Ted spent some time looking at the liquid in his mug. It was real honest coffee. It smelled good. It tasted good. It helped him form his fantasy of this being just any old normal day.
"So, George." He said, finally looking up. "You need somebody to handle your money. I can do that for you. But I have to have a few answers first, and you have to be honest with me, or I won't help."
This felt good. And familiar. Working with money. Doing his thing. He felt useful.
"This doesn't come from any sort of illegal activity, does it? I really can't get involved if any part of it is illegal."