And tickets to a board event don’t cost four thousand dollars.”

“Appearance matters at this level,” he said.

He tapped the ring again, harder this time.

“When you’re in line for the top regional slot, you don’t show up off the rack.

I represent this family in this district.”

Mother came out of the pantry with a box of folded linen napkins.

“Your brother has big expenses right now, Emily, and you’ve got your army pay.”

“My army pay goes into the joint savings account we opened after Dad died,” I said.