And for the first time in months, she sat at the head of the long mahogany dining table.

Manuel sat beside her, in the hand-carved oak chair he had made with his own hands.

Veronica walked in, frowning at the sight of them at the table.

“I thought this was just a quick family meeting before Alvin left.”

Alvin set a black leather briefcase on the table and popped the latches.

“It is family business,” he said.

“But we have guests.” And into the dining room stepped Inez, followed by Mrs.

Gable, and a private forensic accountant.