EPISODE 46 – A rather BAD NEWS DAY
I arrive in the office a few minutes late. The last couple of nights I’ve been struggling to sleep for much of the night, only to slip into deep sleep just as it’s time to rise and shine. Well, that’s how it seems to me. Emma says I’m still snoring throughout the night.
Gina has coffee and the newspapers already sorted. I pick up City A.M. and am horrified to read that Caroline Davison has snaffled the CWM deal from right under my nose. Signed, sealed and delivered. And at a price lower than I would have imagined possible. Damn.
The telephone on my desk rings. “Good morning David, it’s Angela Valentine, the chairman’s executive assistant. Sir Roderick wonders whether you might pop up for a moment. At your convenience, of course.” I note that there’s been subtle but quite forceful insistence on the “Sir” of late. Underlining, presumably, that the old fella thinks he’s worth it. “I’ll be right up,” I find myself replying, without forethought.
I put the phone down and look once more at the City A.M. coverage of the CWM deal. Sir Roderick’s “buffoon of a son-in-law” is certainly looking rather sharper – and probably a great deal richer – this morning, thanks to Caroline’s takeover coup on Osgood’s behalf. It’s also the week of bonus announcements. Which of these two might Sir Roderick wish to discuss? Hmm.
I leave my office and walk towards the lift, wondering about the ebb and flow of conversation when Sir Roderick next invites his beloved daughter and the “buffoon” for Sunday lunch. As I approach the lift I receive a text message: “Seen the papers? Hehe. Have booked our erstwhile favourite lunch spot. You remember, no? Next Monday, 1pm. See you there. Caroline x” Suddenly, I wish I’d had breakfast. City Dad will continue next Tuesday. For past episodes, go to www.cityam.com.