As Steelbeak approached the front desk, Sally held a hand up to him, then motioned to the switchboard. He nodded in acknowledgment; she was on the phone.

"Thanks so much for your interest in purchasing Calliope Toys stock. I'll put you on through to our financial department for more information. Have a nice day!" She pecked at three numbers on her phone pad before looking up at her guest expectantly.

"F.O.W.L.'s delvin' in de toy business now?" He asked, drumming his fingertips on the counter top in front of Sally's computer monitor.

"We acquired Calliope Toys last Monday," replied Sally.

"Dat's a weird business decision."

Sally shrugged but before she could reply, her phone buzzed. "Excuse me," she told him, then answered the call. "Lah-bore-atory Corporation . . . Yes, he is. I'll page him. Please hold." She switched over to the building's intercom system. "Dr. Dexter, you have a call holding on line three-four-three. Dr. Dexter, please pick up on three-four-three."

Steelbeak did his best not to gawk at the squirrel. She wore so many hats for the blasted company and switched between them effortlessly. She glanced at him, propping her elbows on the desk and resting her chin on her clasped hands.

"I meant to ask what prompted this visit," she said sweetly.

"Heh -- yeah . . . Same problems as before," Steelbeak replied.

"Liar." Sally's eyes flickered to the switchboard and she sighed. "Dr. Dexter is so scatterbrained." She went back on the intercom. "Dr. Dexter, you have a call still holding on three-four-three. Again, Dr. Dexter, please pick up line three-four-three." She paused, watching her switchboard until the only blinking red light stopped blinking. "That's better. Okay. C'mon, Agent Steelbeak. I can see through your lies. What's going on?"

"Dat new partner of mine?"

"Yeah?"

Steelbeak glanced around the reception area cautiously before continuing, "I t'ink she's got it in fer me."

Sally started laughing before she could stop herself, then had to apologize. She knew he was serious but something was so absurd about the topic. "Even if she is, so what? You can take care of yourself. You're a big boy." She smiled, letting him judge for himself just how she meant that. "Besides, there are bigger threats in F.O.W.L. than the gun-wielding maniac they set you up with."

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