“Oh, yes, I know,” and Kuppelton laughed loudly to show that he was friendly and that it made no difference to him who was promoted.
He glanced toward the windows. Mr Murphy caught his eye and motioned to him. Quickly Richard Kuppelton got to his feet and walked across the room to the railing. He was careful not to let the gate slam when he came into Mr Murphy’s presence.
“Yes, sir?”
“I just wanted to check with you on that aircraft stock report. I just wanted to make sure it was coming along well.”
“I’ve been working on it right along, Mr Murphy. They’ll start typing it up tomorrow.”
Murphy compressed his lips and nodded slowly. “Mr Golden was asking for it. I wanted to be sure, Dick.”
Kuppelton was suddenly glad that Mr Murphy had called him by his first name. He did this only when he was well pleased or when he wanted something.
“It’s been quite a job getting those things together but I finally ... got them together.”
“I know how it is. How’s your family these days?”
“They’re pretty well. My mother’s been better. Her legs don’t bother her so much now.”