I should have recognised the expression on Boss Lady’s face when she called by the issue desk this morning. It’s one I’ve seen often. There’s a small smile, a kind glint in her eye, but a certain something withheld implied by her meek body language. Together the clues add to one conclusion - she wants me to do something for her which will mean extra work for no extra pay. It’s what turned Linda in the grumpy librarian she is today.

“How are you?” she asked.

That opener set off the “Beware of Boss Requests” klaxon in my mind and I woke up fully, despite not having had time for a cup of coffee before cycling to work.

“I’m fine. I guess,” I replied and waited for, as my mother would say, the other shoe to drop.

“Great,...

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