—Cicero Prepared by Eddie’s message to treat their employer as if he is part-temperamental two-year-old and part-mad dog, Chris and Bill are surprised by how courteously Arthur summons them to his office a few hours after they receive Eddie’s message. Entering the chief executive’s office with barely concealed trepidation, they expect anything from a lecture on how useless they are or a diatribe about Eddie’s disloyalty. Instead, Arthur stands politely when they enter and gestures to the good chairs he keeps for guests. “Please,” he says, his British accent courtly, “have a seat. May I offer you some refreshments?” “Water,” Bill manages, “would be nice.” Chris nods agreement. Once they are settled with tall crystal goblets of iced water, Arthur resumes his seat behind his desk and clears his throat. It’s about then that both humans realize that they are neither about to be fired nor lectured.
