“Twelve hundred dollars,” Frank said, placing the envelope on the clean table between them.

“Cash, exactly as we agreed in the contract.”

Caroline opened the flap and counted the stack of hundred-dollar bills.

“Thank you, Frank.

This covers our timber supplier bill for the month.”

“I spoke to the manager at the Bellevue Hotel yesterday,” Frank said, resting his hand on the back of the pine chair.

“He asked who refinished our dining room.”

“Did you give him our business name?” Caroline asked.