We do not always see what is right under our noses...
My name is Mark, and at the time of this experience, I was about 40 years old. I am nothing to shout about in the looks department, being fairly tall, 6'6" to be precise, reasonably fit from playing rugby regularly, and being generously endowed.
I was also single at the time, my ex-wife having left me for someone not married to their business, which regularly saw me putting in 12β14 hour days. I loved my work, which is the reason she left me, but hey, that was my own fault!
I own and run a small but profitable insurance brokerage, which has grown in the ten years of my control.
Within the business, I employ three insurance agents, two administrators, and an office manager/PA by the name of Tracey, the star of this story.
As the business started to grow, Tracey was the first person I employed, and she very quickly took on all the administrative functions of the office, and over time she had become invaluable to me, my right hand lady!
Over the years, I got Tracey more involved in the business, and came to request and accept her opinions and advice on most matters, from business decisions to employment of new staff members. Perhaps it was her female intuition but she rarely made a bad decision.
Although Tracey was ten years my junior, she was very bright, good for the business but also very naΓ―ve in some ways.
Tracey stood about five feet two inches tall, weighed 115lbs, had a beautiful head of bouncy blonde hair, and all her curves were in the right places!
She was also single, never having a long-term relationship, which over the years surprised me.
At the time of this event, business was good, so there was a need to find larger premises. Nothing too big, but big enough to cope with my growing staff. I also wanted high street frontage and room for expansion.
We put feelers out, talking to a number of real estate agents with whom we had good relations. Very soon, Tracey came up with a shortlist of three properties.
One I eliminated straight away, which left two for Tracey to view. Unfortunately, my work schedule prevented me from visiting any sites with her.
However, I trusted Tracey. She knew the area very well, and the building survey went well, so I felt quite confident with her recommendation.
Friday came and I completed the purchase, picked up the keys from the estate agents, and after locking the old office, went to have a look at our new premises.
Having been empty for some time it was full of dust and cobwebs but it was mine! It was a step in the right direction for my business. I was feeling quite proud of myself!
Just as I was taking in a deep breath, sticking my chest out, feeling very happy with myself, the front door pushed opened, and in came Tracey, along with a bottle of bubbly and two glasses.
"I couldn't let you celebrate alone!" She boasted, stepping inside with a smile on her face almost as broad as mine.
Gone was her normal business suit, having been replaced by a short sleeve T shirt and mini-skirt, both of which fit like a glove!
It suddenly dawned on me how pleased I was she was here to capture the moment with me.
We opened the bubbly and drank a toast. Then I wanted to explore. I had purchased this property sight unseen, so I wanted to see what I got for the money. With Tracey and the bubbly in tow, we looked around.
It was a two-storey building; three offices were upstairs, all very normal. The show room, storeroom, and kitchen were on the street level. At least that's what the paperwork described.
Whilst looking in the storeroom, a wooden panel caught my eye. After closer inspection and moving some old file boxes, the panel looked to be held in place by some sliding bolts.
After a curious glance between the two of us, I slid the bolts, revealing a door, hidden behind the wooden panel.
My heart was pounding as I leaned against the door, twisting the knob until it opened. After a bit of searching I found a light switch, which when turned on revealed a set of steps leading down to a basement.
I had purchased a three-storey building and certainly wanted to see what was in the basement.