Other issues remained under legal review; there had been no convenient final judgment to wrap everything in a bow.

Preston agreed to meet his mother at a neutral office.

He made clear that the children would not attend and that Naomi was not required to face Constance.

His mother arrived without the jewelry and elaborate coat she usually wore.

She sat across from him, looking older than he remembered.

“I have made arrangements to repay the expenses the board identified,” she said.

“That’s necessary.”