As usual thanks for all the reviews. Hoping to have another update posted tonight if my laptop behaves!
Everyone bar Hanssen and Serena were gathered at a table for the buffet lunch.
'Hanssen cut class?' Michael was said incredulously. 'Well, well, he's turning into quite the naughty boy!'
Malick shrugged. 'Maybe he went to a different talk. But he definitely wasn't there for the Clayborne lecture.'
'Well I didn't see him. Did anyone else?' Michael asked and they all shook their heads. 'What about Serena?'
'Serena was at the lecture.' Malick said.
'Hmm.' Michael mumbled, that didn't fit with his theory then!
'Why are we all so interested in tracking Hanssen's movements?' Jac asked sounding bored.
'Weren't you with Jonny last night?' Michael asked.
'Yes.' Jac nodded. 'But I still don't see why you're all so interested. Hanssen's boffing Serena. Who cares?' She picked up her fork and began eating her salad.
'You were speechless last night when we saw them!' said Jonny.
'It turned my stomach momentarily. I'm over it.' Jac replied flatly.
If she was honest, Jac was more than a little unsettled by this new development in Hanssen and Serena Campbell's relationship and she had no doubt that it was a very recent development. Whilst she would normally trust Hanssen's judgement (she scoffed slightly to herself at the irony of this given how and why she had stabbed him in the back to Cunningham) but she remembered only too vividly and bitterly his behaviour towards Sahira in the past. She had no idea whether Hanssen and Sahira had ever had a romantic or physical relationship but she had no doubt that Hanssen had strong feelings for Sahira Shah. She also knew from bitter experience that these feelings had lead to Sahira being given preferential treatment. Hanssen, though he would undoubtedly and fiercely deny it, was clearly not adverse to favouritism. If he was now in a relationship with Serena would Holby suddenly see an explosion of funds being directed towards Keller? And given that Serena was assistant DOA… she could very soon being holding all the cards.
Jac's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Serena who came to leave her handbag at the table before going to get some lunch.
'Hey, you seen the big man?' Michael asked.
'Pardon?' Serena asked, puzzled.
'Hanssen. He skipped class today. No one has seen his since this morning. Odd don't you think?' he eyed her carefully.
Serena shrugged, disinterestedly. 'It's Hanssen. Odd is his default setting.' With that she walked off towards the buffet.
Michael watched her go, impressed by her poker face.
'Remind me never to play poker with Ms Campbell.' Jonny said as if he had read Michael's thoughts.
Jac too was impressed by Serena's unflappable demeanour. It also made her worry even more.
Serena made her way along the buffet line when suddenly she felt someone nudge her back. She turned slightly to see who it was and smiled when she came face to chest with Hanssen.
'Ah! Where've you been all day?' she asked lightly. 'Your absence was noted by the children.' She smiled.
He smiled. 'I had a few things to take care of.' He said quietly. 'I am afraid "the children" have been listening to gossip.'
Serena quirked an eyebrow quizzically as they moved along the line.
'This morning in the lift.' He added by way of explanation.
'Oh that's just Michael.' Serena dismissed.
'Still, I'd rather we didn't run the risk of them speaking to anyone who might give them misleading information.'
Serena stopped and turned to look at him again. 'Pilkington and whatshisface?' she asked.
He nodded.
'Well I don't know how we'll ensure they stay away from them. We can't watch them every minute.'
'No need. Pilkington and Hawthorne have been called away unexpectedly.' Hanssen said with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
Serena looked at him in impressed surprise, her lips slowly forming into a smile. 'A few things to take care of eh?'
'Sometimes it's best not to leave things to chance.' Hanssen whispered. They had reached the end of the line. 'After dinner tonight…' he suddenly looked bashful, 'perhaps we could… talk. Again.'
Serena glanced sideways at him, tilting her head and taking her time before responding as she enjoyed the nervous way his eyes darted around the room and his mouth twitched as if wanting to smile but not quite managing it.
'I'd love to talk again.' Her eyes gleaming.