New Story.....

[fection]

Hey all.
This one takes a while to get going, but hopefully the long read is worth it......Let me know what you think.


Achilles Heels

By Fection.


Helen should have seen it coming.

There had been rumours for weeks - ever since the completion of the make up department’s stylish refit. The whole department had been done up in white, aluminium, and glass. Cabinets gleamed. The white marble floor sparkled. The floor around each of the various counters shimmered - brushed aluminium pathways circled each counter, stylishly separating one section from another. It had become like working in a kind of makeup-selling Nirvana. There was something that was really getting people’s goat, though….

Ever since the refit, the staff room was down to about half it’s former size - hardly enough for almost two dozen busy women! The down-sizing had been blamed on an as yet off limits adjacent ‘executive lounge’. When it was going to be accessible - and to whom - was the contentious issue. And those rumours just got stronger.

Suspicions were raised when Mr Ligbus called a staff meeting late one Friday. There were hand outs and everything. So, the rumours were true. A uniform was to be introduced - well, to be exact, a new dress code - but a new dress code so strict it may as well have been a uniform. It was all part of management’s new strategy of “brand cohesion”.

White was the colour of choice, apparently. And flourishes of silver. You might just be able to get away with light grey. But Mr Ligbus made it very clear that gold jewellery was out. It was very important. For the cohesion. Consultants and so on. Clean, crisp lines. A blank canvas through which true beauty could shine. He seemed very adamant about it. Passionate almost. His ever-present entourage seemed more stoic.

Helen thought Darcy (who worked at the perfumes counter) had summed up the general feeling of everyone else present with a quiet cough that sounded suspiciously like a carefully masked expletive. While his minions’ eyes probed the gathering for the culprit, a dutifully smiling Mr Ligbus continued unabated. Beginning Monday week, the new regime would be introduced, heralding in a new era of unprecedented customer satisfaction. An awkward silence followed in which a round of applause failed to happen. After a few moments a meagre spattering was supplied by Mr Ligbus’ background associates. He seemed satisfied with that and nodded stiffly.

“Excellent. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to…”
His hand flailed a vague gesture as he trailed off.
“..and so on.” he concluded. Another sharp smile and he whirled out of the room, his wife, accountant and personal assistant pulled along in his wake.

The hour that remained of the day was actually less subdued than usual - Helen guessed that hers wasn’t the only counter where hushed, animated discussions were taking place about the state of the workplace. Discussions took on a still more dubious tone however, when Rachel, who shared Helen’s counter, was called into Mr Ligbus’ office a few minutes before closing.

By the time the rest of the women were locking the cases and setting the alarms, Rachel emerged from the office on the verge of tears. As she collected her bag and jacket she seemed unwilling to discuss anything with anyone, but on her way out she managed to squeak “I’ve been fired” in a cracked voice. There were gasps of outrage and claims from some that they should give Ligbus a piece of their mind. Bravado gave way to sympathy however and a small group joined Rachel for some goodbye drinks at a nearby bar.

Between double-vodka-and-oranges, Rachel explained that her well-renowned tardiness was the explanation given to her by Mr Ligbus. True, she’d had a number of warnings about her lateness. And true Mr Ligbus had claimed that the most recent was her last. And, in fact, it had to be said that the tills rarely balanced if she’d been anywhere near them in the course of a day. But…….fired? It just wasn’t fair.

The following Monday a realisation fell into place for Helen. Without being nasty, Rachel had never been the greatest of lookers. She wasn’t ugly. Not particularly. Just not…….attractive.
But when everyone was introduced to Rachel’s replacement on Monday morning, suspicions were further raised about the motivation behind Rachel’s dismissal.

The new woman was stunning.

When everyone had gathered at Helen’s counter, Mr Ligbus clapped once, more loudly than necessary.
“Good morning, ladies. I’d like to introduce you to Lina Hayley. Lina will be joining Helen here at the foundations desk. I’d like you all to make her welcome.”

As Mr Ligbus got each of the staff to introduce themselves, Helen gave her new co-worker a brief look-over. Slick honey-blonde hair was pulled back from her face and held up by silver pins in a stylish, decorative arrangement. She had cheekbones so high her sharp blue eyes seemed to have to peer out over them. A fine narrow nose, full lips and a pointed, angular chin. She was tall, too. And somehow both slender and curved.
The new recruit had definitely been given the low-down on the new dress code - her white satin one-piece dress reached half way to the knee and had a halter-neck top, that appeared (from where Helen stood) to be mostly back-less. The shimmering fabric hung loosely from the woman’s statuesque frame, but could not disguise her obvious curves. It definitely wasn’t an outfit you wanted to wear in a strong breeze - things were likely to get blown all askew. Jewellery was understated - a dull silvery bracelet at one wrist and a narrow brushed aluminium choker clasped around the neck. Likewise the shoes looked uncannily like they were cast from aluminium - pristine heels contributing two, maybe three inches to the woman’s stature. Helen was having trouble picking the woman’s age. She had flawless, young looking skin, but seemed to have an air of confidence that suggested her apparent youth was the result of clever age-disguising tricks. If the woman turned out to be in her thirties Helen wouldn’t be overly surprised - but the elegant blonde would really have to know makeup. She looked fantastic - whatever her age.

“And finally this is……” Mr Ligbus prompted. Helen suddenly realised he was pointing at her. She stepped forward and reached out her hand.
“Uh…Helen. Hi Lina. Nice to meet you.”
Helen wouldn’t have said that the woman smiled, exactly. It was more a slow acknowledging nod. Lina’s grasp was surprisingly firm.
“Hallo Helen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Helen was a little surprised to hear a rather well-to-do English accent. The voice was smooth, serene and mature. The woman definitely wasn’t as young as she made out. Maybe she had a very good plastic surgeon - up this close, her skin still appeared flawless. Helen couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but there was something a little icy about her too. Maybe it was the eyes. They were pale blue, ringed by a darker circle - Helen guessed they were contacts. Or maybe it was just her immaculate, pristine get up. Helen smiled as they shook hands. There seemed to be the hint of a smile to Lina’s face - or was it just that unfailing confidence? The stunning blonde woman looked back to Mr Ligbus who tapped his fingers together and grinned as if relieved slightly.
“Right. Great. Well, back to work everyone. Lina, let me know if you have any problems.”
“Yes, Mr Ligbus.” the woman answered smoothly.
As the man went to stride off, Helen made a somewhat strangled call.
“Uh….Mr Ligbus!”
That indomitable smile turned back to face her.
“Yeah, uh…..Helen, was it?”
“Yes. Ah……Do you want me to show Lina the ropes at all?”
The faintest glimmer of a frown flashed briefly across the man’s face, then realisation.
“Oh! Yeah! Yes of course. Yes. You go right ahead. By all means. Good idea. Mmm.”
He nodded one more time, looked at Lina, hesitated, then turned and finally strode away.

Helen watched him go as Lina stepped around behind the counter. Helen rolled her eyes.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s always like that. You’ll get used to it.”
Lina just looked back at her. Her expression was still impossible to read. Helen wasn’t sure if she’d just got herself into trouble.
“Well, I guess the first thing is to familiarise yourself with the catalogue.” Helen suggested after a moment. She retrieved it from a low cupboard under the counter and opened the bulky black folder on the counter top.
“All the product brochures are in alphabetical order by manufacturer.” she explained, flipping casually through a few pages, “I wouldn’t worry about getting to know all the products straight away. A lot of these prices are out of date, actually, but it’s a start.”
She pushed the folder toward Lina and those icy eyes glanced down at it for a moment.
“I am familiar with the products available, thank you Helen.” that precisely measured voice explained. Was that sarcasm? Helen really couldn’t tell. The English couldn’t speak without being sarcastic, could they?
“Oh, alright.”
Helen pulled the folder back, closed it and put it back under the counter. When she stood up again Lina was looking out across the shop floor in apparent disinterest - but her expression was as serene as ever.
“So, what’s your experience? I mean - have you worked in make up before?” Helen prompted after another few moments. Those icy contacts swung round to look at her again.
“Yes. I have extensive experience.” was the complete reply. Then the blonde beauty just looked out across the store again, her gaze moving slowly here and there.
“Uh….Yeah. But where have you worked?” Helen pressed. Again that cool expression looked back toward her, but for a second Lina didn’t reply - she just stared. Then for the first time her expression actually changed. Was it finally a smile? Almost. It was actually more just a faintly sympathetic expression, but it was close enough for now.
“I’m sorry Helen. I am not permitted to divulge that information.”
Lina’s reply was delivered pleasantly in that precisely enunciated accent - almost apologetically - but what was with “not permitted”? And who says “divulge”? Helen decided that Brits were crazy and just nodded.
“Uh….OK. Um…So…..Have you been in the States long?”
There was another brief pause while Lina’s serene expression returned and she looked out across the store again.
“No, not long.” she said, failing even to look at Helen. Jeez! This was like getting blood out of a stone! Helen persisted, in spite of the woman’s dismissive air.
“Well, are you married?…Single?….Kids?” she pressed. After a moment, this got the blonde woman’s attention again.
“I’m sorry Helen. That’s rather a personal question, don’t you think?”
Helen half gasped/half chuckled. Frankly, she was getting a little frustrated with this ‘ice queen’ act.
“Excuse me?” she managed through mild exasperation. There was a brief awkward silence, then Lina spoke again.
“I think we should concentrate on our work, don’t you?” she explained smoothly.

What was with this woman? Was this just culture shock?
“OK. Fine.”
Helen gave up and opted to tidy the counter displays instead.

The rest of the morning Lina barely piped up at all - apart from when the occasional customer came to the counter. Then she was polite and studiously serene with her,
“May I be of any assistance?”s, and her
“Oh yes, ma’am. That matches your skin tone perfectly.”s, and her
“Shall I wrap that for you?”s.

The rest of the time - ice.

Helen tried starting conversations a couple more times, but got the clear impression that Miss Hayley was not interested in friendly chit-chat. Helen even invited Lina to lunch to which the stunning woman replied,
“I’m sorry Helen. I don’t do lunch.”
and resumed surveying the middle distance for any sign of customers. Helen rolled her eyes and left.

She was joined at lunch by a couple of the other girls who asked what Helen thought of the ‘new girl’. Helen wasn’t sure what to say. There wasn’t much she could tell them. She could only shrug. Lina had barely spoken, after all. Someone suggested that it might be first day nerves.

Half an hour later Helen returned to her counter. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon dragged by. Lina remained a virtual mute unless there were customers to serve. Once or twice when Helen was serving and Lina was not otherwise engaged, the stunning new recruit actually interrupted and corrected Helen’s advice. Helen politely thanked her for the help and asked when she was going on her break.
“Thank you Helen, but I do not require a break.” the serene woman explained smoothly.

Late in the afternoon Helen heard a muffled yell from somewhere in the store - it sounded like it might have come from Mr Ligbus’ office. The yelling grew suddenly clearer.
“That’s bullshit - and you know it!”
It was one of the girls - Becks? - and she wasn’t happy. A door slammed and there were hurried footsteps off to her right. Helen craned her neck sideways out over the counter to get a better view. Yeah - it was Becks from the perfume counter. Helen caught a glimpse of her storming out into the mall with her jacket and bag slung over one arm. A couple of the girls were following her. Her friend, Darcy, called after her a few times, apparently to no avail. Helen exchanged uneasy glances with Paula and Lisa at the counter opposite then noticed Lina again. Her expression was still utterly content as her gaze shifted smoothly around the store. Helen looked at Paula and Lisa again, who she noticed were sharing the slightly spooked expression that she guessed must have been on her own face.

It didn’t take long for the story to circulate. Becks had been fired for stealing. Cash found in her hand-bag added up to the till shortages from last week - apparently. But no-one could really believe Becks would have done that. If she’d stolen the money, she’d at least have the sense to leave it at home. There was talk of a frame up as well. After Ligbus had asked Becks to bring her bag to the office, Darcy had followed and sneaked closer to his office to listen. He’d got Becks to open the bag in front of him. She’d had no explanation for the cash, but swore - literally - that she had not stolen it. She’d been fired then and there, and then stormed out. Needless to say, the rest of the afternoon was basically taken up with resentful discussions about how best to roast Ligbus slowly over hot coals.

Lina didn’t seem at all interested. Helen was beginning to suspect that Miss Hayley was a bit of a management brown-noser. At closing, the stylish Brit insisted that Helen should go and leave her to close the cabinets and set the alarms. Helen almost got into an argument with the obstinate woman, but chose instead to leave her to it. If she wanted to impress the boss, so be it.

Predictably, Lina was already waiting patiently behind the counter when Helen arrived at work the next morning. Helen noticed she seemed to be wearing exactly the same outfit as the previous day. Maybe it was wash day. At least Helen had got a greeting out of the normally tight-lipped Lina - but there was still something icy about that well-enunciated English accent. Helen went to the staff room to drop off her bag and jacket, and when she returned, Lina spoke up again.
“Mister Ligbus has an announcement to make.” she said smoothly, then she walked elegantly off. Helen hesitated, then followed, her field of vision taken up with Lina’s serene movements - hips swaying, hands poised - all toned bare back and legs, swaying skirt and shimmering heels. Helen was led to the perfume counter, where the rest of the staff were gathering.

Standing behind the counter, flanked by a beaming Mr Ligbus and a scowling Darcy, was a tall brunette. Steep eyebrows accentuated slanted cheekbones and a square jaw. Her slick brown hair was parted slightly to one side and pulled back into a short bobbed pony tail. She was utterly stylish and stunning.

Mister ligbus explained that this was Estelle Grant. She was to join Darcy at the perfumes counter. According to Ligbus she’d been brought in in a rush over-night. Lots of late night phone calls to agencies and the like.

The shapely new recruit looked out from the counter confidently. Not exactly smiling, but……..that expression was familiar. Helen frowned.

Miss Grant just happened to own an ensemble outfit that fitted perfectly with the new dress code. It was almost as if she shopped at the same store as Lina - the strappy silver-sequinned top and light grey skirt she wore looked elegant and chic. What defied explanation though, was the choker clasped tightly around her neck - a narrow dull metallic ring identical to Lina’s.

There were the same muted greetings. Estelle spoke smoothly and clearly in a round voice that sounded a little like she’d worked in radio. Helen frowned again when Lina and the new woman shook hands. Though they spoke in different accents, they seemed to share the same dismissive air. The same kind of illusive, icy demeanour. When Helen shook Estelle’s hand, she noticed that though the woman’s eyes were a soft dark brown, there was something there that reminded Helen of Lina too. Maybe it was just their get up that made the two stunning women seem even more similar. Helen glanced her up and down. Estelle’s spangley top was scant, but stylish. The skirt hugged curvy hips, clinging to Estelle’s thighs down to the knee. And…………..OK - this was officially getting weird. The woman had dully shimmering heels exactly like Lina’s.
“Nice shoes.” Helen mumbled uneasily.
“Thank you, Helen.” the attractive woman responded mildly.

Shortly Ligbus declared that everyone should get back to work, so the somewhat sombre throng disbanded and everyone retreated to their respective counters. Helen glanced down at Lina’s feet as they walked. She was wearing the same shoes as yesterday - and they did look identical to Estelle’s.
“Don’t you get sore feet wearing heels all the time?” Helen suggested. Lina just kept looking ahead as she walked, her heels clicking an even rhythm on the marble floor. After a moment she spoke.
“I’m sorry Helen. I am unable to assist you at this time.”
Helen frowned yet again. She was becoming more and more convinced that she should never visit England.
“Fine.” she mumbled in baffled resignation.

The rest of the morning passed without much more fuss. It was a bit busier so Helen didn’t have much time to notice that Lina didn’t talk much when not ‘assisting’ customers - aside from her persisting corrections.

It was pretty much the same for the rest of the week. Lina wouldn’t have anything much to say unless talking to customers or annoyingly correcting Helen’s customer advice. Lina always insisted on locking up and arrived at work before Helen. She must have had several copies of the same outfit because she was dressed identically each day. Even down to those shimmering heels. And she never took a single break.

The strange thing was - talking quietly to Darcy from the perfume counter one lunch break by the water-cooler - it seemed that Miss Estelle Grant was of a similar ilk. No nonsense. No talking, in fact. Darcy had to concede Estelle knew her stuff when talking to customers though; When the store was restocking; Up-coming fragrances. And it seemed like she’d learned all the fragrance prices off by heart.

Late that afternoon Ligbus called another meeting. There was another hand-out about the dress code to be introduced in the coming week. And there was a contract. Everyone was to read it over night and return it tomorrow, signed, if they so wished. It was simply intended to ensure that everyone was providing the best possible service for customers, apparently. Helen pointed out that he’d forgotten to give Lina and Estelle copies. Extra copies were quickly made.

Helen gave the contract a quick once over when they were back at their counter. Ligbus was taking this dress code thing a bit too seriously in her opinion. There were clauses for verbal warnings if someone’s outfit was not up to scratch and after a written warning you could be sacked for not complying. Also there was to be introduced a ‘three strikes’ system for customer service. Any mistakes or dissatisfied customers were to be ‘logged’ against the offending staff member’s name. Three ‘strikes’ and you were ‘out’. Oh, and you would be asked to leave if you didn’t sign. Helen shook her head. Her parents would be outraged - this would never have been legal before the recession. Lina didn’t seem particularly interested in her copy, her azure gaze smoothly searching the store for potential customers.


When Helen arrived at work on Friday, Lina was once again already at the counter - no big surprise considering Helen was running late. But Paula and Lisa from the counter opposite were nowhere to be seen. Helen said good morning to Lina and dropped off her coat and bag. When she came out from the staff room, she heard the raised voices. They came from off toward Libus’ office. Lina seemed unconcerned, in her usual serene state of retailing Nirvana behind the counter. Helen headed off to see what the fuss was all about.

Paula and Lisa and four or five other staff were gathered at the door to Ligbus’ office. Ligbus stood in the doorway, smiling, with his hands raised as if requesting silence. He wasn’t getting any. Most of the women had a copy of the contract Ligbus had handed out the previous day and were flipping through the pages, pointing at the words and shouting at him.
“And how will these mistakes be ‘logged’ exactly?” Lisa demanded through the cacophony. An uneasy silence fell.
“I’ll expect you each to keep a record of your counter parter’s mistakes.” Ligbus explained pleasantly, “Morale building and so on.” he added. The shouting resumed.
“Ladies. Ladies. Please.” Ligbus kept saying. That indomitable smile was becoming strained.

Helen left them to it. It was true the service contract was restrictive, but in the modern job market it was legal. Since the recession and coup about a decade ago, the ball had been firmly in the court of the employer. Employees took what they could get. Helen had already signed her copy.

Back at the counter Lina was looking as content and composed as ever.
“I don’t suppose you’re worried about this contract, are you?” Helen suggested. Lina looked at her. Her head cocked slightly to one side and her eyebrows raised a little quizically.
“I’m sorry Helen. I’m not sure I understand what you mean.” she explained smoothly.
“Well, for starters, you don’t seem to have any problem keeping to the dress code.” Helen replied, gesturing up and down Lina’s familiarly immaculate outfit. Lina stared back at her through those impenetrably glacial contact lenses.
“Yes Helen. My apparel complies with the dress code perfectly.” she agreed primly. Helen was about to quiz her on her toffee-nosed talk when Lisa and Paula appeared. Lisa looked pissed, frankly. She charged toward the staff room, murmuring something along the lines of not needing this shit. Paula, who had been trying to settle her down, followed her in but clearly her success was limited - Lisa emerged shortly after and left with her coat and bag. Paula followed her out of the store still attempting to talk her around. Their voices faded. Lina was looking confidently out into the store again.

Helen just waited for customers too.

Paula returned a few minutes later, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Helen heard that that morning a total of four staff had told Ligbus to shove his contract where it would give him some very painful paper cuts. And they’d left that morning too - Lisa - Both Ang and Karen from lipsticks - And the other Lisa - the one from mascara.

There was a steady flow of customers all morning, but it was nothing too stressful. What was becoming increasingly annoying was the frequency of Lina’s persistent corrections. Helen lost count of the times she found herself forcing smiles at the customers and sighing,
“Yes, Thank you Lina.” through slightly gritted teeth.

Later that afternoon Ligbus swept by the counters to collect their contracts, his face creased into a rejuvenated smile. To be honest he’d seemed a bit disappointed to hear Helen had decided to stay on. She’d got the contract from her bag and handed it over. Ligbus had been about to continue on his errand when Helen reminded him to collect Lina’s. A moment’s hesitation was followed by the stuttered explanation that he’d collected hers that morning. A smile and a wink and he was gone.

That afternoon, at a particularly quiet time, Helen decided to make up some more bonus packs - they were running a little low. She’d barely started when Lina spoke.
“I am sorry Helen. This week’s bonus pack includes Revlex Toner and E-visage Hydration Lotion. You are stocking Revlex hand cream and E-visage Toner.” she pointed out.
“Uh, yeah. Does that matter?”
“You are stocking the bonus packs incorrectly.” Lina continued, with seemingly smug self-confidence, “I’m afraid I will have to log this error with management.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” Helen sighed through clenched teeth.
“You are stocking the bonus packs incorrectly. All mistakes must be logged with management.” Lina insisted confidently.
“Fine. Do it. See if I care.”
She carried on making up the packs her way.

Things on Monday morning were, frankly, surreal. As usual Lina was at the counter, dressed in her usual elegant halter-necked satin dress when Helen arrived. She spoke up immediately as Helen approached.
“Mister Ligbus has an announcement to make.” she explained.
“Good morning to you, too.” Helen replied as Lina paced purposefully away. Helen dropped off her things and set off in the same direction. When she rounded the mascara counter she stopped and stared.

Most of the staff were assembled in front of the lipstick counter. Standing in a line at one end of the counter - the focus of the gathering - were seven women. From what Helen to see, they each seemed tall, slim and stunning. Helen moved closer, joining Paula. The new women were each posed confidently, their striking flawless faces regarding the other staff with an all too familiar indomitable serenity. They were each dressed in a combination of silver sequins, white satin or light grey leather. As Helen craned her neck to get a better view, she noticed some things did not vary. Each had a narrow dull silvery choker clasped around their neck and identical dully shimmering high heels. It looked like a line up at a beauty pageant - for the ‘look-as-similar-as-possible’ section.

Ligbus clapped and welcomed everyone. He started by congratulating everyone on their adherence to the new dress code. It was unfortunate, apparently, that some of the staff had not been so agreeable. Thus, the new recruits. Endless weekend phone calls. Nightmare to organise, and so on. As Ligbus continued, Paula explained in a hushed voice that three more staff had refused to sign the contract by the end of business on Friday and were asked not to come back. As Helen looked back at the immaculately posed row of women, Ligbus concluded and asked them to introduce themselves, which they did in turn.
“Hello everyone. I am Dominique. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Dominique had stylishly tousled short dark hair and generous lips.
“Hello everyone. I am Antoinette. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Antoinette was blonde and slender, with large doll-like blue eyes. Both women spoke with the same measured serenity. It was a little unnerving.
“Hello everyone. I am Celeste. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
A red-head, Celeste sounded like she moonlighted as phone sex line operator. Or maybe it was just the fact that she had repeated her predecessors’ greetings so exactly that gave her voice an answer-phone-recording quality.
“Hello everyone. I am Natalya. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Natalya had jet black hair, glistening green eyes and a sultry eastern European accent. As the somewhat repetitive introductions proceeded, the whole display seemed even more like a poorly executed beauty pageant rehearsal and Ligbus began to look a little anxious.
“Hello everyone. I am Sheridan. It’s a pleasure to….”
“Alright. Thank you ladies.” Ligbus interjected, clapping his hands again, “I’m sure you’ll all get to know each other later. Well done. Back to work everyone. You know your places.”
The stunning new recruits immediately sprung into action - most striding off in various directions, shimmering heels clicking on marble and aluminium - a pair taking positions behind the lipstick counter.

The rest of the group broke up more slowly, whispering amongst themselves as they returned to work. When Helen got to her counter Lina was waiting patiently there and the dark-haired Natalya was posed expectantly at Paula’s counter. Glossy black hair was pulled back into a long straight pony tail. Her fitted white short-sleeved shirt had a risqué plunging neck line that displayed generous cleavage. A knee length grey leather skirt had a split on one side. Helen watched Paula and the new European beauty exchange pleasantries then looked at Lina. Like Natalya, she was once again serenely surveying her surroundings, her expression poised and expectant. What, exactly, was going on here? Helen looked down at Lina’s shoes. The familiar lustrous heels were reflected faintly in the matching aluminium floor.

Thankfully customers began to trickle into the store and there was little time to worry.

With several specials running in store that day, things quickly became busy and while Helen could feel herself getting increasingly irritable, Lina remained a paragon of polite efficiency.
“Certainly, sir - Do remember to retain your receipt.”
“Yes, ma’am. We’re offering a special on those today.”
“My apologies ma’am. Do return when we have that in stock, won’t you?”

The morning flew by and the customers kept coming. Toward mid day, the rush of customers gradually abated, but Lina’s politely precise poise did not.
“Yes ma’am. We’re offering a special on those today.”
“Certainly ma’am - Do remember to retain your receipt.”
“Oh yes, ma’am. That matches your skin tone perfectly.”

Finally Helen got to go to lunch. She thought she needed a bit of a walk, so she grabbed her coat from the hooks on the staff room wall. Helen looked at the other jackets hung there and frowned. Twelve jackets.
It was almost Christmas.
Cold outside.
But only twelve jackets.
That was about half as many as the whole staff needed, wasn’t it? Nine short, if she included her own. Helen frowned and then looked at the door to the as-yet-incomplete ‘executive lounge’. It didn’t have a handle - there was a number touch-pad to it’s right on the wall. And there was a panel of familiar aluminium flooring in front of the doorway. What was going on here?

That afternoon after graciously agreeing to let Lina lock up once again, Helen made a point of waiting in her car in the car park outside. At first she felt like she was behaving a little neurotically, but after half an hour there was still no sign of Lina, or in fact, any of the ‘new girls’. After about another twenty minutes, still with no sign, Helen finally drove home.