“You moved awfully fast on this document,” I said, holding the page under the lamp.

Julian gave a smooth smile and let his key ring slip into his trouser pocket.

“Family steps in to do the heavy lifting when things get complicated.”

Arthur glanced up from the sofa, his tightly folded newspaper resting on his knee.

“Your brother-in-law is giving you professional business advice for nothing, Eleanor.

You ought to listen to him instead of getting defensive.”

“Dad, did you sign the authorization form for this real estate inspector?” I asked.