I asked whether he expected praise for that.

“No,” he answered.

“I expect questions I should have answered years ago.”

PART 14

The next week, the news broke that investigators had executed search warrants at several properties tied to Harborline Facilities Services and to The Grand Bell’s management.

Public records showed that Simon Vale was under scrutiny over financial irregularities connected to shipping contracts.

The articles were careful about what remained an allegation.

Dennis, meanwhile, appeared on local television outside the restaurant in a pressed blue suit.