Tiger At Bay !

Debbi chewed morosely on her sandwich before she had to venture out soliciting for customers once more. She was getting seriously dehydrated under the harsh lights of the arena floor but she did not dare drink, she was desperately trying not to have to go to the rest room until the end of the day when the show closed. She had four more hours to get through. She asked Simon and Stew if her paintwork was still doing its' job. It never had done if truth be told but at least it did not appear to have deteriorated from its' original state and they could tell her it looked the same with a clear conscience, after asking her to give them a little twirl. Debbi further reassured herself that it must be within the bounds of decency, since she had already been parading for four hours and had not been kicked out. She was unaware that some of the other booths had complained to the organisers but it had been ruled a borderline case and they would only act if a visitor to the show objected.

After a half hour break, Debbi reluctantly **** herself to head out into the crowds once more. She was subjected to another round of low level harassment until her heart sank to see her enemies Jackie and Sarah returning and this time they had their old college lecturer in tow, Mr. Harrington. "Mr. Harrington knows your company and he insisted that your position with them is what you said it was" began Jackie. "But then he did not believe us about what you were doing until we showed him the photos we've posted" continued Sarah. "I had to see for myself" said the lecturer, drinking in the deliciously unexpected sight Debbi was providing. "How come you are reduced to having to do this ?" "I told Jackie and Sarah, it was an emergency and I had to help out for the benefit of the company" Debbi replied lamely.

"And she's doing sterling work above and beyond the call of duty Bernard" interjected another voice. It was Jeff, who knew Mr Harrington and had just returned from an extended lunch with Carol. "I like my staff to make full use of their assets !" he laughed. "Yes, I have an exceptional sales technique" giggled Debbi, suddenly striking a pose with hand on hip. God, why did I just do that, she immediately thought ? It was the dehydration making her light headed. "Well, I think we should have a group photo as a memento of this success" said Harrington. Jeff took the shot for them. "You should see the likes, shares and comments these photos are getting" said Sarah spitefully as they left once more.

It was no good, Debbi had to risk a drink. She walked over to the stand and glugged down some water. She then saw Jeff talking with one of the company directors. Jeff had been too ashamed of yesterday's fiasco to invite him then but today's bustling activity was another thing entirely. Yet another familiar pair of eyes was hungrily pouring over her body. "I have to say Debbi that your initiative is bringing in the most satisfying results." "It was all Carol's idea really" interrupted Jeff, twisting the knife. "We had to do something after the initial stand Debbi organised was such a flop." "Excellent work Carol. Jeff's been telling me about this spectacular middle eastern deal that looks very promising" continued the director. "Oh yes, the one dependant on Debbi having dinner with them tonight !" laughed Carol. "Is that so ?" laughed the director. "Better not let us down then Debbi" he chuckled. "Your charms are proving a big hit ! Off you go and drum up some more leads for us." With this the three of them turned away to discuss more business, leaving Debbi no chance to quiz Carol on what she had just said. She gulped down some more water and once more collected her leaflets.