Joe's eyes narrowed as he looked in Robert's direction. His brow furrowed everso. Carrington did seem to cave rather quickly. More than likely, it was the prospect of poverty brought him into line. The ghost of a thought floated in Joe's mind: Robert had threatened him once before and it had come to pass. What was to stop him from doing something similar again? Presumably nothing. Joe would just have to be careful.

At the appointed moment, Joe put his signature to paper.