Frederick nearly talked himself out of speaking face to face with Cindy Lace-Platte at least five times over on his way to her executive suite. He paused for a few heartbeats before pushing through the frosted glass door to her outer office, giving Patricia just enough time to notice his shadow shifting from foot to foot. She was facing him when he walked in. "Good morning, Mr Mariotti. Let me see whether Mrs Lace-Platte is available. If you would... like..." She trailed off a little when Frederick made a bee line to the coffee bar to which she had only just begun to gesture. "Help yourself to a beverage." It was unnecessary for her to complete the thought, because Frederick was already shoving a filthy orange coffee mug under the Keurig spout with one hand while spinning through the flavored coffee options with the other, but Patricia was unfailingly professional and polite, so she made the offer aloud. She stiffened her spine gently, to avoid rolling her eyes when she might be caught doing so, and turned to lean in through Cindy's half-open door. When she saw Cindy was not on the phone, but was looking at her expectantly, she stepped into the office and pushed the door closed behind her.
"Frederick Mariotti is here. He wasn't scheduled for this morning. Do you have time for him right now?"
Cindy had sent the email at most 10 minutes ago, and the little scientist was here in person already. For a split second she felt a modicum of respect for him for being on top of things, but it was instantly replaced by a more familiar surge of power and contempt for how easily he was controlled. "I will see him in a minute. I will send you a message when I'm ready. Have him take a seat and I will let you know."
Patricia nodded, and went back to her side of the door. Cindy had no reason to delay bringing him in to the office, but she also saw no reason to jump when he showed up unannounced. Let him cool his jets for a couple of minutes, and then he could come in to see her.
For his part, Frederick had no idea of the power play going on behind him. He was too focused on making a perfect cup of hazelnut coffee, with the good raw sugar and real half and half, and he was glad for the chance to get his cup of breakfast after all. He sat with his computer across his lap, sipping coffee, and looking anywhere but at Patricia.
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