“We both want what’s best for Sophie, Emily, without making lawyers rich over simple misunderstandings,” Grant said.

His voice had the exact smooth, reassuring rhythm he used when he pitched commercial leases to prospective real estate investors.

He was offering sixty thousand dollars in cash and joint legal say over Sophie’s health care and schooling.

In return, I would sign over my full equity in the West Hartford colonial and withdraw every pending financial audit request I’d filed with the court.

Margaret smoothed the lapels of her lavender jacket, her gold wristwatch catching the fluorescent lights overhead.