"Umm." The girl said nothing, but she scowled while trying to write Tedor's name on a pad.
"T-e-d-o-r B-a-r-w-a-n," he spelled it out for her.
"Are you Turkish, Mr. Barwan? It sounds maybe like it's Turkish."
"No."
"Mr. Sertant has a funny name, too. Sertant. Excuse me please, Mister."
"That's all right."
"I'd better tell Mr. Sertant you are here." She flicked the intercom, and Tedor could hear a buzzer dimly in the inner office. "Mr. Sertant? There's a Mr. Tedor Barwan to see you.... Yes, sir.... You go right on in, Mr. Barwan."
Tedor thanked her, pushed through the gate, opened the door to Sertant's office, closed it behind him. Sertant got up from his desk, an Agent somewhat younger than Tedor, with red hair and very fair, almost livid skin.
"Your identification please, Barwan."