Brandon had talked about prestige and growth.

I had never asked who was waiting on checks while he drove home in a car with custom leather seats.

The independent restructuring adviser, appointed after negotiations among creditors and owners, met with us later that week.

He explained that paying one preferred vendor while ignoring others could create problems.

Verified claims had to be handled under an approved process.

I offered to contribute to a temporary employee-support fund, through an independent nonprofit, if it could be structured without interfering with the company proceedings.