3.c.iv
“So we’re
going to just walk right in?” Franklin Buck asked.
“Yep,” said
Business Woman.
“In through
the front door?”
“Uh huh.”
“Of this building?” he said, gesturing
toward the grey, nondescript building.
“Doesn’t look like much.”
“This is the
Northside Branch of Incorporated Business Corporation Incorporated. The company that, we suspect, runs it all. I’ve managed to locate all four branches of
the main corporate structure, but there’s a head office somewhere. I was working here, trying to discover its
location.”
“Yes and then
you abandoned the operation to rescue Corporate Man,” Franklin Buck said. “Wait, won’t they recognize you?”
Business Woman
shrugged and motioned Franklin Buck toward the entrance and said, “Doubt
it. I was wearing a wig.”
“A wig?”
“It’s a
corporation. That’s about all it
takes. Speaking of which,” she said as
they walked into the lobby and approached the front desk, “watch and learn.”
Business
Woman’s stride lengthened and her hips took on a swagger. She tapped her fingers on the reception desk
and when she spoke it was with a slight southern accent.
“Hi, we’re
from out of town, just flew in to this fair city of yours. We’re here about the merger.”
The
receptionist nodded as though she was well aware of Business Woman’s needs. “Oh
sure,” she said, “I’ll get you where you need to go. Which company are you
with?”
Business Woman
didn’t hesitate, “Well sweety, how many companies are finalizing mergers
today?”
“Twelve.”
“Twelve? Really?”
“Yeah, it’s
kind of a slow day. Who are you with?”
Business Woman
leaned against the counter and said, “Well, since it’s slow, let’s play a
little game. Which outfit would you
guess I was with?”
The
receptionist shrugged. “Well… I detect a
slight accent and three of the companies are headquartered in the South. From Alabama
there’s Big Co. and Bigger Co. Then from
Kentucky we’ve got Impress Inc.. I’m gonna go with Bigger Co.”
“Oh, sorry
dear. I’m a Kentucky
girl. Better luck next time.”
“Fourth
floor. Conference room C. Don’t forget your visitor’s badges,” the
receptionist said, gesturing to a basket of plastic, clip-on cards on the edge
of her desk.
Business Woman
clipped a badge on her suit and then attached one to Franklin Buck.
“Oh. Which way to the elevator?”
The
receptionist pointed.
Business Woman
thanked her for all the help.
“I assume you
knew where the elevators were?” Franklin
asked once they were out of earshot.
“Of
course. But little touches like that
help avoid suspicion. Asking for
recommendations of good restaurants in the area is a good one too.”
“And how’d you
know there would be a merger going on?”
“Weren’t you
listening? This is the corporation of
corporations. There’s always some sort
of acquisition in the works meaning there’s always a merger going on.”
