“Is this the file you want, Mr Bradshaw?” she asked him, flicking her long black hair over her shoulders.

His eyes were not looking at the file but at the girl. She wore a red blouse and a black flared skirt. Her tights were black and opaque, and she stood tall in her black high-heeled shoes. He looked her up and down again and then looked at the file. “Bring it here Caroline.”

She walked around the desk and stood at his side as she placed it down. She watched as he opened it and flicked through a few pages. “Yes, the Morgan contract,” he commented. “This is what I want. Thank you,” he added as he suddenly placed his hand behind the back of her knee and stroked her.

Caroline nudged him away. “I don’t think that is in my job description as your PA, Mr Bradshaw!” she told him, tired of his inappropriate touching since joining the company three days ago.

He looked up at her with anger in his eyes. “You’re quite right, Caroline,” he told her. “Clear your desk and go. I will find a PA who will see that as part of her job description!”

Tears filled her eyes as she moved away from him and walked out of the room. She had been out of work for the last six months, and had been so happy and relieved when she was offered the job. She was broke and needed the money. Caroline sat at her desk in stunned silence for almost fifteen minutes before getting up and walking back into his room.

He looked nervous and unsure as she approached his desk with her head slightly bowed. “I’m sorry Mr Bradshaw. I should not… I should not have spoken to you like that. Can I have my job back please?”

It had taken all her dignity going back to him like that, but she was desperate. He got up and walked around the desk and put his hand on her shoulder. “Of course you can, Caroline, and please… call me Tom.”

“Maybe we should discuss this outside the office, Caroline?” he suggested. “Perhaps my place tonight?”

She nodded and listened as he gave her his address and directions.