Chapter 68: The Daughter's Manumission, Part 2, Twenty-Nine Years Ago, Klempner

"So, what do you think?" Conners puts three beers down, slopping froth over a corner of the rolled-out site plan, then sits and takes a long draft from his glass.

"I'm interested," I say. "Very much so." He nods as I speak, downing more of his beer. Bech watches in that pressed-mouth silent way of his, his drink untouched. "However, there are a number of considerations and I need time to think."

Conners nods. "Of course."

I tap the plan. "Can I keep this?"

"Absolutely. That's your copy. In fact..." He turns to pick up the cardboard tube he has leaning against the table, opens it and extracts another document.... "... I made a spare copy for you, so you have a master and one you can work with...."

Efficient...

Delivers what's needed. Not just what's asked for.