His slow baritone cut straight through the chatter at the table.

“Ridgefield National?”

Brandon cleared his throat loudly a second time and looked at Victoria.

Victoria laid her hand gently on Pembroke’s sleeve, her voice dripping with practiced honey.

“We can talk about the bank papers after dessert, Christopher.

Tonight is about family and new beginnings.”

Pembroke tilted his head toward the shadow where I stood in the doorway.

“And who is the young woman in the green fatigue jacket holding the heavy duffel bag?”