He quickly scribbled a figure across a blank check and tried to slip it into Howard’s leather folio.

“Take this for the balance and shred that bank notice,” Gerald whispered, his voice rising in panic.

Howard stepped back two inches, keeping his hands firmly behind his back.

“The venue balance was paid in full by Arthur Vance this morning, Mr.

Ulette,” Howard said, clearly enough for Richard Hail to hear.

“Club policy doesn’t allow us to accept duplicate payments or destroy bank receipts.”

Gerald stood motionless in front of his six business guests, the rejected check hovering in his hand.