The Book of Levi Read Online Free PDF

though.’
    He rose to leave. She responded by stopping him with her voice. ‘I’ll make it worth your while.’
    He stared at her across the desk and saw her framed like an angel by the backlight of the window. He almost laughed at his negativity, but he remained firm.
    ‘No, I’m sorry,’ he answered. He moved back towards her desk and he took her hand in his. ‘It’s nothing personal, Miss Dawson. But one way to ‘get things done’, as you put it, is in anonymity and what you’re asking will compromise that. Government officials need transparency. I’m a businessman, not a politician.’
    ‘That’s why I ask for your help. Will you at least consider it?’
    ‘I’ll think about it,’ he replied. He kissed her hand lightly and with great chivalry. Then he turned and left her with a smile.
    She lingered above her desk and watched him depart. Then she sat and tapped her fingers upon that desk in silent thought.
    Elizabeth was a young woman used to getting her own way. She must rethink her approach.

    *

    Leslie was introduced to his secretary. He was a little, balding man with thick glasses, attached to super-sized ears that projected mercilessly towards opposing walls. His face was rounded like an apologetic full moon. What little side hair he possessed had been combed over the top of his head in a forlorn and misguided attempt to disguise his follicle deficiency. He wore a white shirt and black tie, both of which were tucked into a pair of tailored, khaki shorts, held up by black braces that drew broad, parallel lines from tummy to shoulders. These drew his shorts up higher than they needed to be, giving him a comical appearance. Below this striking ensemble he sported long white socks and finally, sandals. His body language conveyed immense timidity. He offered a weak handshake and averted his eyes to the floor.
    ‘Nice to meet you, Mark,’ said Leslie as they met.
    Mark merely nodded with his eyes still fixed downward.
    Leslie tried again. ‘I look forward to getting to know you over the next few years.’
    But again Mark only nodded and shuffled.
    It seemed to Leslie that it might be a long few years if the present conversation was anything to go by. But then the phone rang.
    Like a man possessed, Mark sprang into action. He grabbed the phone, started a small tape machine connected to it and, with new found authority, answered.
    ‘Consul Woodford’s office. Who may I ask is calling? (Pause) No, I’m sorry, sir, but the consul is not available for interviews at this time. (Pause) Yes, sir, I’ll let you know. Good day.’
    He sat immediately at his desk and typed something at hyper-speed into his computer. He explained as he typed.
    ‘I take down the details of every caller, sir,’ he explained to his new boss, ‘including an exact typed transcript of the conversation, which I also audio tape for later verification. I date and file every tape individually.’ He nodded his head towards a distant room within which Leslie could just make out rows of Dictaphone tapes flourishing upon the walls. ‘At times I may take the liberty of not bothering you with calls that will, in all probability, waste your time. I’ve not missed a day’s work in twelve years. In that time I have served Consuls Collette and Dawson. They found me to be satisfactory, sir, and I hope that you will also.’
    Leslie laughed with delight and was so impressed that he stopped Mark’s typing to shake his hand a second time. ‘It doesn’t matter how good the boss is, Mark. Without a good secretary, he’s nothing.’
    Mark, who had once again shrivelled into his former timidity, nodded silent agreement and twitched a smile of pleasure at the compliment.
    The phone rang again, and again Mark powered into action. But this time he listened. This time the call was of a different nature. Mark was not so dismissive.
    ‘He’ll be there immediately,’ was all he said.
    A few minutes later, Leslie was entering the government building