Pasting on her most charming smile, she wandered over to the chrome counter and leaned on it. "Hi."
Her smile was not returned. A bad sign.
"May I help you?"
"Funny you should ask." Her palms were moist. "I need to see Mr. Lancashire on a matter of utmost urgency."
"Your name is?"
Jesus, did the man ever smile? His face looked wide, black, and very serious, like granite.
"Carrie Johnson."
He touched a key and scanned the log. "You're not listed here."
"Of course not. It's not a scheduled meeting."
"Mr. Lancashire is a busy man. I suggest you do what normal people do when seeking a meeting, make an appointment." He started to turn away when she reached down and grabbed his hand.
"Could you call to ask if he'll talk to me?"
He looked first at the hand she had on his arm and then her face, expression clear. Let go or else.
"Look." She removed her hand and moistened her lips. "It really is important. Can't you call up and see if he will speak to me? Please?" She allowed the desperation to surface. "It really is important."
He hesitated briefly and then with a shrug, lifted the phone and dialed the extension.
"Yes, Ms. Elliot, there's a Carrie..." he glanced at her.
"Johnson." She mouthed.
"A Carrie Johnson who insists on speaking to the boss." He listened for a moment and nodded. "I already told her about making an appointment." He listened again and then glanced at her. "What's this about?"
"It's personal."
His gimlet stare had her shifting her feet.
"Says it's personal." He listened again. "I'll let her know."
He was about to hang up the phone when she seized his arm again. "Tell her to tell him it's about Melanie Foster and it's of vital importance. Please."
Her desperation must have conveyed itself to him, because he related the message.
"She's contacting the boss." He put the receiver down.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet, lady." He said dryly, going back to his monitor. "He might refuse to see you."
Agonizing minutes later, the phone rang and she watched anxiously as he picked it up and listened.
"All right." Hanging up, he nodded at her. "Take the elevator over there." He pointed to his left. "It will take you all the way to his office. Good luck."
Before she could thank him, he was on the phone again.
She had been granted an audience. It was up to her to make the most of it. She was fighting for her best friend and was going to use everything in her power to make him listen.
*****
