The clerk called the next case.

I packed the certificate back into my briefcase and carried the plastic cup out with me.

Out in the corridor, Gregory was standing by the water cooler with his hands in his pockets.

He laid his hand on my arm just above the elbow.

“Crushing liabilities,” he said.

“That’s what you’ve just inherited.”

I stared at his hand until he took it away.

“Palmer Crest carries debts you can’t even picture,” he said.