Chapter Three: The Cheapest Entrance

That evening, twenty-seven employees signed a joint authorization. Lin returned to Cape City Bank. The bank granted exclusive diligence, conditional on proof of funds within forty-eight hours. He still did not have $2.88 million. But he had a priority claim capable of freezing Gu's plan, an attempted-bribery contract, an ally who understood the books, and seven unopened bills. After midnight, the edges of the first two bills pulled together. The inverted six joined the one: 61. The appetizer on the $612 check had cost exactly sixty-one dollars. Lin drew the old check from his inner pocket. Nine courses. Nine prices. Nine bills. This had never been merely a tip. Someone knocked three times. Lin opened the door to Mr. Shen in his worn gray suit.