“He was willing to settle,” the lawyer said when I suggested he was trying to save his career.

I let him use the narrower sentence.

Ronald’s reasons did not need to be agreed upon before his obligations could be written clearly.

After the approved arrangements and property work were completed, Frank called about the separate question of a possible criminal referral.

The bank could provide information to the authorities.

I could be asked for a statement.

“I don’t want a trial,” I said.

He was quiet, then answered carefully.