They are focused on what they are doing; they don’t hear or see me come in.

“Afternoon, gentleman.” I interrupt sweetly, smiling merrily at them, wander in and head for the main desk. It’s obvious he has been sitting there as papers are strewn on the surface, and the seat is out and facing the side as though he has recently got up. I go for it, about to stake my claim in my cheerful, upbeat mood, knowing this tug of war over whose desk it is won’t end soon.

I’ll show ...