“In fact, if you’d rather avoid the awkwardness altogether, I’m prepared to offer a substantial travel allowance to make up for you staying away or keeping your visit very short.”

“How big an allowance are we talking about?” I asked.

“We can settle on a generous number before Thursday,” Ethan said smoothly.

“Something that makes your quiet cooperation well worth it.”

“I’m coming to Aspen, Ethan,” I said.

“Think about it,” he said, and the line went dead before I could answer.

At half past twelve, I walked into a bright, glass-fronted espresso bar three blocks from the Denver Federal Center.

Natalie Vance sat at a corner table, going through a thick leather binder full of catering swatches and event schedules.