A subsidy was what the Main Street Business Association wanted, of course. Pearly’s attention came back to the present. A handout from the council that would enable its members to brighten their frontages and increase their turnover. Gary Fleak was the deputation member whom Pearly disliked. A whingeing, mean-spirited man with hairy ears, as if some miniature, hirsute creature crouched in their portals. Fleak kept going on about foot traffic and rates. He was invariably negative, and when Helen had once gone into his jewellery shop collecting for Women’s Refuge, he’d not recognised her and refused to contribute. Pearly upheld community responsibility, his conviction perhaps inculcated by his years as a member of sporting teams, and he had little time for the Fleaks of the world, who lined up for help yet refused assistance to others and avoided civic involvement.

‘Seeing you’re here,’ Pearly interrupted. ‘Seeing you’re here representing central businesses, it’s a good opportunity to mention an idea I had for a fund that would provide an annual university scholarship for local young people. I thought it could be supported by your members and so give the Business Association an increased and positive profile. I haven’t gone into the detail, but maybe there could be a window sticker showing which shops were part of the scheme.’ Pearly formed the plan in his head as he spoke, and the reaction was just as he expected. Fleak’s colleague expressed cautious interest and willingness to take the concept to the association; Gary Fleak was full of gloomy prognostications about falling profit and disposable income and became keen to draw the discussion to an end. ‘Thanks for coming in,’ said Pearly heartily as he shook hands with them at the door. ‘As a businessman myself I can identify with your members. It’s never easy trying to pick the direction of economic change or consumer choice.’

‘I guess we’ll just have to bash on,’ said Fleak.

‘Thanks for making the time,’ said his companion.

‘Good luck,’ said Pearly.

‘We need support, not luck,’ said Fleak.

‘Things are rarely as bad as they seem,’ said Pearly blithely.