Construct a Couple Read Online Free PDF

further from those heartless corporations if he tried.
     
    Market leader Top Class Construction has swiftly made a name for itself since being founded a year ago. With extremely competitive bidding in a crowded sector, the company has managed to secure multiple contracts, expanding rapidly.
     
    Okay, Helen must be setting us up for the fall; letting us see how successful Top Class is before cutting them down to size. Clever!
    I skim the rest of the article, scanning every line for scandal. Corruption. Something ! When I reach the end, I read the whole thing again, barely able to believe my eyes. It’s basically a puff piece, for goodness’ sake. There’s only a quote from the company’s PR – not even the CEO – and nothing from clients or competitors . . . no hint of negativity towards Top Class. Whatever happened to Helen’s razor-sharp style? This would put an insomniac to sleep in ten seconds.
    Did she run out of time? Or perhaps she’s working on a more important feature? That must be why I haven’t seen her around the newsroom: she’s off on assignment somewhere without the resources to develop this story.
    Maybe I can help? I stare at the words on the screen as my mind ticks. I’m supposed to just fact-check, but if I finish that today, I’ll have tomorrow to pump up the article with a quote from the CEO – or at least a source other than the public relations flack. Perhaps I can even speak to some clients, if the PR gives me a few names.
    Okay, so I haven’t uncovered an amazing article like Al – yet. But by adding new sources, Jonas will see I’m not just a fact-checker; I can work professionally to round out a story. And Helen might be impressed, too.
    The afternoon passes in a blur as I double-check everything from Top Class’s client roster to how many people they employ.  The company is relatively new, and according to their website, they’ve quadrupled in size since setting up shop. Their success is hard not to admire, and from the client quotes on the site, everyone seems pleased with their work.
    “Lizzie, are you finished your article?” Gregor’s thin voice cuts through the silence of Fact Check Row. “It’s almost five and I’m still waiting.”
    Lizzie pushes back from the computer, jabbing a red pen into her beehived hair.
     “Don’t you worry, G,” she says in a patronising voice. “I wouldn’t dream of leaving without completing my work. I’ve just emailed it to you.” She grabs an oversized neon blue clutch, then grins at me. “I’m outta here. See you tomorrow, Serenity.”
    Gregor sniffs loudly, muttering as he turns back to his monitor. God, the man looks set to explode. For a second, I can’t help imagining snot erupting from the top of his head, and the corners of my mouth twitch.
    “And you, Serenity?” he asks over the clacking of his keyboard. “How’s your article coming along?”
    I’d love to respond like Lizzie, but it’s a little early to antagonise my subeditor. Although I’m sure Gregor is harmless (if slightly demented), God knows he could make my life here difficult – more difficult – by questioning every single check, not ninety-nine point nine percent like today.
    “Fantastic,’ I say firmly. In fact, I’m confident I’ve done everything possible to verify the facts – I’ve gone through the words so many times I can practically recite them. Come tomorrow, my article-fleshing quest will begin!
    Anticipation fills me when I think of telling Jeremy what I’m working on (and adding to): an article by the legendary Helen Goodall. I can’t help smiling as I picture his proud expression and approving nod that says ‘I knew you could do it’.
    Maybe we’ll even have a little celebration! Head to the high street, down a bottle or two, and . . . a sappy smile crosses my face as I envision his arms circling me. It sounds silly, I know, but one sniff of his lovely musk-scented neck and everything’s right, as if the world has shrunk