“You have more wisdom than any corporate lawyer I ever hired,” he said.

He turned toward the grand front entrance, where the oak doors were propped open to let the cool breeze move through the house.

“The old house is quiet now,” Raymond said, “but my boy is finally home.”

“Brandon put together the wooden swing set in our yard this morning,” I said.

Raymond looked back at me, his hand resting lightly on the brass top of his cane.

“Tell Brandon I expect both of you for Sunday dinner at one o’clock,” Raymond said.