Cautious
2025
Mr. Aziz gave me a practiced nod, cautious and restrained as if attached to well-worn reins. He smiled softly, seemingly in approval of the intentions of this waiting room décor. I invited him into my office where he continued to take stock of things, a large bookcase, two olive green filing cabinets, my father’s art deco desk and behind it a framed map of California from the 1890s.
I held out my hand, inviting him to take one of the seats in front of the desk. I took the other. His confidence appeared to waver for a moment as a flicker of hesitation shadowed his earnest expression. Then he recovered.
“If it’s of interest, I have a project for you. It has nothing to do with a divorce or a missing person but something I suppose may be more of a challenge.”
