Chapter 2 Alkaloids 101
"I hate ringing phones myself."
"Don't I know it," the receptionist agreed. "Oh, here she comes now," Sally said about to pick up the phone. I couldn't miss the large type on her rather ample bosom.
It was a good thing that the Sally had been so helpful or I would not have known that the person approaching was supposed to be Clarissa. It might have been the lab coat. I was in a quandary. Should I speak and reveal my hesitation? A hesitant moment could kill everything. Or should I let the person who did not appear to be the Clarissa that I knew, however briefly, be let in on my dilemma with a tentative greeting.
"Clarissa?" I could say with an ambiguous intonation. As she now appeared, I could have easily passed her by on the street without a second glance. There was no need to question, I remembered. No names, we had agreed. A simple hello would do. I recognized the overtones of Mandarin in her greeting, her voiceless 'd.'
"Hello. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" she asked.
"The pleasure is all mine." I warmed to the way that she de-voiced the fricative in pleasure. It bespoke a sensual almost Parisian pleasure.
"Come," she said.
I gave Sally a cheery thank you. My comment was not so prolonged that she would likely remember me under questioning but was sustained enough so that she would likely prove amenable if the need for her assistance were soon to arise.
"Be it ever so humble, it's my home away from home,." she said unlocking her door.
"This place is amazing. What do you do here all day?"
"I hunt for the obvious. It's often overlooked, you know."
"A bit like a murder mystery," I guess.
Her office was cramped but my chair was comfortable. Extracts, books and journals were piled haphazardly on the desk and on the floor.
"You need a bigger floor. How do you find anything in this mess?"
"It's my job to make order out of seeming chaos. Finding the right journal is a challenge but with a bit of luck, it can be done."
"What sorts of things are you working on?"
"Irish Spring" she replied mischievously.
"I presume it's a project name."
"We are a group of dedicated souls drawn together by a common bond."
"Sounds heavy."
"We are simply trying to do good works and even have some fun. Didn't you have fun the other night?"
"I did."
"You are qualified to join you know."
"I think I know that," I replied. While wondering precisely what her little group was up to, I noticed Chinese number agreement creep in.
"Your crepes weren't all that bad," she said.
"Do you think the chef minded me taking over like that?" I asked wondering why she was trying to steer the dialogue.
"Yes, I think he didn't mind. He asked for volunteers and you were only brave soul."
I felt like retorting you must love me then. You answered yes.
"Come," she said. I'll show you my little soldiers."