I reached out, picked up the cashier’s check by its top corner, and slid it carefully into my coat pocket without folding it.

“I’ll look over the terms of the arrangement,” I said.

Charles smiled and relaxed back into his leather chair, completely convinced he had won.

“That’s my practical daughter,” he said, waving a hand toward the door.

“Have the affidavit notarized and back at Vance’s office by five o’clock tonight, and we’ll consider this matter closed.”

I turned without answering and walked back down the carpeted corridor to the glass elevators.

The silver elevator doors chimed open, and Lawrence Vance stepped out into the lobby holding a slim leather briefcase.