Chapter 16 — The Card Falls Silent

At ten fifteen, the escrow manager approached with a payment terminal.

“Everything is ready, Mr.

Lawson.

We just need the initial earnest deposit of three hundred thousand dollars to secure the property.”

“Of course,” Christopher said, with practiced calm, and drew the heavy black metal card from his wallet.

The manager inserted it.

The machine gave a sharp beep and blinked, and the screen flashed red: Transaction Not Authorized. “My apologies, sir,” she said, adjusting her glasses.