"So, this is just temporary, right?" Val asked me this from her position on my estate desk.
"Oh yes, we're downsizing a bit. Rather crap economy at the moment."
"I thought downsizing meant firing people?"
"Not you, dear. You're the greatest 'paperweight' in the world!"
"Th-Thank you, Mr. Maxwell."
"I also got you out of that noisy front door; the felt on my desk is much nicer, wouldn't you say?"

Val had been reduced and re-arranged as per protocol. We simply couldn't afford to keep all of her, you see?

"I have to whisper, like, all the time?"
"Yes, do your best."