This is the figure I had in mind, he said

pressing the folded note discreetly into my hand.

 

With calculated delicacy he awaited my response. 

An offer just south of acceptable

 

but I agreed

as there would be more work,

 

we shook on it

 

I left his yard. 

 

The petrol filler hole on his hired box van

stuffed with a rag I noticed

told a story.

 

From his contact book of common usage

my number entered,

 

in mine, his.