The aisle crossing the rear of the room is flanked by a carpeted space where 
sit the bureau’s five civilian data aides. Passing quickly through them,
Kirkland is through the door of his office before any of them can even look up at 
him. He flips on the kaf maker, sits down at his desk, snuffs his cig, and 
immediately lights a new one. Taking a deep drag, he flips on the telecom. The 
unit has a monitor screen, integral computer, and the city phone directory in 
its memory.