70

You've barely sat at your desk when you hear the door open again.

Boy, are you popular today.

"Forgot something, Jerry?" you ask.

But it's not Jerry.

It's Torvald.

"Hello, André Timoteo," he says.

You put out your cigarette. "What are you doing here, Torvald?" you ask.

He takes a seat across from you. "Ms. Cochard wants to meet with you," he says.

"What's this about?"

"She'll tell you herself."

"So, what, I'm supposed to just drop everything and go with you?"

"Pretty much. This is the kind of invitation you may not refuse."

"Does this have anything to do with the surprise visit I had before you walked in? Did she send Jerry to threaten me?"

"Who the fuck is Jerry?"

Does he really not know what you're talking about?

You don't stop to assess the truthfulness of his surprise. You press on. "Is she the one who wants me to drop this case I'm on or not?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Torvald says. "But if I had to guess, I'd say she just wants to make sure your talents are not wasted."

"Right."

"So?" he asks. "Let's not keep her waiting."