“Iris,” he said before the mediator began, “you know this has gotten out of hand.”

Celia interrupted and reminded everyone of the communication rules.

The mediator directed the conversation back to property and practical arrangements.

Iris watched Garrett become irritated when he couldn’t control the topic.

He wanted the meeting to focus on forgiveness and the allegedly unfair way people were treating him.

The mediator kept asking for supporting documents.

For the first time, Garrett’s charm had nowhere to land.

At the end, the parties reached a narrow agreement about the exchange of personal possessions.