Rick looked over Norman Kellerman's schedule. He had an appointment at 11am in Sector 5, at the Park Apartments. He looked at his chronometer, it read 11:05. Rick looked back at the schedule. Norman had another appointment at 11:30 in another apartment complex in Sector 4. That'll be it Rick decided and started up his Spinner and headed for Sector 4.
When he arrived it was about 11:15. He sat for a while wondering what approach to make on Normal Kellerman. An idea came to him, and he climbed out of his Spinner and went over to the elevator. He pressed the call button and waited for it to arrive. When the doors opened it was empty and Rick stepped across the threshold. He pressed the floor button where he expected to meet Norman. The elevator stopped on a floor to let another passenger aboard, an elderly lady who glanced at Rick timidly and then chose to stand as far from him as possible. They rode the elevator down several floors and then the lady got out.
Rick then felt the elevator move up again and wondered if it was going back up to the roof. It did, and a man, the one that Rick had seen in the photos, stepped on. Norman was somewhat bigger than Rick in every way. He sure is big enough to be a Replicant. He was handsome with auburn hair, neatly combed, and dressed in a suit much more expensive than Rick's. Rick decided Norman looked too good for a place like this, someone who should be living off world. Well, it's now or never, he said to himself, looking at the big man.
"Hi." Rick said cautiously.
Norman looked at him. "Good morning." He said.
"You live here?" Rick asked trying to make conversation.
"No." Norman replied, watching the elevator lights.
"Moving in?" Rick looked at the large cases Norman was carrying. Norman's expression looked insulted. "I guess not." Rick mumbled.
"I'm making deliveries if you must know."
"Oh. What are you delivering, vacuums? Those are big cases."
"Food for animals. Our food helps your animals live a longer, healthier, happier life. " Norman said proudly.
"I can't afford an animal, real or replicant. What kind of animal do you have?" Rick continued the conversation.
"Yeah, I have… or rather had a dog. He died about a week ago."
"I'm sorry to hear it. What was it's name… or don't you want to talk about it?"
"No, it's all right. His name was 'Farlow.' I'm kind of glad he's gone."
"Huh!?" Rick said, surprised.
"It was a replicant." Norman said smiling at Rick's puzzled expression.
"Oh, I see. But still, wasn't it sad?"
"Yeah, I suppose." There was a long pause.
"How about your family? Surely they were upset at Farlow's passing."
"Yes, my wife was. But I'm hoping to have a family, much better than just a pet, you know?"
"Did your wife know Farlow was a Replicant, or that you want to have a family? Maybe she wouldn't be so sad then."
"Hmm… no, now I think of it, you may be right." The elevator stopped. "This is my floor. See you around." Norman said stepping into the hall.
"Yup." Rick said, smiling to himself. No wonder Mrs. Kellerman thought he was a Replicant. Wait until she finds out. he though as he pressed the roof button.