Sunlight poured through the tall arched windows and lit up the framed photos of past regional commanders on the wall.

My mother was sitting at a corner table with her sister, my aunt Linda.

Linda wore a blue knit suit and a heavy silver brooch in the shape of an anchor.

“Daniel is this family’s face in town, so his appearance has to be perfect,” Linda was saying as I pulled up an empty chair.

Margaret smoothed her silk neck scarf with two fingers and nodded fast.

“He’s taking three big clients to the Regency dining room Friday night, Linda.