We just want you home where you belong, sweet girl.”

I adjusted the canvas strap of my bag on the floor beside my boot.

“The corner bedroom has been locked since Tuesday,” I said.

“I found the key in Walter’s old valet tray,” Victoria said softly.

“We’re family, Avery.

It’s time we acted like it instead of letting legal arguments come between us.”

Chloe looked up from her screen and nodded once, her mouth pressed into a thin, agreeable line.

“We made a mistake trying to handle business during a memorial week,” Victoria added, pouring a splash of milk into her own cup.