“We’ll keep the agenda the way it is,” I said, my voice firm and clear.

Frank studied me for a long moment, then tapped his pen on his notebook one last time and got up.

“Don’t let your pride sink this business, Raymond,” Frank said quietly.

“We’re too close to the finish line.”

He turned and walked out of the conference room, leaving the door open a crack behind him.

I gathered up the bank envelope, my pocket calendar and my glasses, and walked back down the quiet hall to my office.

I took the green cloth binder out of my coat, unlocked the bottom desk drawer with my master key, and laid the binder flat inside.