“Does Ethan like math?” Sam asked.

“He likes budgets,” I said.

“He likes numbers that make his company look successful.”

“Then he’ll understand these numbers,” Sam said, taking the card back and sliding it into its clear vinyl sleeve.

He turned toward the open hallway and checked his small wristwatch.

“We should start warming up the car at five fifteen,” he said.

“Five fifteen exactly,” I said.

He stepped back into the warm hallway and pulled the heavy door shut until the iron latch clicked against the frame.