New leaves had appeared at the top.

They were tiny, but I noticed them.

PART 22

The government’s inquiry into Whitmore Industrial Services moved more slowly than the public rumors.

Company records were requested, witnesses were interviewed, and people who had once stood confidently beside Dennis began making careful statements through attorneys.

Gary eventually entered a civil settlement with the company over certain disputed payments, without that settlement resolving every question.

Additional allegations remained under review.