[Look, forward motion of what I think may possibly be a plot. Or a sub-plot. Something like that. And a title!]

Detective Russell parked his car in one of the empty handicapped spots in front of the Maple Building. He wasn't sure what, past the sign labeling it, distinguished it from the Oak, Spruce, Chestnut, or Birch Buildings he'd passed, but he supposed the cookie-cutter office buildings required cookie cutter names.

And they were all cookie-cutter, a half dozen buildings, three story glass boxes set at 'exciting' angles, with sections of grass, the occasional picnic table, and a few trees. He remembered when it had all been corn fields and cow pastures. He figured it was lucky it was nearly noon, since otherwise the reflections of the sun off the buildings was probably blinding.

He got out of his car, straightened his tie, and strode up to the entrance. The whole building was the offices of Powell Enterprises. From what he'd found they provided payroll and human resources services for companies that didn't want to have their own departments. They were, so far as he could tell, completely legit.

The receptionist at the front desk was well dressed, blonde, and aesthetically proportioned. She gave him an appraising look and a smile that made it clear she knew what she was doing, too.

"Welcome to Powell Enterprises. How can I help you?"

Steve showed his badge and smiled his own professional smile. "Detective Russell," he said. "I'd like to speak with Joe Hennesy, please."

"Certainly, sir," she said. She picked up the phone and hesitated for a moment. "Should I call security first?"

"I think that won't be necessary," he said. As he tucked his badge back inside his jacket pocket he made sure to flash his gun. Her eyes widened just a little.

She dialed a number from memory. "Joan? Could you ask Mister Hennesy to come to the front desk? There's a police detective here to speak with him." She listened for a moment. "No, I don't think you should say. Just ask him to come down. Thanks, Joan." She hung up the phone.

"He'll be right down, Detective Russell. Would you like to have a seat?"

"No, thank you," he said.

He only had to wait a minute before Joe rushed in. He was dressed well, in a tailored charcoal grey suit that accentuated his slender body. His hair was a little mussed, and he looked like he'd been running.

"Carol, what's going on? Joan said