He had told himself at the time that hard negotiations were ordinary.

Reading the man’s description of what the threats had done to his family, he no longer recognized that excuse as adequate.

He asked Elena to arrange a meeting through the supplier’s attorney.

There would be no promises of a contract or attempt to buy a public retraction.

The supplier agreed only after several weeks.

They met in a neutral conference room.

The man, Daniel Mercer, sat with his arms folded.