She knew the family, knew the company, and was loyal, Brenda had told him.

“Was that before the affair?” I asked.

He looked down.

The question had an answer he did not want to give in front of another person.

I did not need to press it for the account investigation to proceed.

He asked whether I could call Apex and restore the line.

“I don’t run the lending desk.”

“They’ll listen to you.”