‘I didn’t sleep very well last night, but I’m fine.’

He cracks his knuckles. Crosses his arms. ‘I wasn’t asking how you slept, Ol.’ His spotless white shirt looks brand new and hugs his chest and shoulders. He always seems so put together. In all the years they’ve known each other, Oli has rarely seen him lose his cool. He is as reliable as the paper, turning up day after day, dark-gold hair neat, ready with an easy smile and a wry quip. He and his wife Angela don’t have children; they own two large dogs, and an apartment full of gadgets and designer furniture. They go skiing in New Zealand every August and are constantly training for a marathon.

‘I’m fine, TJ,’ Oli insists.

‘Okay.’ But he doesn’t uncross his arms. His eyes dart left, then right, and he leans closer, ‘I really thought there was going to be a sweep this week.’

‘I figured when I saw Joosten in the office on Monday. I actually thought that’s what Dawn was about to announce when I came in.’

‘Yeah.’ TJ grimaces. ‘Joosten met with me yesterday. He seemed to be sussing out my thoughts on Dawn—you know, if she’s cut out for the future shape of the business. I think he’s considering another restructure.’

Oli’s brain feels scrambled. This Nicole Horrowitz thing has really thrown her. Suddenly all she can think about is Isabelle. ‘Joosten wanted to talk to you about Dawn?’

Oli usually gets along well with Alistair Joosten, the Sydney-based managing director. They have a shared interest in celebrity memoirs and cryptic crosswords. But he didn’t give her so much as a second glance this visit. And Dawn? Surely she’s not on the chopping block? She’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but she’s tough and she works her arse off. Oli would rather work for her than have some new boss to impress; someone with an onslaught of ideas and a remit to cut costs.

‘What did you say to him?’ Oli asks.

TJ hesitates. ‘I kept my cards pretty close to my chest. Said it was a tough market right now, what with social media leading the news and all the traditional networks investing so heavily in online platforms. I mean, it’s no secret our advertising model is turning to shit. Blah, blah, blah. But I told him Dawn seems to be holding it together, all things considered.’ TJ flashes his white teeth. ‘I think Joosten is a bit scared of her.’

‘He’s not an idiot,’ agrees Oli, wondering whether TJ is being completely straight with her. If he senses weakness in Dawn, will he pounce? Oli’s also vaguely annoyed that Joosten didn’t seek out her opinion.