"Todd borrowed $1.2 million to purchase your 70% of the company five years ago. Now, total liabilities are $2.087 million against assets of $1.46 million," Patricia said. "Cash flow is just as bad. Revenues last year were $817k against expenses of $1.422 million. The company settled five lawsuits for breach of contract in the past two years, with two more pending. The debt service is killing them; when you combine poor management with this kind of debt load, you have a death spiral."

"What would you two recommend for a purchase price," I said.

"Whatever the auction calls for," Jacob said. I glared at him. "Volkov Construction needs a cash...