I approached the secretary outside our CEO's office with a smile. "Hello," I greeted her. She smiled back. I estimated she was in her late thirties. She had likely been with the company for a long time.
"Are you new?" she asked, clearly interested in a quick chat.
"Yes, I’ve only been here for about three weeks." She nodded warmly. "I need to have something signed by Mr. Clementine. Is he busy?"
"Not really," she replied.
The elevator chimed, and we both looked over. Sir John, the Vice President, stepped out, and he looked genuinely shocked to see me. I even glanced behind me to see if there was something startling over my shoulder.
"Beryl, what are you doing here?" he asked. His tone made me feel as though I were committing a crime.
"I need a document signed by the CEO, Sir."
He sh
