Rocking chair Quote by Sidney Sheldon
““Newspapers and old magazines were piled everywhere. A door to an inner room burst open and Norman Z. Moody emerged. He was about five foot five and must have weighed three hundred pounds. He rolled as he walked, reminding Judd of an animated Buddha. He had a round, jovial face with wide, guileless, pale blue eyes. He was totally bald and his head was egg-shaped. It was impossible to guess his age. “Mr. Stevenson?” Moody greeted him. “Dr. Stevens,” Judd said. “Sit down, sit down.” Buddha with a Southern drawl. Judd looked around for a seat. He removed a pile of old body-building and nudist magazines from a scrofulous-looking leather armchair with strips torn out of it, and gingerly sat down. Moody was lowering his bulk into an oversized rocking chair. “Well, now! What can I do for you?” Judd knew that he had made a mistake. Over the phone he had carefully given Moody his full name. A name that had been on the front page of every New York newspaper in the last few days. And he had managed to pick the only private detective in the whole city who had never even heard of him. He cast about for some excuse to walk out. “Who recommended me?” Moody prodded. Judd hesitated, not wanting to””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Other Side of Midnight, Sidney Sheldon, 1973
A private detective is unexpectedly confronted with a high‑profile client, exposing his vulnerability and the absurdity of his situation.
In simple terms: A detective meets a famous client and feels out of his depth.
Expect the unexpected and stay adaptable.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investigations
- media scrutiny
- personal reputation
- client interactions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you handle a client whose fame threatens your privacy?
- What boundaries are essential in high‑profile cases?
Fame can overwhelm ordinary professionals, leading to ethical dilemmas.