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“You didn’t show it—anything, really—and I guess… I don’t know. I guess I was too resentful and jealous to try to see it from your side. From the minute you arrived, everything changed. It almost felt like Uncle John had been waiting for you to show up.” Her smile was self-mocking. “But also, it didn’t help that you were so obviously not impressed by us. You had this way of looking at me, so straight and serious, and I could just feel you thinking how stupid and shallow I was.”

He had never imagined he would ever hear anything even close to an apology from John’s family. Let alone something that sounded sincere. Having told himself for years that he didn’t care, that what they thought or said didn’t matter, it was disconcerting to realize that he had cared. It did help to know Desi had regrets.

“No.” Archie shook his head. He said truthfully, “None of it felt real for a long time. I wasn’t thinking about anyone or anything except wanting to go home.”

Beau had been real.

Beau was when Archie had started to wake from the trance of grief and shock. In fact, the first time he could remember laughing, after arriving in Oregon, was at one of those now-forgotten quips of Beau’s.

“Anyway,” Desi said briskly, “I needed to say it.” She gave an odd laugh. “Especially, if we’re going to be talking to Uncle John tonight.”

Archie’s lips parted, and Desi said, “Exactly. Let’s get a drink.”

Desi had several drinks. They all did.

Archie, conscious of the fact that he was still on a variety of meds, was more conservative, but even he had two drinks before dinner. Maybe because there was such an odd energy in the room. An undercurrent of tension that didn’t seem to have anything to do with Professor Azizi’s return to the fold.

Did the TPS really believe John was going to make an appearance? Was there unease over what his ghostly presence might say?

Right before they went into dinner, Leo drew Archie aside for a private chat. His hazel eyes were very bright and his face was flushed from the alcohol. Archie recalled that Leo’s blood pressure had always been of concern to John.

“Ms. Madison phoned this afternoon and suggested you might appreciate an estate transition meeting.” Something about Leo’s smile suggested to Archie that Ms. Madison had revealed how flabbergasted he’d been to discover the extent of his inheritance. Why did they all think it was funny?

“Sure,” Archie said reluctantly. Was there a valid reason to put off reviewing his new financial reality? Besides a general squeamishness at the idea of so much money—and the obligations and responsibilities that came with it?

Leo picked up on his hesitation. “It’s merely an opportunity for you to review the disposition of the estate and ask any questions you might have as far as how best to manage your new assets.”

“Right. I’m sure that’ll be helpful.”

“We can do an asset overview, discuss tax implications, and conduct an investment review. I can also help you assess your income needs and determine a sustainable way to draw from the estate’s assets. Assuming you’re planning to rely on your inheritance for ongoing expenses.”

“No,” Archie said. “I mean, I plan to continue working. I don’t plan to live on an inheritance.”

Leo’s brows rose. “That’s admirable, of course. I think we both know it’s not what John hoped—especially after what, I gather, was a very close call.”

“I’m not ready to retire. I love my job.” Even as he said it, Archie felt a stab of doubt. He had not loved Operation Iron Shield. Privately, he wasn’t sure he had it in him to commit to such an intense and sustained effort again. The stakes had been too high. The cost had been too great. He did not want to quit the Bureau—he did still love his job—but perhaps it was time to look at transferring to a division or unit where there was less pressure, less stress. Civil rights violations. Art crimes. Corporate fraud. Something that didn’t affect the safety of the civilized world.

“I know it’s not my place to debate your decisions. In any case, we can look at long-term financial planning and discuss any legal and fiduciary obligations John might have tied to your inheritance. Such as the stipulation that you don’t sell McCabe House for two years.”

“Yes. All right. I appreciate the offer.”

Leo smiled faintly. “It’s my pleasure. Of course, I’m not being entirely altruistic. Naturally, I’m hoping you’ll decide to retain me as your financial manager as well.”

Archie smiled apologetically. “I’ll be honest, Leo, I haven’t given any thought to any of this.”

“No, of course not. You’re still grieving. We all are. Whether you decide to retain me or not, as John’s friend, I’ll always be happy to advise you in any way I can.”

“Thank you for that.”

Leo studied Archie’s face, and said slowly, “I should probably warn you that the numbers Ms. Madison quoted might not accurately reflect the current state of John’s investments. We’ll go over that in detail later.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

Leo hastened to clarify. “There’s still more than enough money to ensure a very comfortable retirement for you—and an early retirement at that—but for the last year or so, John drew heavily against his investments.” Leo looked uncomfortable. “I did question him about needing so much cash, but he declined to discuss it.” He hesitated. “To be honest, I wondered if perhaps you’d gotten yourself into some kind of financial predicament. That would make sense from John’s perspective since he intended everything to go to you anyway.”

That was almost funny. Did Leo imagine Archie had gambling debts? An HSN or QVC addiction?

“Absolutely not. I had no idea. But as far as I’m concerned, John was free to spend his money however he chose. I didn’t realize he planned on leaving me anything. He was way too generous.”