Seven Crumpled Dollar Bills on a Pine Table in Michigan

of an old court clerk before folding them into his vest pocket. He did not thank Mike, because they both knew what the money was for.

“I will get the petition stamped before the noon recess,” Shark said. “But a paper shield only works if the other guy respects the law.”

Mike looked toward the street where the logging trucks were rumbling toward the highway.continue reading …