“The terms are strict,” Sinclaire said, “and because you secured those loans against Ardent IP assets you did not own, they are not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

This will follow you.” He gripped the edge of the table.

“What do you want from me?”

I looked at him for a long moment before I answered, and I will tell you what I saw, because it surprised me.

I had expected to feel triumph.

I had rehearsed this moment in the rain that first night and again on a hundred sleepless mornings since, and in every rehearsal I had savored it.