David Meyer

They were best friends, as close as possible in the fierce world of corporate bond trading. Al Braca and David Meyer came to Cantor Fitzgerald almost 16 years ago as a package deal from another company. They sat next to each other on the 105th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center. They called each other “partner,” although the company didn’t use such titles. When one wasn’t making enough money on trades, the other covered for him.

Of the 700 people at work at Cantor Fitzgerald on Tuesday, none survived.

Jean Braca said her husband was on the telephone with a client when the plane hit the 90th floor. The client heard the explosion.

At home, Meyer, 57, danced with his toddler granddaughter to “The Wiggles.” On Sundays, he and his wife, Margie, used to go to church, eat breakfast at the Daily Treat, go food shopping and come home.

Braca, 54, a deacon in his church, was called “The Reverend” at work. Before leaving for work Tuesday, he told his wife she needed to get up. She opened her eyes and watched him walk out the bedroom door, the back of his head, his white hair.