It’s more than you’ll earn in three years,” Charles said.

I looked down at the check lying on the glass between us.

“It’s a non-refundable payment from my personal account,” Charles added, leaning across the desk.

“Signed, cleared, and ready to deposit today.”

“And if I refuse to sign the affidavit?” I asked quietly.

Charles closed his leather folder with a soft, deliberate thud.

“Your temporary clerk position at the county courthouse depends entirely on budget renewals from the county commissioners,” Charles said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

“The chair of that board happens to sit on my executive advisory board.”