Her voice had the flat, measured rhythm she used when she phoned the yard crew about palm fronds they’d missed.

“I can look after myself properly,” I said.

“It’s about your long-term safety,” she said.

“The steps down to the pool deck are steep.

And Daniel needs to know what our fall schedule looks like by the end of the month.”

“What does a schedule have to do with where I sleep?” I asked.

Renee picked up her travel mug and twisted the black lid down until it clicked shut.

“He’s got two contract painters coming Friday morning to give a quote on the interior walls.”