“Her family demands high standards for social reasons.”

“A standard that involves steering hotel deposits through a timber company account,” I said.

Brandon tapped his foot steadily against the wooden base of the booth.

He crossed his arms over his tailored suit jacket.

“That’s just a supply chain optimization,” Brandon said, stringing business jargon together rapidly because he was nervous.

“Douglas has existing vendor relationships that streamline the procurement process.”

I watched my son try to sound authoritative.