A conversation between my mother and the manager of the local electricity company.
Mother: You have a sub-station in our garden.
Manager: Do we?
Mother: Yes. You owe us rent. And the fence has collapsed. I'd like you to replace it.
Manager: We have no record of the rent but I'll look into it. The fence is not a priority. We can send someone out to have a look in six to eight weeks.
Mother: Six to eight weeks? You must be joking. The fence has fallen over. Anyone could get into the sub-station.
Manager: Is the door open?
Mother: No.
Manager: Then it's not a priority. I can send someone out in six to eight weeks.
Mother: But the fence is in our garden. We have two small grandchildren who play in the garden. If it falls on them, I can sue you for damages.
Manager: Hold on please.
[Twelve seconds later]
Manager: Actually given your special circumstances I find I can expedite the request. We can send someone out tomorrow.