Chapter Text
“I understand that social services is on the third floor. And that they have specialized services to help people with disabilities. But I’m here, in this department,” Matt emphatically gestured with his cane, “for a meeting with Ms. Stone. A meeting she arranged. If you’re not going to let me go to her office -- her office which I know from past experience is the third door on the right down the left corridor -- then please call her and tell her I’m here.”
“Sir, I’m not going to bother her when you’re obviously in the wrong place. I can’t leave my desk to help you find the elevators, but I can call down to social services and ask them to send someone up to help you. Just wait over there,” the receptionist said in an exasperated tone.
Matt was pretty sure she had waved her hand to indicate where she wanted him to wait. Not only could she not get past the fact he was blind, but she couldn’t even remember it long enough to give him verbal directions.
Matt released one of his white-knuckled hands from his cane to take out his phone and give it voice commands.
“Call Keisha Stone.
“Hi, Keisha. I’m sorry to bother you, but there seems to be some confusion at the front desk and the receptionist won’t let me back to your office.
“Actually she keeps trying to send me to the social services department.”
“Matt, I’m so sorry. I’ll be right out.”
Matt sighed and tried to replace his frustration with a friendly smile. He put his phone back in his pocket and his hands on his hips.
Keisha was tall and walked with confidence. She greeted Matt by name and squeezed his shoulder, and then turned her attention to the receptionist, pulling something off the desk and waving it at her.
“Do you see this note? It says ‘Warn Mr. Murdock about the boxes.’ It does not say ‘Be an ableist ass and don’t listen to blind people because you know better than they do.’ We’re going to talk about this with HR later.”
The receptionist didn’t say anything, but Matt could hear how angry she and Keisha both were.
Keisha turned her attention to Matt, “So, about those boxes. It’s a bit of an obstacle course on the way to my office. Would you like me to lead?”
“Thank you Keisha, that would be helpful.” Keisha reached her arm out to Matt and he grabbed onto her elbow, immediately getting down to business.
“Unfortunately we’re going to have to make this a quick meeting; I have court this afternoon. Please tell me you’ve made some progress on Mr. Robbins’ case.”