But...

"I merely pointed out that the regression occurred straight after your last change."

"But you..."

"The fact of the matter is that now we have yet another problem to deal with, another problem on our already long list."

"I didn't..."

"A long list that needs to be completed by Friday, need I remind you?"

"So..."

"We can't afford to overrun on this do you understand?"

"It was not my fault."

"Now, now. We don't have time for blame, what matters is that we resolve the issue."

"You blamed..."

"What *is* the problem?"

Huw felt the rage and anger overwhelm him. He turned his back on his boss Steve. The chair stood before him like a weapon. Huw's hands grabbed the chair and began to lift it. Enough. No more.

Time froze.

"Is that a good idea?" said a gentle voice beside him.

Huw turned to see who had spoken. It was a pretty young woman, slim and lean, long black hair, tight skinny T-shirt and distressed jeans. Her face was pale, her eyes deep and black. Huw tried to move but could not.

"Who are you?" said Huw.

"I'm Fay," said the woman.

"Let me guess, my fairy Godmother?"

She laughed. A laugh like petals blown across a marble floor. "No," she said, "just a second chance."

"He's a wanker," said Huw. "And I've had enough of him."

"And is violence the answer?"

Huw looked into her eyes and lost himself for a long second.

"No," said Huw quietly.

Fay smiled. Then she vanished.

Huw could move again. He grabbed the chair and let the rage surge back.

"I don't believe in second chances," he said, then he twisted violently, slamming the chair into Steve's head.