“What papers?”

“The blue carbon copy sheets,” I said.

Before he could answer, the front door swung all the way open.

Colleen stood in the front hall in a fresh beige cardigan and her silver charm bracelet.

The charms jingled against the brass doorframe as she laid her hand on the jamb.

“Valerie, quit making a scene out on the front step,” Colleen said.

Her voice had the sharp, clipped edge it took on whenever she felt her authority was being challenged.