The client arrived at ten with a firm handshake and an immediately apparent problem.
His name was Delancey and he had been with Carter Group for three years and had the manner of a man who had decided that a long professional relationship entitled him to certain opinions about how things were run. He came with a small folder of documents and the specific air of someone who had rehearsed his opening.
"Before we begin," Delancey said, settling into the chair across from Roman's desk, "I'd like to raise something. I heard your previous secretary left and I was hoping to work with someone more senior." A pause that was doing a lot of work. "No offence to the young woman outside."
Roman looked at him.
"The young woman outside," Roman said, "is Seraphina Hayes. She is my personal secretary and she will be handling your account going forward."
