“We can’t,” Davis said.

“Without your express corporate authorization, this application is dead in the water.”

I got up from the leather chair and buttoned my coat.

“Thank you for your time, Mr.

Davis,” I told him.

“I’ll leave the file open until five,” Davis said.

“After that, I’ll record the application as withdrawn for incomplete documentation.”

When I walked into the Oakridge Diner at two o’clock, it was quiet.