A stack of papers overflowed the tray on his desk, and the entire desk surface was covered. He glanced up with a start. “Is it four o’clock already?” “Yeah. Long day?” “You can say that again.” He rubbed wearily at his stubbly chin. I looked more closely at the stubble. “Are you growing a beard?” He blushed. “Trying. It’s not going so well. This is a week’s worth.” I couldn’t think of anything encouraging to say, so I took another tack. “Going for a new image?” “I thought it might make me look older. I’m tired of getting asked for ID. I’m twenty-six, for crying out loud.” Actually, its fledgling state made him look even younger. I nodded and changed the subject. “You rang?” “Yes, we have to set up the paper trail so we can pay you for your undercover work.” He rooted through several piles of paper, restacking them until he discovered the one he was looking for. “I meant to have this ready, but time got away from me this afternoon. I haven’t decided yet whether you should invoice Kane Consulting or Spider’s Webb Design.”
