He washed his hands, warmed leftovers, and asked whether I wanted company or quiet.

When I showed him the pattern, he read the figures in a way no casual lumberyard worker should have been able to.

“Someone has created the appearance of inventory purchases without matching physical deliveries,” he said.

“If real, that’s serious.

You’ll need an independent examination before accusing anyone.”

“Who are you?” I asked.

He did not pretend not to understand.

“A man who should have given you more of the truth before you arrived.”