I clambered back onto the bar stool next to Brendan. The dark-haired lady was no longer at the bar and I briefly panicked until I saw that she had seated herself in one of the velveteen booths. I watched as she removed a book from her tan leather messenger bag and began to read. She seemed instantly engrossed by its content. Unlike some people, I’m not immediately intrigued by a lass sat on her own reading a book – it always seems a bit arch, even corny, to me. I mean, what’s the big deal about books anyway? It’s probably about futuristic military ducks or some such nonsense. Her drink was getting low. Maybe she’ll have to come up to the bar soon. As I was sitting there, Brendan had placed his cheap faux leather briefcase on the bar counter. He was fiddling around with the brass-sprayed catches, trying to close the case.

‘Nice bit of briefcase, that, Brendan. Are you pleased with what it achieves for you?’

‘Eh? Yeah, it’s fine. Does the job.’

He seemed nervous again and his fingers were shaky as he tried to master the catches. I stole a glance at the contents before he shut it. There was a pad of Post-it Notes, a phone charger, four or five biro pens bound together with a rubber band, a mobile phone, a comb and a small cucumber.

‘Why two phones? You must have a complicated life.’

‘Nah, not really – one’s for work and the other is just for people who I’ve given the number to. You know, people I might actually want to talk to.’

‘Which one am I on?’

‘Work one, I think – you know, so I can claim it on expenses as work-related.’

‘Sounds about right.’

‘Listen, Gary, sorry about this, but I got a phone call while you were in the boys’ room and I’ve got to rush off. Can’t be avoided. I’ve got to meet this bloke who’s a client of ours.’

Deep down I was pleased to hear this.

‘That’s a shame, mate. Still, work is work. I’ll be fine. There’s probably a match on tonight in the other bar. I can watch it with my mates.’

‘Yeah, you should do that. Listen, Gary, thanks for meeting up for a drink. We should do this again. I’m sorry I had to cut it short.’

‘No worries whatsoever,’ I replied.

‘Listen, would it be okay if I popped into your office next week to pick up those documents you’re looking after for me?’

‘Yeah, just give me a ring beforehand and I’ll pop them down to reception for you to collect.’

‘Nice one. Hey, let me give you my main phone number, the one I always pick up. Give us a buzz anytime you want and let’s have a proper drink to make up for tonight.’