lawyers now?”
“I’m seriously taking my wife to a hotel.”
Jennifer laughed, but it came out thin. “A hotel? You own this mansion.”
“I thought I did.”
No one answered.
Emma packed one suitcase. I wanted her to take everything, but she touched my arm and said, “Not tonight.”
So we left most of it behind.
As we walked down the stairs, the house was nearly empty. The chandeliers still blazed over the remains of the dinner, making everything look staged for a photograph after the people had disappeared. A half-eaten slice of cake sat beside an overturned napkin. Someone had left lipstick on a champagne flute.
At the front door, my mother tried one last time.
“Daniel,” she said softly. “I know you’re angry. But don’t let one emotional evening undo your family.”
I turned.
“My family is standing beside me.”
For once, Margaret had nothing to say.
