“A little cold air builds character, Valerie,” Colleen said, dressing up her harshness as old-fashioned family discipline.

“When I was young, children were taught respect without their mothers falling apart over five minutes on a back porch.”

“Colleen, where is she right now?”

“She’s where she needs to be until she understands that private financial files are off-limits,” Colleen said.

“Now please quit distracting Trevor.

He’s spent five weeks running this property while you chase your corporate career.”

“I’m the one who paid the mortgage on that property last Tuesday,” I said.