“He knows you can’t pay your rent without that account.”

“He wants you completely broke so you’ll run back to him and sign that waiver.”

“I walked three miles in the dark last night because my Buick’s engine died in a parking lot,” I said.

“The mechanic told me the repair costs more than the car is worth.”

“My father stranded me on purpose.”

“He already won.”

Arthur stopped polishing his glasses and leaned forward in his heavy leather chair.

“Beatrice didn’t hire me to let him win.”