Rowe,” he said.

“The board has approved the revised terms, subject to your conditions.”

Silas wiped sawdust from his palms before shaking his hand.

“Morning, Adrian.

And please lower your voice.”

Adrian Vale, chief operating officer of Rowe Holdings, did not seem accustomed to receiving directions on a porch that leaned slightly to the left.

He obeyed instantly.

The cars had barely stopped when a second vehicle came around the bend: my father’s black sedan.