“How much longer will this take?” Terrence asked Carmie — who, for some reason, looked like she swallowed a whole bottle of liquid courage. The woman was unusually bold today, standing straight like she owned the entire building. Or maybe she really thought this was her territory.

We were currently inside Montemayor Holdings Inc., Building, inspecting the ongoing renovation for Nylerret’s soon-to-be office. As for “babe,” I had no idea where she’d disappeared to. Terrence ...