At eleven o'clock, Fiona went down to collect James from reception.

I sat in the middle of the long table in the boardroom, under a big photo of the blue cranes at night. Dougie sat on my left, in his one good jacket. Fiona's empty chair was on my right. The door opened.

Fiona came in first. “Mr Montague, please take a seat. Let me introduce the panel.”

James walked in with his leather folder and his smile.

He saw me.

He looked at the mug of tea in front of me. At my name card on the table. Holly Fraser – Chief Executive.

He stopped walking.

“This is Dougie Paterson, from our board,” said Fiona. “And chairing today, our Chief Executive, Holly Fraser.”

James didn't sit down. He just stood there, holding his folder.

“Chief… Executive?” he said.

“Please sit down, Mr Montague,” I said.

He sat. Very slowly.

“But you… downstairs… the tea…”

“I always make the tea,” I said. “It's a habit. My mum says it keeps you humble.”