Wednesday, 20 November, 1429; Red Ribbon Productions, Downtown Seattle
The woman kept a relaxed smile on her face as her eyes quivered in AR-reading mode. It took her longer than it did most people - of course their records wouldn't link the girl they knew as Cheryl to anyone named Meyers.
But the gambit seemed to work, because she was smiling and saying, "One moment, sir." Almost before she had completed her short phrase, the door to John's right of the counter opened, and a Korean man in an impeccable if overly flashy suit took a single step out. "Please sir, welcome." He beckoned with his hand. "Please let's speak in my office."
John was no corp suit himself, but he was willing to bet this guy was no seasoned media executive.
In the office, the man closed the door and offered John a seat. There were three - all deep leather chairs that were both extremely comfortable and designed to keep the guest's eyes at a lower level than their host's. The man sat in a plush swival chair behind his hardwood desk.
There was a door to the left that probably adjoined whatever space was behind the door leading out of the lobby. It was a heavy door, but loud pop music could still be heard coming through it.
Once seated, the man spread his hands in a placating gesture. With an innocent shrug in his voice, the man said, "Cheryl gave her surname name as Cagle. I would hate to think that we've been misinformed, Mr...."