The amounts were round, the dates carefully spaced, and the supposed deliverables missing.

Greg’s name hurt almost as much as Brenda’s.

He’d eaten at our table and sent flowers when Manuel died.

He had always congratulated Mark on “his” company and smiled politely when I corrected him.

I wondered how long he’d understood what those words concealed.

Nina showed me a cash-flow chart.

“This is what concerns me most.

Several payments went out days before major vendors were due.