Richard’s comments.
The layoffs.
The warehouse.
Clare listened without interrupting.
When he finished, she asked, “Are you trying to take the company back?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Daniel looked offended.
“That was quick.”
“You’re seventy-one.”
“I’m aware.”
“You hate executive meetings.”
“Correct.”
“You complain about email.”
“Email deserves criticism.”
Clare smiled.
“So what do you want?”
Daniel looked toward Margaret’s photograph.
“I want to remind them who they are.”
Clare leaned back.
“Then don’t make this about Richard.”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“Yes, you were.”
Daniel frowned.
“You came home furious.”
“I’m not furious.”
“You put the old payroll list on the table.”
“That’s not evidence of fury.”
“For you, it practically qualifies as arson.”
Daniel laughed despite himself.
Clare became serious.
“Dad, if you humiliate him, he’ll defend himself.”
Daniel looked down.
“If you make it about the company, maybe he listens.”
Daniel thought of Margaret.
She would have said the same thing.
Maybe less politely.
Over the next week, Daniel worked carefully.