see Gumbo after the auction,’ said Pearly. ‘I’ve got two homes to visit this morning, but I wonder if you could run me over to Boys’ High at lunchtime? I’ll pick up Gumbo’s ute and get it to his place. It’s not far, and maybe we can have a look at those apartments on the way back.’

He went to his own office to work and later was about to leave for his first appointment when Paul Wrinskley rang. The reporter wanted a first-hand account of what had happened in the school gym and seemed unaware of any responsibility on Pearly’s part. Pearly’s reply wasn’t elaborate. Since the election campaign he’d been wary of Wrinskley and the paper and considered that the reporter had ground to make up before being fully in his confidence again. Andrew also rang to ask about Gumbo, but to him Pearly responded openly, arranging to meet at the hospital in the afternoon.

As Pearly passed Kylie in the outer office on his way to visit number 42 Seddon Place, he noticed the Jaffa still untouched on her desk. Pearly was unable to resist a sweet himself and was impressed that she worked on, disregarding its glossy orange allure. He was tempted to claim it back. He should eat less. He should cut back, especially on cake and sweets. ‘A run tonight, Pearly, definitely,’ he said as he reached his car. He’d forgotten for the moment a mayoral commitment that evening at the Royal Overseas League.

The house auction in the afternoon wasn’t a success. The reserve wasn’t reached, and the owners were disappointed with that as well as with Pearly’s failure to stay afterward and talk at any length with them and the highest bidders. Pearly assured them he’d be in touch with all parties but said he had to leave for the hospital. ‘A very old friend’s had a serious accident,’ he told them. ‘Life-threatening.’ But Gumbo was nothing to them, and they turned away with sour faces. Nevertheless, Pearly had greater interest elsewhere.