Line of DUTY

Maddie was desperate for her interview to succeed – but so much could go wrong

- Jill Crawford

Thank you.’ Maddie accepted the latte from the waitress before glancing around the coffee shop. Just a few other people, and only faint murmurs of conversation echoing off the wood-panelled walls.

The aroma of freshly ground coffee was in the air, along with tantalising smells of croissants and pastries. Remembering her diet, she’d just ordered a coffee. Glancing round, she caught the gaze of a well-dressed man sitting at the table next to her. He smiled, and she smiled back. Hopefully things would go well today. There was a lot resting on it.

Hearing the theme tune from one of her favourite police dramas shatter the near silence, Maddie quickly pulled out her mobile, giving a half-embarrassed look round, as though she’d committed some crime by making a noise.

‘Maddie Pearson… Oh, hi Jackie.’

She listened and grimaced. ‘Does that mean you’ve found someone else for the job?’ She sighed. ‘OK, thanks for letting me know.’

Her shoulders slumped as she hung up. Swearing, she caught the gaze of the smartly dressed man again.

‘Sorry.’

‘No problem. I take it you’ve had bad news? I couldn’t help overhearing.’