Free Construct a Couple by Talli Roland

myself. “Hi, this is Serenity Holland from Seven Days . We’re doing an article on Top Class Construction. I understand they did some work for you?”
    “Oh, yeah, last year. I wanted to build a new block of flats down Liverpool way. They gave me the cheapest quote and the shortest timeline, so I went with them.”
    “Did they deliver?”
    “They did. Good standard of work, within budget, and right on time. I tell you, you can’t buy that kind of efficiency. I’d hire them again.”
    I scribble down his words, almost exactly the same as all the other clients I’d spoken to yesterday. “So no complaints?”
    “No,” Bob says belligerently. “Look, I know there were rumours of funny business last year with the care home down London way, but Top Class assured me it was all talk and if I had any problems, they’d be onto it straight away. Bob Properties would never deal with them otherwise.”
    Funny business? Care home? My ears perk up. Is there something not positive about Top Class? Maybe they are too good to be true.
    “I’m sure,” I say, mind spinning as I ponder how to get him to elaborate. “I had to ask, you understand, with all the gossip floating around. . .” I let my voice trail, praying he’ll pick up where I left off.
    The smell of stale sweat and sour coffee hits my nostrils, and I grimace as Gregor edges closer.
    “Tell you what, you can’t believe everything you hear in this industry,” Bob says, a defensive note creeping into his voice like I’ve accused him of ‘funny business’. “People like to make problems for their competitors, innit. Even if it was true, I reckon it’s not such a big deal. Them residents are all old codgers anyway. Be dead within a couple years. No point fixing things up to a better standard, is there?”
    Wow. Has Top Class done a shoddy job at some retirement home? Must have been one of those projects with more societal relevance Julia was banging on about yesterday. Her phrase ‘construction with heart’ floats into my head, and a little pang of glee hits me. If only I could find the care home . . .
    “But don’t quote me on that,” Bob adds hastily. “Anyway, Top Class has been a real gem to work with.”
     “It would help if you could tell me the name of this care home,” I say, trying to ignore Gregor, who’s now almost on my lap. “I’d like to make sure to refute the story accurately.” The explanation sounds weak even to my ears, and I cross my fingers Bob falls for it.
    He’s silent for a minute. “Something to do with flowers or trees . . . I dunno. Best ask Top Class,” he says hesitantly, as if realising he might have revealed too much.
    “Of course.” I swear under my breath.
    “When will I be in the paper? The missus is going to want a copy. You’re calling from where again?”
    Yikes, I’d better cut the conversation short before Julia gets wind of this and sics her lawyers on me. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Bye!”
    I slam down the phone, my heart galloping ten miles a minute. Well, how about that! Top Class, the darling of the construction world, has apparently done a below-par job at a care home for old folks – if Bob can be believed. Perhaps Julia isn’t so perfect, after all.
    This isn’t about Julia, of course. This is about holding a company accountable for their actions, and about me showing Helen and Jonas I’m cut out for more than fact-checking. Forget extra quotes! I might have a whole new story.
    “Who was that?” Gregor is so close to me now I can feel him quivering. In one sharp movement, I spin my swivel chair so the back of it ploughs into him.
    “Ouf!” He grunts and I hear the unmistakeable sound of liquid splattering.
    “Oh, sorry!” I say, trying to keep a straight face as coffee seeps into his keyboard. “I had no idea you were right beside me.”
    Gregor narrows his eyes to snake-like slits, then shakes his head and marches off down the corridor.
    Finally, room to