Aunt Elaine requests a private dinner with Lucas.
She informs me of this arrangement at breakfast with a tone suggesting it's not a request but a summons.
"I need to understand your assistant. You'll be present, but you won't speak. This is between him and me."
I stare at her. "You want to interrogate Lucas."
"I want to understand him. Interrogation is simply structured understanding."
"That's the same thing."
"Perspective." She takes a sip of her tea. Lucas made it. The house obeys him. "He wants to be part of this family. Eleanor gave him a key. You've given him your attention. I need to determine if he's worth either."
"He's worth both."
"Then my questions will only confirm what you already know. You should welcome this."
I do not welcome this. I dread it.
