r the gravel driveway and stop

at the massive, two-hundred-year-old

, walked out onto the porch. He wore a perfectly tailored tweed th

as your first day back? I hope the ot

ly like a concer

was standing. He was positioned dead center on the top s

ed up the stairs, her heels cli

oment her back was to him, the warm smile

m. The long mahogany table felt empty wi

meat. He cleared his throat. The

he board of directors is concerned. Your erratic behavior o

ed to temporarily transfer proxy con

ocked. "Uncle William, no. I couldn't possibly. I

"You've been the only stable force

ystal water glass. She slammed

hud made W

you going senile, or are you just blind? You

"Watch your mouth! You have done nothin

n William's arm. "Please, Uncle, your blood press

. She planted her hands on the table and le

a freezing register. "What is mine belongs to me. If anyone tries

walked out of t

second-floor landing. Footsteps

was dimly lit. The mask of the per

s. "Don't play tough with me, you stupid girl. I already co

nd grabbed the knot of his expensive tie.

he wall. A sharp gru

e had taken it from her father's desk earlier. She pressed

ng of the metal against his skin. He could feel the faint, stea

h my equity again," she whispered, her voice like a sn

walked down the hall, leavin