“Sharp as a tack.”

“I know,” Claire said, her voice soft and careful.

“I missed thirty-four years of watching her grow up, but I know.”

Howard rapped the wooden porch railing twice with his knuckles.

“If Gene’s lawyer calls you about the estate audit, send him to me,” Howard added.

“He knows better than to push another petition through my court.”

“I will, Howard,” I said.

“You two take care of yourselves,” Howard said, stepping back onto his porch as I put the Buick in drive.