My fingers shook as I dialed the number. Each ring felt like an eternity, but I held onto my fury with a ferocity that would not let me falter. Finally, a calm, steady voice answered.
“Hello, Mr. Tanaka speaking.”
“Mr. Tanaka, it’s Paul Thompson. I need a favor—no, I need a lifeline. I need everything you promised me when we shook hands over that contract.” My voice was laced with urgency and desperation.
