Charlene was overjoyed. She called Brendan post-haste, her voice taking a coquettish tone, “Can you come home earlier today, Bren? I’ve got some really important announcements to make.”

There was a brief beat of silence from the other side. “I’ll be home as soon as the meeting’s over.”

“Terrific!”

She straightened her back and began ordering Mrs. Engel to buy a list of cooking ingredients before personally preparing dinner. Relieved from kitchen duty, Mrs. Engel mused in the living room. “Wha