“It keeps the property taxes paid.”

Daniel smiled, but his eyes stayed flat.

“A real career takes capital, little sister.

You’ve been sitting on active duty allowances for three years while I’ve been building relationships around here.”

He got up, grabbed his keys off the counter, and walked out into the hallway.

Five seconds later the front door slammed.

At 6:10 p.m.

I walked down the gravel driveway to check the mailbox at the street.