“That rough journal was retired two years ago,” Arthur said, his booming voice dropping an octave into a cold whisper.

“It has no legal standing in a commercial wage dispute.”

Brenda Whitmore tapped her glasses against the frame of her open laptop and pointed at the third column of red figures on the projection screen.

“The serial numbers match the four draw checks issued directly on Project Four, Mr.

Vance.”

“The carbon entries were altered after the weekly payout,” Brenda added, setting her clipboard beside the computer.

“Check four-zero-nine was issued to a shell vendor at Arthur’s private corporate address.”