Kick Back by Phil Savage

Author:Phil Savage [Savage, Phil]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SBC Media
Published: 2020-07-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

The world of office interiors was a foreign one to Alec. He imagined a former banker would sit on a leather chair in an oak-panelled room so was surprised when the satnav led them into the alien landscape of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. They drove past the twisted legacy of the Orbit tower into the semi-deserted London 2012 theme park before pulling up outside the former Olympic press centre. Now rebranded ‘Plexal’, it was, according to the illuminated signs in the main reception, “an innovation community and the most connected workspace in the world.” Finding Hugo Ashburton’s NumbersGame company proved beyond the powers of the digital concierge so Alec and Michaela went old school and called his office number. As they waited in the glass and steel greenhouse they watched bearded hipsters with Macbooks balanced on their knees holding impromptu meetings on furniture that looked like it had been rejected by a primary school. Everywhere Alec looked there were earnest individuals deep in conversation but no sign of anyone actually making any money.

‘This place couldn’t be more Google if it tried,’ he said. ‘It’s like Silicon Valley has been picked up and dumped in an east London carpark.’

‘Companies like this are supposed to be the future.’

‘I can’t actually see any companies, just some liggers pretending to work in the gig economy.’

‘Isn’t it marvellous?’ came a booming voice from behind them, ‘and just a short hop from Westfield East.’

They turned to meet a large tousle-headed figure in a check shirt barely big enough to contain his substantial belly, tucked into a pair of scruffy jeans.

‘Ah Hugo,’ said Michaela and threw her arms around him. ‘It’s great to see you. You look like your new life suits you way too well.’

‘New shirts required, ma’am,’ he replied, in a mock military tone. ‘And this must be the redoubtable Mr Munday.’

He grabbed Alec’s hand in both of his and shook it vigorously. ‘Come on up to my office. It’s the only concession to my former life. I’m a bit too old to do meetings on a sodding bean bag.’

He led them along a corridor the length of an airport terminal then up in a lift to a corner office on the third floor.

‘Sit down, sit down, and tell me your troubles. You sounded very mysterious on the phone, Mickey.’

Alec took a few minutes to bring Hugo up to speed with Diego’s situation and the reason for their visit. ‘So Michaela thought you might be able to help,’ he concluded.

‘Fuck me, Mickey. Kidnap, East European gangs, match fixing? Things are really hotting up at Interpol.’

‘It’s worse than that: this is strictly freelance.’

‘That’s bad. Look, with what you’ve told me so far, I think I can guess why you’re here, but perhaps it would help if I explained how we work.’

‘That would be useful,’ said Alec. ‘I think you’ll fit into the picture somewhere, I’m just not sure where.’

‘Well, it will be a pleasure to give my elevator pitch an outing for your benefit,’ Hugo said, with relish.

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