“The liquidation will satisfy the outstanding debts, return my three hundred thousand dollars, and cover the legal fees,” I said.

“If you do not sign,” Arthur said, “the forensic files go to the federal prosecutor’s office by five o’clock.”

He looked at his watch.

“It is currently three-fifteen,” Arthur noted.

Miller leaned toward Daniel, whispering urgently into his ear.

Daniel shook his head, his hands clenching into fists.

“I won’t have anything left,” Daniel muttered. “Nothing.”

“You will have your freedom,” Miller whispered back, loud enough for me to hear. “If this goes to the feds, you and your father are looking at prison time.”

Richard closed his eyes.

“Sign it, Daniel,” the older man said.

“Dad?” Daniel turned to him, betrayed.

“Sign it,” Richard repeated, his voice barely a whisper. “I am too old for a federal penitentiary.”

Margaret began to weep quietly, her face buried in her hands.

The sound of her crying filled the sterile room, accompanied by the low hum of the air conditioner.

Arthur slid a heavy black pen across the table.

It stopped right on top of the signature line.