Sunburnt Speculations

In which we meet Hilary Ryder-Barnes, and trouble comes in fours… maybe fives!

Hilary Ryder-Barnes, successful forty-something temp agency owner, had worked hard to build her staffing agency. She was proud of what she had achieved, and with good cause. Alone in the lift, she took a moment to apply a few well-practised touches to her lipstick. Hilary understood that image was important. Her tailored, marine navy suit spoke business, with her mustard yellow heels and accessories conveying just the right note of personality and self-confidence. She checked her appearance in the reflective glass panelling and gave herself the okay before stepping into the 36th floor reception of her solicitors’ city office. But Hilary was not feeling confident today…

A.C.W.