“I paid sixty-five hundred dollars for this hall,” Gerald said.

His signet ring struck the wooden edge of the sound booth with a sharp crack.

“Cut the power immediately.”

“The venue deposit was refunded to your bank account this morning,” Howard replied, his voice calm and low.

“The contract on this room is held by David Vance.”

Gerald took one step closer, his chin pulled high against his collar.

“You will clear table twenty-two out of this room within two minutes, or I will pull every commercial insurance policy my agency holds with your board of directors.”

Howard reached into his breast pocket, pulled out a folded paper, and held it out.