On the blotter lay the latest progress ledger for the twelve-million-dollar city transit hub.

Phase one excavation was finished three days ahead of schedule, with every dollar accounted for down to the cent.

Frank Doyle came through the doorway holding a blue vinyl folder of signed city permit approvals.

He set the folder on the oak table and tapped his wooden pen against the corner.

“The city inspectors signed off on the structural piers this morning,” Frank said, his low voice steady and deep.

“Did they go over the concrete stress tests from last Tuesday?” I asked.