"Tom," Alan repeats, a hint of a drawl to the word. He gazes levelly at the other man--if he's skeptical of the introduction, this immediate promotion to a first-name basis, it's not readily apparent.
He does, however, hesitate a moment--one solid moment, counted off by some internal metronome--before taking the proffered hand. "Alan Shore." He has a lawyer's soft hands but a firm shake. "My office is right this way, Tom, but for future reference--and as you yourself may have observed--this is not a deli counter. You don't walk in, tear off a number, and ask for a third-pound of corned beef when the time comes. This a law firm, and those wishing to avail themselves of my expertise typically make appointments." All this is said in conversational tones (indeed, there are residents of Baedal--Alan employs one of them--who are largely ignorant of the workings of a law firm), with perhaps a note of reproach.
no subject
He does, however, hesitate a moment--one solid moment, counted off by some internal metronome--before taking the proffered hand. "Alan Shore." He has a lawyer's soft hands but a firm shake. "My office is right this way, Tom, but for future reference--and as you yourself may have observed--this is not a deli counter. You don't walk in, tear off a number, and ask for a third-pound of corned beef when the time comes. This a law firm, and those wishing to avail themselves of my expertise typically make appointments." All this is said in conversational tones (indeed, there are residents of Baedal--Alan employs one of them--who are largely ignorant of the workings of a law firm), with perhaps a note of reproach.