“I will wait right here,” I said.

Evelyn arrived at ten past seven, carrying a slim black portfolio under her left arm and a thick manila folder under her right.

She shook off her wet coat by the entrance and walked straight into the living room, her expensive heels tapping sharply on the dark hardwood floor.

We sat together at the long glass coffee table, spreading out survey maps, topographical sheets, and typed financial spreadsheets under the bright recessed lights.

“We need your perspective on the northern property boundary, Margaret,” Evelyn said, ending the sentence with a bright lift in her voice.