‘I’d like to have a chat, and preferably not at council.’ It was Philip Utterspan on the phone, and Pearly knew what the subject would be but gave no indication of that. ‘I could come round a little after five if that’s okay,’ said Philip.

‘No problem, but I’m going your way to see a client mid-afternoon. I could call in then?’

‘That would be great. Are you sure it’s no bother?’

‘Absolutely. See you then,’ said Pearly.

Utterspan’s bookshop was off the main street. Leases were cheaper there, but the disadvantage was less foot traffic. Before going in, Pearly stood a while at the main window to peruse the display. As a man in the business of property, he knew all about street appeal and was impressed with what he saw. Half the window featured Scandinavian noir fiction, half a multifarious collection of children’s books, including Kiwi authors. Pearly liked a good read, but mainly non-fiction, biographies especially. He enjoyed life journeys that showed difficulties surmounted and significant goals achieved. What need was there for imaginary people when there existed in real life so many of fascinating complexity and diverse accomplishment?

Philip had stationery and magazines but no toys or electronics, and inside the shop it was books that continued to have pride of place. By his office was a display of illustrated volumes on ecology and conservation and a promotional poster concerning endangered Hector’s dolphins, all of which were indicative of his own concerns. The office front was largely glass so that Philip could see into the shop even as he worked. He smiled at Pearly and motioned to invite him in. His burgundy corduroy jacket hanging on the chair-back reminded Pearly of Helen’s comment. How observant she was about such things.

The two men knew each other well enough not to spend time on courtesies, and when Pearly had taken an uncomfortable rattan chair and declined the offer of coffee, his deputy came right out with it. The decision to stand for mayor. ‘I wanted you to know as soon as I made up my mind,’ said Philip. ‘I wanted to tell you personally. I’m in agreement with most of our current policies and enjoy the collegial atmosphere you’ve created, but I’m convinced a lot more emphasis has to be given to environmental issues. You know me. And more for our youngsters: things aren’t so good with a considerable number of our town kids. They seem disengaged from the community.’

‘I appreciate being told,’ said Pearly. He knew that Philip wondered if it would affect his own decision but was too tactful to ask. ‘I haven’t made up my own mind yet about standing again,’ he said.

‘Fair enough.’

‘No need to feel awkward,’ said Pearly.