[ratesguy]

Lawyer here. Hate to say it but you do need to lawyer up. Did you write any notations on your checks or in the check book? This could be used as a contemporaneous writing evidencing an agreement. Was your deal that he pay the subs out of what you gave him? In that circumstance he would be liable for the subs and you can show you paid him. Remember the law in Washington state may very well have quirks that I don't know(I can not offer you advise as I am not licensed in Wash). Agood lawyer will save you money in the long run.