The vigilance was that deep, and that silent, and it was all, every day of it, for me.

I placed everything carefully in my handbag.

I thanked Mr.

Bradley.

And then I drove home and I made some telephone calls, because it was time, at last, for the whole family to gather at my table — and this time, I would be the one who called the meeting.

Chapter 23 — I Called the Meeting

I telephoned my three children and I telephoned Shirley, and I told each of them, in a voice that did not invite discussion, that I expected them at my house the following morning at ten o’clock sharp.

I made it clear to Shirley in particular that her presence was required.