A visitor

Sally came back quickly with his coffee and another cookie, placing it on his desk near his hand. He noticed that her skin was still flushed, and he could see that her face was shiny and moist.

"Are you feeling well Sally?" he asked her.

"Yes...yes of course...I'm fine...why...why do you ask," she stammered.

"You just seem more nervous than usual, and your face is flushed. I hope you're not coming down with something."

"No...no...I'm fine. It's just...a little warm, that's all. Can I..I do anything else for you Mr. Collins," she asked, her soft lips parted slightly.

"No, not right now. Go see if you can make yourself useful to the team. I'll call if I need you."

She nodded her head before turning to leave, once again glancing over her shoulder at him as she went out the door. Hunter stared after her, puzzled by her behaviour. Normally she was a confident young woman who was obviously determined to impress, but without any signs of the nervousness she displayed today. He was turning it over in his mind when his phone buzzed, the display showing 'Reception.'

"Hunter Collins," he answered.

"Mr. Collins, there is a gentleman here to see you, he apologises for not having made an appointment but he says it is most important that he speaks to you."

"Does he have a name?"

"Mr. Dunnigan. Mr. Henry Dunnigan."

"I don't know him. I'm very busy today. Can you make an appointment for Mr. Dunnigan for Tuesday, or any day next week that's suitable for him."

"Certainly sir."

Hunter hung up and went back to work. A few minutes later there was a tap on his door frame and he looked up to see Toni the receptionist standing there.

"I'm sorry Mr. Collins, but the gentleman is very persistent. He insisted I give you this." She held up an envelope in one hand. Hunter frowned, but held out his hand for it. He gestured Toni to wait, then used a letter opener to slice open the envelope.

There was a single sheet of thick paper inside, folded once. Opening it, Hunter's frown deepened as he read the message

'Forgive my intrusion. It is most urgent that we discuss the events of this morning, notably the injury you suffered. Time is of the essence, and I am not overstating to say that certain consequences are potentially dire. I assure you that I am not wasting your time. Respectfully, Henry Dunnigan.'

Hunter refolded the message, tapping it on his desk as he thought about it. Toni stood waiting, biting her lower lip.