Marlene had not invented his weakness, but she had learned how to use it.

Back at the cabin, Nora reported that Langford Textiles had received the preservation notice.

Its attorney requested two weeks to respond.

She warned me not to contact potential witnesses to coordinate stories, and I agreed.

I wanted facts, not a staged victory.

Then Preston Hale called.

“I hear you’ve had an eventful week,” he said.

“That’s one way of putting it.”