He picked up the paper, folded it twice, and put it back in his leather wallet.

“He said he’d think about it,” Luke said.

“He didn’t even look at the numbers.”

“He never looks at numbers in front of people.”

“He didn’t want to touch the paper, Luke.”

“He needs time, Ames.”

I got up and gathered the three empty mugs.

I carried them to the cast iron sink, turned on the tap, and let the hot water run over my hands to warm them.