Behind Closed Doors

Was this the life she could have had? But would she really have wanted it rather than the one she has?

- MARIE PENMAN

Kate loved every part of her job but had to admit that she particularly liked the moments when she got to take a peep into someone else's life. As an estate agent, and the main partner in her firm, she was responsible for carrying out the valuations on the properties that clients asked them to sell, and she enjoyed being shown around houses and flats that people had lived in for years.

Kate had taken an unusual route into her career. Dropping out of university after two years of a degree in business studies, she'd taken the first job she was offered, working as a receptionist in a big estate agents in town. Much to her surprise, she had grown to love the job and so had applied for a vacancy as a rainee valuer and property agent, and had then thrived in this new career. Promotions and awards had followed before Kate decided to take the plunge and set up her own estate agency, and though the first year or so had been a struggle, her hard work and excellent professional reputation in the local area soon began to pay dividends.

It had taken her years to get to her current peak, during which time, Kate had married Dan, given birth to two children and even studied part-time at university to gain extra qualifications in surveying. It had been quite the adventure!

Now, she loved her job and looked forward to meeting every new client.

"Kate, are you doing that 2pm valuation out at Seacliff?" her partner Jo called across the office, where Kate sat lost in a brief daydream.

She straightened up and checked her phone. "Yep, I'm on it, Jo! I'll leave in ten minutes."

This was an important booking for the agency, their first valuation at Seacliff, an exclusive residential area just outside of town, the type of place that was all about keeping up with the Joneses, meaning if their agency could pitch a For Sale sign in one of the gardens, other neighbouring sellers would surely take note.