LINDA

My dad suddenly set his napkin down, pushed his chair back, and stood up from the table.

He smoothed down his shirt, picked up his iPad, and glanced between Alaric and me with a smug look on his face.

"Well, that was great, but I've got to run," my dad said, checking his watch. "I've got a conference call with the London team in about ten minutes, and it's going to run for at least three hours. Alaric, make sure you feel very much at home, okay? Help yourself to whatever's in the bar or the kitchen."

"Don't worry about me, Richard," Alaric said smoothly, leaning back in his...