The Contractors

Judy looked up when Matt entered the office and buzzed through on the intercom to Carpenter’s office. ‘Mr Doyle is here to see you.’

‘Judy?’ said Matt. ‘Why don’t you announce me as Matt?’

‘Protocol,’ said Carpenter as the door to the inner office opened. ‘Come on in Matt. Out there we keep it informal. We do not want to give the impression of favouritism or the existence of the ‘old boy network’ which can lead to resentment. Out there its informal, in here its formal. Tell you what Matt, let’s get Judy to bring in some tea and I’ll see if she can rustle up some biscuits.’

Carpenter relayed the instructions to Judy before closing the door and sitting back behind his desk. Informal as it may be, there was always a desk between friends. Matt sat down and waited for Carpenter to speak first.

‘The watcher is called Harvey Duncan. I have asked him to come along and answer your questions as best he can. Harvey has just come back from a special assignment.’

As if on cue there was a knock on the door and Carpenter shouted. ‘Come in.’ The door opened and in stepped Harvey. ‘Matt let me introduce you to Harvey Duncan.’

Matt turned to look at Harvey and then turned to Carpenter. ‘Is this some kind of joke John?’

‘I don’t know what you mean,’ stammered Carpenter, his voice rising in level and in agitation.

‘This is not the man I saw that morning.’

‘What rot,’ shouted Carpenter. ‘Harvey was there on my orders weren’t you Harvey?’

‘This is not the man I saw,’ said Matt now standing up and placing both palms on Carpenter’s desk. Not to be outdone, Carpenter also stood up. ‘What are you saying Matt?’

Matt turned to Harvey. ‘What colour car do you have Harvey?’ Harvey looked at Carpenter before replying.

‘Blue sir. Blue ford Escort.’

Matt turned to Carpenter. ‘I saw a man in a red car.’

‘I saw you stop and look at someone in a red car,’ said Harvey. ‘I thought he was part of the relief team.

‘Relief team!’ shouted Matt and stared at Carpenter.

‘Thank you Harvey,’ said Carpenter.

            ‘No wait,’ said Matt. ‘Harvey, can you remember what kind of red car it was?’

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