Thoughts on the coming weekend's game and the kinks the girls needed to work out before Saturday's match, Gwen's focus not on her immediate surroundings as she strode through the corporate foyer towards her office.

"Ms. Jones?"

Her face followed the sound and her ears recognized the voice - Harpies Stadium was one place where she didn't have to be on guard - Gwen's eyes didn't focus on Rose Mallory's face for several moments as she left her game plans in her mind and turned her attention fully to her assistant. "Yes, Rose?"

"There was an Auror here earlier who wanted access to your office, an Auror Savage. He didn't have a warrant, however, so you need not worry about your privacy," Rose replied evenly, gray eyes earnest and calm. "He did leave a package for you though," she added, handing Gwen a box wrapped in brown paper.

Gwen's lips twitched and humor lit her eyes.

Pulling the note from under the twine, she unfolded the parchment and read the note, lips curling further as she looked up at Rose. "Thank you. You did right to deny him access, though in the future, Jonathan is welcome to enter my office if he should drop in again."

Rose blinked a moment before a small smile turned her lips up, hazel eyes brightening just a bit as she met her boss' gaze. "Very good, Ms. Jones."

Nodding at her assistant, Gwen continued towards her office and only when she was seated at her desk, the door closed, did she open the package.

Her brows rose as she opened the box, though her lips quirked, eyes darkened even as she pulled out one delicate black stiletto. "Indeed, Mr. Savage," she murmured to herself.

*~*~*~*

Jonathan,

Ms. Mallory is quite indispensable to me. You now know why.

I know where your office is, too. Shall I pay a visit? Perhaps wearing the gift you left at mine?

Or perhaps I shall just enjoy them here, at my own desk. The lighting shows them to their best advantage through my windows, I think.

Gwen

Gwen,

Were you to come into the Ministry wearing the gift, and only the gift, I believe you'd draw more gazes than just my own, though you do that perfectly fine without extra accessories.

You are always welcome in my office, as you well know. Ms. West has been asking after you, and I've found I'm only able to ignore her big blue eyes for so long. It's a skill I'm doing my best to cultivate and hone. Persuasion is a much needed talent in our line of work.

I must admit, the Ministry is not exactly the right venue for heels such as you've been given. They're more made for dancing of some sort. Maybe something of a Latin feel.

Jonathan

Jonathan,

I'm not sure I understand what you're implying, Mr. Savage, though I do believe I did not make any implications as you have suggested. Thus far I am content to do such in your office alone, despite the lack of caution we take with the locks.

Somehow I don't think Ms. West learned such a worthy skill from you, my Savage. Bright-eyed persuasions? Perhaps you ought to do some investigating of your own into a more likely teacher. I would suggest Dora, but my brother has already fallen for such tricks and she is now home for a time yet. Poor dear.

I am listening. Do continue with such lines of thought.

Gwen