She laughed, and to my surprise I did too.

For the first time since the restaurant, I could look at the records without feeling my entire marriage depended on solving them by morning.

The marriage was already ending.

The accounting would determine what remained to be restored.

Sandra reviewed the proposed meeting agenda with me.

We would discuss property, access to financial records, and communication through lawyers.

We would not negotiate in response to tears or promises.

If I felt uncomfortable, I could leave.