He always did that when he was about to state a falsehood.

“I only want to make things right for both of my children,” he said.

His voice was soft, carrying a heavy paternal authority that used to make me freeze when I was a child.

Between our two water glasses sat a thick white envelope.

“There is enough in there to cover your rent for the next twelve months,” Arthur said.

“You should not have to worry about your expenses while all of this is going on.”