Vance smiled thinly, adjusting the heavy gold cufflinks on his tailored shirtsleeves.

“If you sign that waiver today, Charles will extend your lease for sixty days free of charge while you look for somewhere else to live.”

He slid a small printed business card for a low-cost rental management company across the glass next to the silver pen.

“And what about the misconduct complaints you filed against my record with the county clerk?” I asked.

Vance rested his chin on his hands and looked at me as if he were explaining a simple rule to a small child.