I read it with surprise and a painful flicker of hope.

Then a second message arrived: Mom thinks a lawyer will help us sort this out quickly.

The hope cooled.

I realized the apology might be sincere, but sincerity would need to survive the moment Agnes disagreed with him.

That test had not happened yet.

PART 13: A Meeting Without Agnes

We met in a quiet conference room at Mara’s office.

Lucas had his own lawyer.