“Folder five contains material your father asked me to review with you privately before we file the court petitions,” Samuel said.

“Why didn’t you open it in front of Julian?” I asked.

“Because your father gave me explicit instructions about the order of disclosure,” Samuel said.

“He wanted Julian to hear the financial facts first, in front of family witnesses.”

“And folder six?” I asked.

“Folder six stays locked in my office safe until nine o’clock tomorrow morning,” Samuel said.

He walked out toward the porch, his dress shoes making a slow, steady rhythm on the floorboards.

I walked out to the bench on the front porch and sat down on the cold green cushions.