Chapter 3

Lunchtime came after an average morning at the office. Maida wondered how Lammond had managed to forget his briefcase that morning. What could he have been thinking about so much that he would forget his briefcase? If he is so badly needed at work then surely his briefcase would be important to his work. Yet Lammond forgot his briefcase. Maida knew that if she opened the briefcase it would be a violation of the trust that Lammond has in her as her husband. Yet he failed to explain or engage in conversation about why he has been leaving for work early and coming home from work late. These actions require an explanation. Maybe something from Lammond's job would explain this, such as the contents of his briefcase. Knowing this, Maida secretively and cautiously opened the briefcase.

On first glance the briefcase was clearly filled with files, documents and stationery. Maida thought that perhaps a look inside the files may yield a clue about why Lammond is working so much. She discreetly opened the file on top. Flipping through the file, Maida also stayed aware of her surroundings knowing that she might get caught by one of her coworkers. The file contains graphs and financial reports. Nothing appeared to be unusual in that file.

Maida closed that file and opened the next file. Quickly looking around and making sure that no one was watching her, Maida flipped through the second file. The first few pages were more documentation about company finance, but the middle pages were clearly handwritten. They appeared to be letters. Maida began to read one which read:

Dear Lammond,
It was a joy to see you the other day. I had a good time. The flowers are lovely. Frieda said that they look good above the fireplace. I just want to say....

Maida saw someone coming, but they soon went another way. The letter proceeded to describe the author's feelings for Lammond and the intention of meeting him again. The letter was clearly signed Donata. Maida did not know of anyone called Donata. Searching through the file, Maida found more letters. She also found letters from other people, but does not have time to read them all. Again Maida looked around her surroundings to make that no one was watching her. She wants no one in the office to see what she is going to do. Breathing with some small ease at the fact that no one is looking at her yet Maida removed the file and placed it with her own things.

She looked to her watch and realised that she needs to start making the journey to Lammond to give him his briefcase. She also realised that he is probably already missing it. Not wanting to raise immediate suspicion from Lammond, she closed the briefcase knowing that she has borrowed a file from it. She leaves the office with the briefcase in her hand and her other things in her other hand.