"It's just different ways of working, that's all."

Steven Adderson looked at the man from Headquarters and wondered why he was faking polite interest. "Really?" he said.

"Did you know that once society ladies had maids who had to dress them? Look at this."

Steve looked at the fake advert for automated closets. "Hmm."

"So it isn't that you've been replaced by new machines, just by a different way of working, just like them. We have to let you go. It's nothing personal."

The plastic phrase was the final straw. "Thanks for this chat." Steve stood and held out his hand. "I appreciate your time." Five minutes later he was in the car park next to his BMW and wondering what he was going to do now.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Steve looked down at his key fob. He loved this car, but how long would an unemployed man be allowed to keep a three week old prestige car? He had only had it two of those weeks but he loved it with a passion. A motorbike drove up behind him. Steve turned round automatically and then froze as the biker took off his helmet.

"Steven Adderson, call centre worker, do you remember me?"

Steve nodded carefully. "I remember you, Lord Marius. You are one of the..." Steve searched for the right words.

"I am one of the elfen, or faerie if you must, and you provided a coveted gift for Lord Cerdig." Lord Marius put down his helmet and pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "News of your sale has travelled. I have further requests from a number of powerful elfen Lords. Lord Lothar requires a new variety of tea. Lord Karum has requested that you find some Wedgewood china. Lord Laurentius has asked about your knowledge of mobile phones..."

As Lord Marius read the growing list Steve could feel his smile growing. What was it they said? As one door shuts another one opens. It was time for a career change.