The Undomestic Goddess

“The Fallons deal is back on. Get back here now. Meeting at ten-thirty.”

Back on?

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I snap the phone shut and look ruefully at Maya. “Sorry.”

I’m not addicted to my watch.

But obviously I rely on it. You would too, if your time was measured in six-minute segments. For every six minutes of my working life, I’m supposed to bill a client. It all goes on a computerized time sheet, in itemized chunks.

11:00–11:06 drafted contract for Project A

11:06–11:12 amended documentation for Client B

11:12–11:18 consulted on point for Agreement C

When I first started at Carter Spink it freaked me out slightly, the idea that I had to write down what I was working on, every minute of the day. I used to think: What if I do nothing for six minutes? What am I supposed to write down then?

11:00–11:06 stared aimlessly out of window

11:06–11:12 daydreamed about bumping into George Clooney in street

11:12–11:18 attempted to touch nose with tongue

But if you’re a lawyer at Carter Spink, you don’t sit around. Not when every six minutes of your time is worth money. If I let six minutes of time tick away, I’ve lost the firm £50. Twelve minutes, £100. Eighteen minutes, £150. And the truth is, you get used to measuring your life in little chunks. And you get used to working. All the time.

Two

As I arrive at the office, Ketterman is standing by my desk, looking with an expression of distaste at the mess of papers and files strewn everywhere.

Truthfully, I don’t have the most pristine desk in the world. In fact … it’s a bit of a shambles. But I am intending to tidy it up and sort out all the piles of old contracts on the floor. As soon as I have a moment.

“Meeting in ten minutes,” he says. “I want the draft financing documentation ready.”

“Absolutely,” I reply. Ketterman is unnerving at the best of times. He just emanates scary, brainy power. But today is a million times worse, because Ketterman is on the decision panel. Tomorrow morning at nine a.m., he and thirteen other partners are holding a big meeting to decide on which associates will become partners this year. All the candidates gave presentations last week to the panel, outlining what qualities and ideas we would bring to the firm. As I finished mine, I had no idea whether I’d impressed or not. Tomorrow, I’ll find out.

“The draft documentation is right here.…” I reach into a pile of folders and pull out what feels like a box file with an efficient flourish.

It’s the wrong one.

Hastily I put it down. “It’s definitely here somewhere.…” I scrabble frantically and locate the correct file. Thank God. “Here!”

“I don’t know how you can work in this shambles, Samantha.” Ketterman’s voice is thin and sarcastic.

“At least everything’s to hand!” I attempt a little joke, but Ketterman remains stony-faced. Flustered, I pull out my chair, and a pile of articles and old drafts falls in a shower to the floor.

“You know, the old rule was that desks were completely cleared every night by six.” Ketterman’s voice is steely. “Perhaps we should reintroduce it.”

“Maybe!”

“Samantha!” A genial voice interrupts us and I look round in relief to see Arnold Saville approaching along the corridor.

Arnold is my favorite of the senior partners. He’s got woolly gray hair that always seems a bit wild for a lawyer, and flamboyant taste in ties. Today he’s wearing a bright red paisley affair, with a matching handkerchief in his top pocket. He greets me with a broad smile, and at once I feel myself relax.

I’m sure Arnold’s the one who’s rooting for me to be made partner. Just as I’m equally sure Ketterman will be opposing it. I’ve already overheard Ketterman saying I’m very young to be made a partner, that there’s no rush. He’d probably have me pegging away as an associate for five more years. But Arnold’s always been on my side. He’s the maverick of the firm, the one who breaks the rules. For years he had a labrador, Stan, who lived under his desk, despite the complaints of the health and safety department. If anyone can lighten the atmosphere in a tricky meeting, it’s Arnold.

“Letter of appreciation about you, Samantha.” Arnold beams and holds out a sheet of paper. “From the chairman of Gleiman Brothers, no less.”

I take the cream vellum sheet in surprise and glance down at the handwritten note: … great esteem … her services always professional …

“I gather you saved him a few million pounds he wasn’t expecting.” Arnold twinkles. “He’s delighted.”