Leo pushed down that surge of excitement.
Roosevelt continued, "The first thing you need to do now is figure out exactly how rotten Lorain has become. Don't judge based on what they say; make them lay out the numbers for you to see.
"If a city is merely short on jobs, that's a solvable problem. But if its entire financial structure is on the verge of collapse, what you're taking on isn't a labor force—it's a burden."
"I know how to tell the difference," Leo replied.
"Of course I know you do, but that little bit of excitement you just showed will make you lean toward an optimistic judgment," Roosevelt said. "That's why I'm warning you."
Leo remained silent for a moment before turning to Ethan. "Hold off on scheduling a meeting for now.
"Reply to them and tell Lorain to prepare three spreadsheets first. If they don't have these three spreadsheets, we don't talk."
Ethan took out his notepad.
