We keep them on retainer for specialized zoning surveys all over Hartford County.”

“The forty-one thousand dollars taken out of our joint emergency fund on September ninth went to that very same account,” I said, keeping my voice strictly professional.

“That wasn’t a zoning survey.”

Grant stepped forward and touched my elbow, his voice dropping into the quiet, soothing tone he used to talk nervous buyers through loan closings.

“Emily, you left corporate compliance six years ago when Sophie was born.

Commercial land deals require confidential preliminary retainers.”