An Unwelcome Visitor in Kelly's Office
“May I help you?” she asked the stranger. “Whose office are you trying to find?”
“Are you Mrs. Delaney?” Omar inquired. He was now standing right in front of Kelly’s desk. Her own name from a stranger’s mouth came as a surprise to her; it was very rare that she had visitors without an appointment.
“Ms. Delaney, if you please?” said Kelly with a smile on her face. She put her hand forward and they shook hands.
“Heh-Heh,” Omar laughed slyly. “Apologies, apologies, Ms. Delaney. I have a meeting with your boss.”
“Do you mean Alan Mayhew?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Alan isn’t my boss; he’s my partner. He’s the senior partner here.” She stepped out from behind her desk and stood a respectful distance from Omar. “You know my name but I’m afraid I don’t know yours.”
“Omar,” he replied.
“Welcome, Mr. Omar.” Kelly paused for a few seconds and then added, “Forgive me, but that is your last name, is it not?”
Omar smiled. “Actually, it is my first name, but most people find my last name difficult to pronounce, spell, and remember, so I just go by my first name.”
Kelly smiled. “Okay, then. Well, please be seated and I will let Alan know you are here. Would you like some coffee? It’s an Iraqi blend.”
It wasn’t unusual for people to assume that Kelly was an employee. She had been with this firm for the last six years and, although she had, in fact, started out as an employee, just a year before she had been taken on as a partner. Though she was not very insistent about being referred to as a partner, when people made that mistake, she always took the opportunity to correct them.
“No, thank you.” He was surprised that this woman was able to make out his country of origin. He could not contain his surprise. “How did you…?”
“Your accent. I have a friend—an associate, actually—and he is originally from your country,” replied Kelly.
“Really? I wonder if he’s on my…list?” said Omar.
This statement caught Kelly’s attention, and her instincts as a lawyer were aroused, especially when Omar’s slimy looks and mannerisms were added to the mix. Casually, she inquired, “List?”