When my grandfather wanted me to pay close attention to a problem, he used to tap his silver pocket watch.

He’d take it out of his vest pocket, flip open the silver lid, and tap the glass with his thumbnail.

He told me to always look for the second motive whenever family money was involved.

I could almost hear that steady metal ticking in the silent military office.

Arthur had known exactly what my father was capable of.

That was why Arthur had written the penalty clause into the original trust.

Dalton had explained that clause to me just a few hours earlier.