The Computer Ch.14D - The First Date

(This story is a continuation to 'The Computer Ch. 13D- RandR', it makes no sense if you have not read that part of the story.)

I would like to thank you, my small band of dedicated readers, for reading my story. I would love it, if you would all vote, what you vote I don't mind. I will not be upset or annoyed if you vote low. If you don't vote I can only presume that you did not read it to the end, and that would be disappointing.

*************

Day Fifty Seven

Awake. Claire is here, she gives me a tablet and I wash it down with water.

"Thanks."

"How are you feeling?"

"Ready for my warm up. I practiced some more stairs last night. I'm a bit more confident about going up stairs now."

"Let's get you sat up. Right, you start your exercises. I'll put the kettle on."

The warm up did not take long, A shower is next. I strip off my pyjamas.

"I'll manage the shower, thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Make breakfast."

...

"Claire, you can help by drying me..."

That cheers her up.

"... you're easily pleased, aren't you?"

"I've been told that I have low expectations."

Breakfast. Hot Chocolate and a breakfast bar.

"It's not much."

"It will do, I'm hardly in a 3,000 calorie a day job."

"Do you think you will be alright?"

"Yes, stop worrying. I did two nights when I was in a much worse state than I am now."

Time to get dressed. I reach for my clean clothes.

"If I help you get dressed it won't take as long as doing it yourself."

"OK."

"Of course she was right, though it could have been even quicker if she didn't keep stopping to admire her handiwork."

"I'm washed, fed and dressed and ready to go. What time is it?"

18:50

"If I go now, I'll have time to stop at the coffee shop."

"Taxi?"

"No, I've plenty of time. And after the trial run yesterday I'm confident that I can make it."

"Coat, Door Key, Money and Tablets."

"Weather?"

"Scattered showers."

"I'll take an umbrella in my backpack."

"Best of luck."

"Thanks."

I leave the room and head for the stairs. Hold the hand rail and start down. One flight, two flights and three flights sees me outside on the pavement. No rain, thank god. I pass a coffee shop on my way to the office, I'll get a drink to go and something to eat there.

...

Hot Chocolate and a ham and egg salad bun to go. Big Queue to get served. (Morning Rush) This coffee shop is OK. They have a wider choice of food than my usual shop.

...

Three flights to go up, how long have I got. Twenty minutes to my usual arrival time. First flight, remember to lift those knees. Have a rest at the top of the flight. My main danger is people leaving the block but not looking where they are going. More than once I was in danger of being bundled down the stairs. My Hot Chocolate did not survive. Second flight, same again, lift those knees, watch out for the idiots, hold on tight to the hand rail. Made it, the rush appears to have died down. This is the floor with the office, I make my way there, check the time. 19:35. Ring Claire.

"Hi Jack. Have you had an accident?"

"No, and thank you for the vote of confidence. I was ringing to let you know that I have arrived at my destination."

"Oh good, I knew you could do it."

"Too little, too late. I had no problems, I'll ring you again when I get off work."

"Have a good night."

"Thanks. Bye"

Pause, to lower my heart rate. And breathe easier. Then I knock on the door.

"Hello Jack"

Fiona smiles.

"I'd heard that you had been in the wars."

"It's a better lie than I've prepared. How was your day?"

"Either, that Tommy is a liar or you have remarkable powers of recovery."

"Who's Tommy, and what's he been saying."

"Tommy is my opposite number, he said, he had to carry you home after your shift."

"He got one of his chaps to take me home because I was a bit rough."

"Lucky to be alive, he said."

"He exaggerates."

"The Tommy I know does not exaggerate. I used to be on his shift."

I take off my backpack and coat and hang the coat on the door control.

"Oh it's you."

"What have I done now."

"There's a memo about the door control is not the place to hang your coat."

"They should give us some coat hooks, This place has nothing. There's not even a microwave to heat food."

"Ooh let's have a union meeting. Unfortunately a quorum is three people and the one on duty cannot attend."

"So how was your day?"

"Very boring compared to some."

"Look, I'm trying to change the subject here."

"But you lead such an exciting life."

"And I wish I didn't. I just want it to be my five minutes of fame full stop. Isn't it time you went home?"

"This job is so boring it's nice to have a bit of excitement, even if if is happening to someone else."

"I think you mean, 'especially if it is happening to someone else'. Go home."

She leaves, unfulfilled and I log in to the system and my tablet. There is the message about the coat. I send one back, saying it would be nice to have some home comforts in the office, like coat hooks. That should hold them for a bit. I start the diagnostics, no automatic control.

No break programmed. Looking at the wall behind the desk, I see the notice pinned there by Tommy about my misadventure, there are two other notes from each of my coworkers wishing me a speedy recovery. (Fiona and Bill) I'm tempted to call Henry but he said he will ring only if it is safe. That memo from Admin means that Security suspect something is going on. They may not know what it is but they know something is. I wonder if they have gone back to real time monitoring. The net is closing. This could be the end for Henry and me. Who will be his conscience now.

...

01:00 I have a break and eat my ham and egg salad bun, but nothing from Henry. My joints are aching. I've been sat in one position too long. I walk around the desk and then do some Tai Chair, though that is limited because the chair has arms.

...

05:00 I decide to take a painkiller before the journey home, I'm a bit stiff from sitting down all night. That is two hours away. Diagnostic programs to finish and Tai Chair to keep my body limber.

...

07:00 I put the kettle on to make a hot drink. The last diagnostic is running and will be finished before half past seven. I take my tablet, washed down with the hot chocolate.

...

17:50 Fiona arrives. I tell her I sent a message to Admin suggesting they provide coat hooks. Could she send one too. Ask for a microwave as well. You never know, if we sound militant enough they might do something. The office could do with a lick of paint. It hasn't been decorated since I've been here.

"It's nice to see you so animated. You used to present as a tired old workhorse on his way to the knackers yard."

"Back from the dead you see."

"Yes, it would have needed something like that to change you. You're not seeing someone, are you?.

I blush, which gives the game away.

"Who is it?"

"My Block Concierge."

"Not Claire?"

"How did you? You don't live in P Block as well, do you?"

"No I met her in the Coffee shop. She asked me if I knew you."

"Why you, or was she asking everyone?"

"I was a kindred spirit. A single woman."

"Oh now I see, the marriage bureau. The female grapevine."

"Make sure you treat her right, or you'll answer to me."

"From what I've seen of her, I'm the one in danger. We have a date in four days,"

"Are you getting her a rose?"

"Why?"

"Buy a rose and send it to her on the day of your date. She will love it."

"Thanks for that. I will take my coat and allow you to put yours on the door control and I will take my leave. See you tonight."

I leave and head down to the street. The trip home is incident free. The climb up to my floor is also uneventful, thanks largely to the painkiller I had at 07:00. I head to Claire's place and find the place empty.. So over to my place and lo and behold here is Claire, sat in my armchair, watching TV.

"Hello Claire."

"Hi Jack. How did your night go."

"A bit boring and uncomfortable. but I had a painkiller before coming home, so that journey was incident free."

"Would you like a drink?"

"Oh yes please. I was talking with Fiona today."

"Oh? Fiona who?"

"Very Educational."

"I'm not sure you should be talking to other women."

"Why, do they know your secrets?"

"No, because they might try to seduce you."

"Ha, you know what happens then."

"Yes I do."

As she says this, she bangs my cup of chocolate onto the table in front of me. Then she runs to get a cloth to mop up the spillage.

"Fiona was right, you are a keeper."

"And you are very annoying."

"Would you like to go for a walk? I didn't get much exercise today and my legs need loosening up."

"Inside or outside?"

"Outside if you can."

"I'll get my coat."

When Claire returned, armed with her coat and umbrella, I was similarly attired. So we set off for a stroll around the park. The stairs were the first hurdle. But going down is easier than going up. I don't exactly skip down, but this task is one at which I am definitely getting better. I control the walking pace but I find myself slowly going faster. I have to make myself slow down. We do not want to run just yet. Claire receives a text message. After reading it she says she has to go and abandon me. She does ask if I will be alright, then she speeds off before she can hear my reply.

"Fancy meeting you here."

I turn and find a man approaching me, it takes me a while to remember him, it is Simon from Tommy's Day Watch, who'd escorted me from and to work last cycle.

"Hello Simon."

"You look a lot better than the last time I saw you."

"Thank you. I put it all down to your tender loving care."

"Claire's care is more likely."

"Don't tell her that, she'll stop trying."

"OK. Mum's the word. Are you alright, or do you need a hand?"

"No thanks, I'm fine just came out to loosen my joints up before bed. Everything stiffens up at work."

"Nice to see you looking so good. I'll see you around."

"Yes, Thanks."

I finish my current lap and then head home. I text Claire that I am back safe. Have dinner and shower and go to bed, it; s been a long day.

Day Fifty Eight

Awake, damn, no Claire. Check the time, 18:00. I'll have to rush without Claire here to help.

I didn't arrange anything with Claire for this morning. Shower, dry, dress, no clothes laid out. Things went so much smoother yesterday. Is this a Claire plot to show how indispensable she is? If I skip breakfast, I can call into that coffee shop, I went in yesterday, to get something to eat.

Coat, umbrella, door key, money and tablets. Hey I didn't need a tablet this morning. Out the door. Ha, that will show Claire.

The coffee shop has a big queue, but I wait patiently and just buy two ham and egg salad buns. Onwards to the office.

"You're late."

19:45.

"In what universe is 19:45 late?"

"I set my watch by you, you always arrive at 19:40."

"Any news from Admin."

"Yes they sent a man to move the wall clock from behind the desk to over by the door."

"That is easily countered."

I try to move the clock back, but it won't shift.

"They glued it to the wall."

"That's stupid."

And I put my elbow through the glass.

"Oops."

"You'll get the sack."

"Haven't you learnt yet, that we on the night shift are in short supply.

"It's your neck."

"What did you ask for in your message to Admin?"

"I didn't."

"Get to it. Send Admin a message demanding coat hooks, a new clock and whatever else takes your fancy."

"I can't just demand stuff from Admin."

"Do it as a fault report. The coat hooks appear to have disappeared etc. That's allowed."

She sat and filed her damage report which included 'the soft toilet paper has run out', then logged off.

"I'm off before Security come to take you away."

After I let Fiona out, I hang my coat on the door control. I log into the system and my tablet. There is the message from Admin about the coat and the door control, again. I send my damage report in, coat hooks have gone missing, someone had glued the clock to the wrong wall. And attempting to return it to the correct place, it broke, oops. And can we have a microwave oven? Oh and the soft toilet paper has run out.

The task list for the night has no break, so no Henry. I start work, while munching one of my buns and sipping a cup of Hot Chocolate.

...

01:00 Two thirds of the way through the task list, time for another break. The second bun and another Hot Chocolate, then back to work.

...

07:12 That's the task list finished. I write a note for the 'notice board' listing the items requiring repair, replacement in the office. Then I do some Tai Chair until Tommy knocks.

"Hello, nice night?"

"So so."

"Anything new in the world?"

"Well, we are currently conducting a campaign with Admin to improve the office. I've put a list on the notice board, be sure to advise Admin of any repairs that need doing."

I leave Tommy to his work and head for home. I ring Claire, no answer. I hope she's not upset again. Thinking of Claire I remember Fiona's suggestion, and call into the Flower shop. I order a single red rose for delivery to her personally on the day of our date. Henry would be proud of me.

Arriving home, I find no Claire, again, So I text her to say I'm home. I make and eat dinner then I prepare the room for tomorrow, fresh clothes, washing up all done. I shower and dry myself and go to bed.

Day Fifty Nine

Awake. I'm awake early. Loads of time. Shower, dress, breakfast. I check my phone for missed calls and messages. Finally one message from Claire. 'Got pulled by Security, told them everything.' I ring Claire.

"Hello Jack, Security pulled me. They wanted to know all about you."

"Are you OK, would you like me to come over?"

"Yes, come over, but only if you've got time."

"I've always got time for you."

I make sure I've got everything I would need for work and went across to Claire's place. I let myself in and went through to the kitchen. As I entered, Claire rose from her chair and hugged me, tightly.

"It's alright, you should have woke me when you got back,"

"You'd only just gone to bed, better to let you sleep."

"What happened?"

"They came for me very early, while you were still at work. They were very interested in you. Kept asking what you were doing. I told them about you being abducted and beaten up. How it all seemed to be a big mistake as they tried to undo whet they had done. How they took you to work and left. I said you didn't know why."

"Did they ask you about anything else?"

"They asked me about Henry and did I know anyone from your work. I said only Simon and I didn't know where he worked until he brought you home."

"Did you get any sleep, No? Well get yourself to bed and have an early night. I'll come and see you in the morning. Now just relax, and don't worry about a thing. Everything will be alright. I promise."

I move Claire to her bedroom, and attempt to leave, but she is clinging to me like a limpet.

"Come on Claire, I have to go to work."

I make her promise to go straight to bed and to try and get some sleep. Then I get out the door. I could have stayed a bit longer, but I don't know what else I could do.

I head for the coffee shop and get my one bun. I might not get a chance to eat a second one. Security could pull me from work, but they would have to liaise with Admin who would have to organize my replacement.

I arrive at the office expecting Security on the doorstep, but nothing. Tommy lets me in.

"Evening."

"Morning."

"I see you are organizing a rebellion among the troops."

"Not at all, just trying to get Admin to do their job. It's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil."

"I reported the loss of the second chair."

"Good for you. We'll have this place looking like a palace in no time. On another topic, I might not be here when you come in tomorrow. I've a feeling that Security might want a word with me."

"Why don't they go after the baddies instead of the innocent."

"Oh, that's good, can I use it?"

"Feel free. Mind you, you do have to be innocent."

"As pure as the driven snow."

"Best of Luck."

"Thanks."

Tommy leaves the office, leaving me to start work. Regardless of what is going to happen, the work must be done. I try not to think about Security. I eat the bun, early, because I may not get a chance to eat it later.

...

01:00 So far so good, I sit and think while I drink a Hot Chocolate. Am I going to be pulled by Security? Pulling me before midnight would be more convenient for Admin and my replacement, after midnight, less so. After work, I'll be tired, a better subject for questioning. God forbid, they pull me on my first day off, date night, I don't think Claire would be pleased.

...

07:23 The task list is completed. I do Tai Chair to loosen my joints up for the journey home.

07:50 Tommy arrives.

"You're still here."

"Yes. I'm as amazed as you are."

"Never mind, maybe tomorrow."

"Maybe never would be better."

"It is every citizen's duty to assist the Security services at all times."

"I get enough of that off the TV, I don't need you repeating it."

"I'll go then."

"Oh no you don't. That's my line and I'm leaving. Bye."

I leave before Tommy does, leaving him to carry out his duties as Day Watch Captain.

I stand outside the office door, looking around. Nobody in sight. Then I set off for home. All the way home I expect the hand on my shoulder but my door is reached without incident. I enter and dump my coat and backpack and then over to Claire's place to check on her.

I find her still in bed, but awake.

"Hello Claire, How are you this morning?"

Claire sat up and hugged me.

Oh Jack, I didn't know what to say, They kept asking be the same thing in different ways. I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for, We have nothing to hide."

"No?"

"No, as long as you told the truth, you have nothing to worry about."

"I don't want to go back there."

"It's alright, you don't have to."

"Come along now, get washed and dressed and up. I'll be in my rooms getting ready for bed. Come and see me when you are up."

I enter my rooms and breathe out. I could spend all day in there and she would still be worrying at the end of it and I would have had no sleep. If Claire wants she can spend the day in my rooms.

I prepare dinner, eat it and shower. Just as I step out of the shower, Claire comes through the door.

"It's uncanny, the way you always come in when I'm naked."

"Oh sorry, should I go?"

"No, you are here now, and I don't think there is any part of me you haven't seen. How are you feeling?"

"Better, thanks."

"I've got to have a sleep, but you are welcome to stay here for the day, if you would like."

"Would you like me to help you get ready for work?"

"It's not essential, I've been getting better everyday and I managed on my own this morning."

"Oh good, would you like a bedtime story?"

"I can usually get to sleep without, but thanks for the offer."

"Is it alright if I have the TV on?"

"Yes but not too loud. Now let me get to sleep."

I shut my eyes and try to ignore the sound of Claire moving about. Eventually she settles and I can concentrate on getting to sleep.

Day Sixty

Awake,

"Claire​?"

No answer. That's good, I hope. I get out of bed and turn on the shower. My phone rings, it's Claire.

"Hi Claire."

"Hi Jack, just ringing to let you know that I had an emergency call, so I am dealing with that."

"OK, thanks for letting me know. Will I see you before I leave for work?"

"Probably not. Have a nice day or night or whatever you call it."

"Thanks, bye."

I shower without my usual audience and dry myself with just a few aches. I dress and organize breakfast.

06:45 I leave my rooms heading for the coffee shop. There, I wait in line to get my ham and egg salad bun. I also get a Hot Chocolate and I sit to drink it.

07:25 Time to leave for work.

...

Tommy answers the door. Smiling.

"Well if it isn't the Office Hero?"

"What's happened now?"

"The repair list is getting smaller."

"Ooo let me in, let's see."

I push my way past Tommy to find... two chairs.

"You know Admin has stolen that from another office, don't you?"

"I don't think stolen is the right word. 'Reallocation of Resources' better describes the situation."

"It also means that you will be branded Admin's toyboy. Flavour of the month."

"I can live with that."

"You'll have to ask for something else then to prove it is not the case."

"Like what?"

"You'll think of something."

"I'll have to think of something at home, I'm going, bye."

I let him out the door and turn my attention to work. I log into the system and my tablet.

The task list for tonight has a break at 01:00. Oh at last. Something to look forward to.

My tablet chimes for an incoming call. Who the hell is this. Admin. Oh shit.

"Hello."

I give my official ID and wait.

"You will be relieved at 20:30."

Oh crap. The message includes a password that my relief will give when asked for their ID.

The call is terminated. I phone Clair.

"Hello Jack."

"Claire listen, I'm being relieved at 20:30, presumably to be pulled by Security. So I don't know when I'll be home. If I get a chance I will ring you, OK."

"Be careful Jack."

"I'll be fine, I'm innocent. Bye."

I phone the 'Cinema'.

"Tonight's programme.."

"Henry, I'm going to be pulled by Security within the next half hour, do you understand."

"Yes."

The line went dead.

I've done all that I can. Except the eating of my bun, which I proceed to do while running diagnostics.

...

20:30

The knock on the door finally comes. I cross to the door and check the spy hole. Three people. I ask for ID. The password is returned. I open the door wide enough for my relief. The other two try to follow him.

"Sorry boys, security, I'm sure you understand. This is the only door, I will not be too long, wait patiently."

They acquiesce, and don't try to push the point. I shut the door, and turn to see my relief.

"Bill?"

"Yes, you must be Jack."

"That's me for my sins."

"Why are they after you?"

"They probably want to know why I didn't report my interaction with the gangsters last cycle."

"And they drag you out of work for that."

"Yes, I'm not happy about it either."

I make sure that Bill's tablet has tonight's task list before logging out of mine. The break at 01:00 has disappeared. Then I have to wait while the current diagnostic finishes before I can log out of the system and Bill can log in. I give him a quick briefing on the 'fault reporting' to Admin and collect my coat and backpack and prepare to take my leave.

"I'll pay you back for this, I'll work your fourth night. I should be out by then."

"Best of luck, Jack."

"Thanks."

Bill opens the door and I slip out, into the arms of the two Security guys. We three descend to the street and slide into the black saloon car waiting for us. The ride is long, the driver is in no hurry. I want to ask questions but I maintain my silence.

...

We arrive at what looks like the Sector Security office, I've been here before, the one with the lift. Me and my escort of two enter the building and head for Reception where we pick up two more escorts and then we all head for the lift. The queue magically parts to allow us priority use of the lift. (Hands up all those who want to ride in a lift with a possible axe murderer.) The lift arrives and only we five enter and floor ten is punched. I am escorted to room 1045 (again) and my car escorts leave. I sit at the table and wait. The smell of fresh paint is not a good omen. It is, of course, easier to paint over the bloodstains.

...

A man enters and tells me to remove my backpack, empty my pockets and put the contents into it. I comply. The man leaves, taking my backpack with him.

A different man enters and ascertains my credentials, name, address and place of work to make sure they have the right man. He leaves.

...

An old friend, File Man, enters and drops his file on he table. Bang!

He recites his name and job title to the room and sits.

"When they told me that my old friend Jack was coming in, I didn't believe it. I felt sure that you had learnt your lesson the last time you were here. Now then, Jack, what's this about you partying with gangsters."

I keep mum.

"Come along Jack, help us out here."

"When you start making sense, I'll join in."

"Right, nine days ago, you were abducted off the street by persons unknown. Tell me what happened."

"Nine days ago, I was abducted off the street, by persons unknown, while I was on my way home from work. I did not get a good look at my abductors."

"Where did they take you?"

"I have no idea. I was bundled into a car and driven away."

"Come on Jack, You are supposed to be helping us. What happened after you were bundled into the car?"

"I was driven some distance, a couple of zones probably, but I cannot say which direction I was taken. Eventually, the car entered an underground car park beneath our destination. We took a lift up to a floor which looked like an office. I was dumped in what looked like a broom closet. The next thing I know, two guys in masks, entered and proceeded to work me over. They left me on the floor. The next thing I know I'm being given a hot bath, a massage and painkillers. Even now, I have no idea why. They got me upright and able to walk a short distance, then they took me to work. Was it some evil Government experiment to see how much damage would stop me working?

"Whatever it was, it did wonders for your efficiency. I'm told by people who know these things, that you carried out a full night's work in 78% of the time available. In fact you had an hour long break when you did nothing and yet you still managed to complete your tasks within your shift."

I knew that would come back to bite me.

"I had no distractions."

"And you did not recognize your attackers, indeed you are unable to identify anybody or anything you saw that day."

"They wore masks, I told you, all the blocks look alike. There are no signs saying which zone you are in."

The File Man gives up and makes his leaving speech to the room and leaves.

...

A woman enters the room. Oh, it's Mrs Thompson. The velvet glove. She introduces herself to the room and sits.

"Good evening Jack."

"Good evening Mrs Thompson."

"Why didn't you report your abduction, Jack."

"Because I have nothing to report. No suspects, no locations, no anything, and then your mate comes in and practically accuses me of falsifying my work records. Every time I come in here, I end up being accused of something."

"Jack, we're trying to help you."

"Yeah, I don't see any gangsters being interviewed."

"Perhaps a period of quiet reflection could persuade you to be more cooperative."

Mrs Thompson says goodbye to the room and leaves.

...

It's File man's turn next. They haven't got much out of me today. Maybe, if I made up a story? No they would only check and find it was a load of fiction then I would be back here facing questions about why I lied. No, stick to the truth, I'm innocent.

...

I know what it is, they are trying to bore me into submission. Boy have they got me figured wrong. I can quite happily watch paint dry. I might as well try and get some sleep, I've a date tomorrow.

...

Bang! Oh god, File Man is back.

"Is it lunchtime? I'll have the stew please."

"No food for you, Jack, you missed lunch."

"Don't tell me, you ate it. It's a perk of the job, isn't it, eating the prisoner's food."

"You are not a prisoner."

"Oh good, call me a taxi, I'm going home."

"You could easily become a prisoner."

Should I call his bluff? Before I can think of an answer, File Man starts his questioning.

"Tell me about your beating."

"Why, are you looking to improve your technique?"

"Now Jack, we do not resort to physical violence in Security."

"You don't do drugs either, but something knocked me out the last time I was here."

"Not on my watch."

"No on the Day watch."

He stands, says his farewell to the room and leaves.

Once again I try to get some sleep.

...

Mrs Thompson shakes me awake.

"Do you wish to make a formal complaint about your alleged drugging in Security whilst undergoing questioning on the date specified.?"

Oh oh, this sounds very official. Tread carefully Jack, you do not want to be headline news.

"If I do, what happens?"

"There will be an inquiry at which you will be required to attend to give evidence."

"Is there likely to be any evidence to support my claim?"

"Circumstantial evidence only, I'm afraid. Interviews are recorded but we do not have clearance to view the recordings, so we cannot see if there is anything on the recording. However our personnel know where the camera is and if they want to do anything underhand, then they know how to prevent the camera seeing them do it. The sickbay log only shows you being admitted unconscious, cause unknown."

"In that case let's not bother the Inquiry with any extra paperwork. No I do not wish to make a formal complaint. Can I go home now?"

"No, sit still."

Mrs Thompson leaves the room.

...

Mrs Thompson returns and makes her hello to the room.

"Now Jack. Is there anything else you wish to say regarding your abduction nine days ago?"

"No, I did not recognize my abductors, and I did not recognize where they took me. Nobody spoke to me during my ordeal and I have no idea why they did what they did to me that day."

"Thank you, Jack. I will get back to you."

This is promising. Don't get your hopes up. They might still return with the thumbscrews.

...

Mrs Thompson returns.

"Thank you Jack, we are arranging transport to take you home. We would like to thank you for your cooperation in this investigation. Your possessions will be returned to you before you go home. We do not believe that there will be any further action related to this matter."

...

I think I smile with relief. I definitely don't do any kind of victory dance. Let's face it, I want to get out of here. My backpack is brought in and I repopulate my pockets.

I'm escorted downstairs and out to a car which takes me home. My phone tells me it is 06:27. I ring Claire.

"Jack, where are you?"

"I'm on my way home. I'll come and see you when I get there."

"Look forward to it. Bye."

The rest of the journey was uneventful.

The careful climb up to my floor is achieved without incident and I knock on Claire's door.

"There you are Jack. No scars or bruises."

"We do not resort to physical violence in Security. Give me a hug."

We hugged for about ten Mississippi's before breaking apart.

"Miss me.?"

"You know what it is like in Security, a friendly face is all you want to see, when you get out."

"Is that all I am, a friendly face?"

"We will have to wait and see, won't we?"

"What for?"

"Tonight. How are you feeling, better?"

"Yes thanks. Just sitting with you yesterday, helped calm me down."

"Good."

"I'll be off to get my dinner and some sleep."

"Rightio, I'll see you this evening, What time are you calling?"

"The table is booked for 19:30 so how does 18:30 sound? If it is fine we will walk, if it's raining we'll take a taxi."

"Sounds good, see you then."

I leave and go home. Strip off my outdoor clothes and get my dinner out of the fridge. Heat up dinner in the microwave, then eat it (the dinner) and wash up. A Hot Chocolate to wash it all down rounds off dinner time. Shower, towel dry and pyjamas on.

That is another day over.

And so to bed.

Day Sixty One

Awake. Date Night. Up, shower, trim beard (4mm, I think the soft halfway between sandpaper and wiry) and dress.

Where's that shirt mum bought me for the job interviews, if it still fits. Here it is, bottom of the drawer. I try to put it on. Well, you wouldn't think it could shrink so much in the drawer. It will have to be clean and tidy rather than flash.

Check the weather, fine. So we will be walking. Right, ready or not...

I lock up and head for Claire's place. Here we go. The longest journey begins with a single... Knock.

...

The door opens to reveal Claire in a dress which would not have looked out of place at a cocktail party in a film. In her hand was a single rose.

"Hello Jack."

"Hello Claire, are you ready?

"Yes."

We start heading for the lobby.

"Nice Frock."

"Frock! this is a 'Champignon' cocktail dress.

"Sorry, Nice Dress."

"Thank you."

"I've not seen you with make up on before, have I?"

"No I only use it for special occasions."

"Like this?"

"Yes, like this. Is this you best suit?"

"This is all I've got."

"Oh you do need a woman in your life, don't you?"

"I've managed without, up to now."

"Managed is not a word I would have used."

Pause.

"Shall we go back to your place and start again?"

"No we're here now let's see what we can make of it. Starting again is no guarantee of improvement."

I check the time. 18:55.

"We'll have time for a drink before dinner."

"That is a good idea. Something to dull the senses, relax us."

"Do you have a favourite dish? What do you drink?"

"I usually drink white wine."

"Anything you are allergic to?"

"It's a bit late to ask me about allergies."

"If I had an allergy and I'd asked someone to take me out to dinner, I would have made sure they knew about it."

"Yes, you are right, I'm sorry I'm a bit on edge, I so want tonight to go well and it is turning into a bit of a disaster."

"No, a disaster is when we round this corner and find the Sanitation people closing the restaurant down."

"Oh god, don't say things like that."

"Closing it down before we eat there is better than turning up to close it down after we have eaten."

"Are you always this cheerful?"

"I believe you should always expect the worst, then you will be pleasantly surprised when things turn out well. Even minor disasters are bearable after a major calamity has been avoided."

We reached the corner before the restaurant.

"Do you want me to check first?"

"No let's do it together, now and forever. Whatever happens."

We walk to the corner and boldly walk around it to find... a quiet street, no flashing lights no crowds of onlookers, just a normal quiet street.

"That's the first of your options foiled."

"Now who's looking on the bad side?"

We enter the restaurant and the man who is playing host this evening shows us to our table, hands us the large Menus and asks would we like a drink before dinner. Claire places her rose on the table. I order an Orange Juice for me and a White Wine for Claire. We ask each other what should we order only to find out that neither of us has a clue. We decide to opt for the meal for two as the safest option. The menus are whisked away and our drinks arrive.

"Alone at last."

"Said the evil seducer as he curled his waxed moustache."

"Fetishes should be left in the bedroom where they belong. I was going to say, we should take turns to ask each other a question, which must be answered truthfully."

"Oh goody, me first. Why did the gangsters beat you up?"

"That's a wasted question. I do not know. My turn. How is the monitoring of your customers going?"

"Privileged information."

"We are doing well, aren't we?"

"What do you do for enjoyment, what do you like doing?"

"That's two, but I'll let it pass, this once. I do like waking up in the morning, but there is nothing I do just for fun."

"What do you do when you are bored?"

"You're out of order, it's my turn."

"Sorry."

"Do you like your job?"

"Yes, I meet people who have a problem and I am able to improve their lives by helping to solve their problem. What do you do when you are bored?"

"I cannot remember being bored. I am quite capable of watching paint dry. My turn. Why me?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are supposed to be answering my question, not asking another of your own."

"OK. The first day I met you, there was just something different about you. Most guys try it on, at first sight, but you seemed vulnerable, almost afraid."

"And that was what attracted you to me?"

"It's my turn not yours. How do you feel towards me?"

Our meal arrived, just in time. Fried Rice, Chicken and mushrooms in Black Bean Sauce, Spring Rolls, King Prawn and Beansprouts, Chicken Chop Suey and a Fortune Cookie each. I reach for the fortune cookies.

"No you don't, Fortune cookies after the meal."

I give Claire first pick of the dishes. She manages to scoop half of each dish onto her plate.

"Nothing wrong with your appetite."

"I've been looking forward to this all day."

"I thought it was my company you craved."

"Of course it is, but food and I have a long history."

...

As we finish eating, Claire restarts our game.

"Now, what about your answer to my question."

"I want to please you. I ring you first if I'm in trouble, or late. I don't like you worrying. I want to protect you. Perm any three from four. Now, Why me?"

"You asked me that already,"

"Yes and you answered truthfully but only in part. Tell me the whole."

Pause.

"OK, I worry about you, you need looking after and I want to be the one to do it."

Claire hands me a Fortune Cookie.

"You first."

I break the Cookie and rescue the note inside.

"Love finds a way."

"Oooo sounds good. My turn."

"Love is just around the corner."

"Shall we go home?"

"Yes, just around the corner, that would be nice."

I settled the bill and we left, Claire clutching her rose again. We walked back in the general direction of our Block. We chatted about the meal, acceptable but not great, I explained that the only information I had to go on was what cuisine they favoured. We agreed to try the Asian Sub-Continent restaurant next time. (There is a next time.)

"So, mark me out of ten."

"What for?"

"For my performance tonight."

"The night isn't over yet."

"Well the meal then."

"Five."

"Five! I was told the rose was worth five on its own."

"Well Yes, but you've got some negative scores in there as well."

"That's OK I can only get better. You never want full marks first time out because it would all be downhill from there."

We arrive at our Block. I demonstrate my stair climbing ability to Claire who is suitably impressed.

"Are you coming in for a nightcap?"

"Is it safe?"

"You can leave at any time."

"Said the spider to the fly. What the hell, in for a penny..."

"You can put the kettle on. I'm going to take my coat off."

I went through to the kitchen and checked the water in the kettle and switched it on. Searched the cupboards for cups and the drawers for spoons. Prepared the coffee and Chocolate for the hot water.

Claire entered the kitchen, wearing a dressing gown. I give her a look.

"It's my bedtime."

"I cannot fault your logic, however putting sleepwear on while you have a guest is generally considered a heavy hint that they have outstayed their welcome."

"Oh no. It's nothing like that. I just want to show that I am comfortable with you seeing me like this. After all, you are comfortable with me seeing you in less."

"You are going to beat me to death with logic. I knew I should never have knocked on your door that first time."

"Ah but you did, so whatever happens is down to you."

The kettle boiled and Claire made the drinks and delivered them to the table.

"Was tonight as bad as you thought it would be?"

"No, and I didn't expect it to be bad or unpleasant. It was in fact quite pleasant."

"And you are up for another date?"

"I thought we'd already made one for dinner at the Asian Sub-Continent Restaurant."

"Yes, but it's nice to hear you say it."

We drink our drinks.

"I should go and let you get to bed."

"I would really appreciate it if you would help me into bed."

My defences snap to attention. Do I want to get into this? I'm half way in already and I'm not the one with no clothes on.

"OK but you have to behave yourself."

"Don't I always? Follow me."

"I'll just wash up."

"Leave them. Come on, I'm not going to bite."

Reluctantly I follow her to the bedroom.

"All you have to do is tuck me in and kiss me goodnight."

"Let's get this over with."

Claire takes off her dressing gown to reveal her naked body. She lies on her back on the bed, hands by her sides and one knee slightly bent. I cover her up with her duvet.

"Now the kiss."

I sigh. I lean over the bed and try to kiss her cheek, but she turns her head at the last moment to kiss me on the lips. I pull back, give her a look of exasperation and bid her...

"Goodnight."

"Good Ni-ight."

I leave the bedroom and go to the kitchen to collect my stuff. Then its over to my place, leaving Claire to her dreams.

I do some Tai Chair, a lot has happened today, Security still on my case, the war with Admin over improving the office, Claire's attempt at getting me involved with her. Henry won't talk with me while Security are all over me. How long will that last?

It suddenly dawns on me that I haven't ordered my shopping. That's the effect that Claire is having on me, I knuckle down and place my order. I go out and do some exercise. Six laps of the park, with rest breaks in the Coffee Shop. Yes, getting back into the ole routine.

...

I found a couple of my tails from a couple of cycles ago. I didn't embarrass them because I only recognized them from when they were tailing me badly before. They do look to have improved and they are not tailing me, so I leave them alone. While I'm in the Coffee Shop I peruse the Ads to find a Tai Chi class, nothing there, I'll try the web. There's bound to be someone doing classes, people can be seen doing Tai Chi all over the place.

...

Back home, I switch on the TV and search on the web for Tai Chi in my Zone. None! What about online lessons, oh my god, does everybody run a Tai Chi website? I shall have to look through them tomorrow. I settle down to watch game shows for the rest of the night.

...

06:00

I leave my rooms and cross to Claire's apartment. I let myself in and tiptoe to her bedroom door. Silently open her bedroom door and creep around to the side of the bed. I lean over and kiss her on the forehead. She opens her eyes.

"Oh, did you just kiss me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I thought you might appreciate it"

"Come here and have a hug."

She sat up and I was reminded of how she was dressed when she went to bed last night.

With that I head for the kitchen.

"I'll put the kettle on."

...

The kettle is just coming up to the boil when Claire enters. She's wearing her dressing gown.

"I'm sorry, I'm pushing too hard again, aren't I."

"Yes, but I am getting better, do not give up on me."

"I won't."

"Coffee?"

"Let me, I am the host."

I sit and Claire makes the drinks.

"Last night was very nice. You made me feel safe."

"What about the kiss this morning?"

"Were you aiming for the Sleeping Beauty effect?"

"I suppose I was. Did it work?"

"The prince, that's you, wouldn't have run away when his princess, me, rose from her bed."

"I didn't run away, I came to put the kettle on. A nice cup of coffee to wake the fair princess from her slumber."

"I'll believe you, millions wouldn't."

"Would you like a cooked breakfast?"

"I've got eggs and bacon. We can make it here."

"I was thinking of taking you to Joes Diner but your idea is better."

I stay and have breakfast with Claire. It's nice, and not just the food. It's nice to sit and chat with her even though she is sat across the table probably wearing only her dressing gown. After we have cleaned up, I bid her good night and retire to my rooms to shower and go to bed.

"Good night, Claire."