“He wants the quitclaim deed signed before Friday the twelfth,” I said.

“That gives us four days, but he isn’t going to wait till Friday.”

“He’ll take any appointment you offer if he thinks you’ve finally cracked,” Vance said.

“Don’t argue about the missing bank money.”

“I know how to talk to him,” I said.

“Make sure there are witnesses within five feet of you when he hands you the pen,” Vance said.

He paused, and the speaker caught the faint rustle of silk as he cleaned his reading glasses with his tie.