Head Down the Stairs

Cassandra opened the door to the stairwell, but let out a small surprised yelp when, on the other side, was a small office instead.

“I’m sorry!” Cassandra apologized. “I’m visiting for a meeting for a business deal and I guess I got lost.”

“That’s quite alright.” A woman sat behind the desk in the middle of the room. Her red hair tied in a smart bun matched her sharp red suit. “I assure you that you are not lost.”

“What you do mean?” Cassandra was unnerved.

“Please, take a seat, Ms. Malcom.” The woman in red motioned to the comfortable looking chair across from the desk. “You said you were here to make a deal? Well, I wish to make a deal with you.”

“How do you know my name?” Cassandra’s hand reached behind her for the knob, but it did not turn. She was starting to get scared now.

“I simply saw your name on the visitor’s list today.” The woman smiled reassuringly. “You were the only woman on the list and I’ve never seen you before, so it didn’t take much to deduce who you were.” The calmed Cassandra somewhat, and she took a seat.

“What kind of business do you have with me?” Cassandra asked cautiously.

“I will make you an offer three times. After the third, you are free to go, whether you refuse or accept.” The woman held up three elegant fingers. Cassandra almost offered a quizzical retort, but the woman continued.”You seem frustrated by your current circumstance, Ms. Malcom. I could hear you down the hall. You feel that men don’t take you seriously, that they only view you sexually.” Cassandra nodded, embarrassed that she apparently had been loud enough for her to hear. “What if I told you that I had a solution to your predicament?”