Now I had a corporate responsibility created through a lender-side restructuring, connected to inherited rights he had dismissed.

The two matters needed separate records so neither could be used as a shortcut around the other.

On the day the appointment became effective, I arrived early.

The building smelled of coffee and floor cleaner.

People were still getting through the security gates, carrying bags and talking about ordinary things.

I waited in the same line as they did.

A woman beside me looked at my visitor-style pass, then at my face.

“Ms. Lockwood?”