I had to show whether each payment was approved, what work had been done, and who ultimately received it.

Elaine recommended silence while the auditors worked.

I hated that advice almost as much as I knew it was sound.

Then Lorraine called my personal number from a blocked line.

“You’ve always been dramatic, Harper.”

I placed the phone on speaker and told her the call was being documented.

She ignored me.

“Preston gave you a beautiful life.