Alvarez would be comfortable speaking with him.

They met at Naomi’s apartment, where she regarded him across the table with the skepticism of a woman who had heard too many apologies offered in place of action.

‘When these boys were sick, their mother carried them downstairs one at a time because the elevator broke,’ she said.

‘I carried the diaper bag.

Don’t tell me what your wealth can do.

Show us what your word means.’