“Just two hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” Douglas said.

“A commercial credit recommendation, really.

Easy paperwork for a man your age.”

He laughed loudly again, a sound that echoed down the empty parking rows.

“I only sign corporate guarantees for established business partners,” I said quietly.

Douglas stopped swirling his mug.

“We are about to be family, George,” Douglas said.

“That’s the ultimate partnership.”