Today I had my first undercover assignment.

One of Josh’s bosses, Jeff, is leaving the company and heading back east. He’s a big practical joker and before he goes, his co-workers decided to play one last joke on him. And, it’s a well known fact that if you really want to scare someone, sick a lawyer on them.

So Josh asked Kat to fake a Subpoena Duces Tecum requiring Jeff to defend himself against a bogus lawsuit with the trial date set for the day after he leaves Portland. She made a very official looking document, created a fictional lawfirm, and listed one of Jeff’s old clients as the Plaintiff.

My job was to be the process server. In downtown Portland, they’re all over the place. On thier bikes with walkie talkies, running from building to building dropping of letter, packages, and legal documents. Having used quite a few bike messangers before, I knew the routine. I dug out my old biking helmet, cut off gloves, sunglasses and beat up college bag which I could sling cross-wise over my body. Josh met me out front with the “papers” and, after giving him a few minutes to place himself inconspicuously at the front desk, I sauntered on in and announced at the front desk that I had a summons to serve. I think I freaked out the receptionist. She buzzed Jeff trying to be polite saying I had some papers for him but when he didn’t want to come up front, she broke down and told him it was a subpoena. That got him out of his office!

Poor guy, he looked really upset about he whole thing but I managed not to laugh or give myself away. I only hope he can take a joke. I must say I liked walking around downtown in my disguise. I’m thinking undercover work is definately up my alley.