the end of a table long enough for twenty people, reading the financial pages on a tablet.
“Good morning, cousin-in-law.”
I poured coffee.
“Is that what you plan to call me?”
“Until I think of something more accurate.”
I sat across from him.
“Where is Vivian?”
“Meeting the neurologist.”
“And Ethan?”
“Still trapped in the dramatic space between miracle and medical uncertainty.”
I looked at him.
“You don’t seem happy that he may recover.”
Jason lowered the tablet.
“I am thrilled.”
“You have an unusual way of showing it.”
“You have known me less than twenty-four hours.”
“That seems to be everyone’s favorite defense.”
A servant placed toast between us and left.
Jason leaned back.
“Ethan waking changes things.”
“The company?”
“The trust.”
“So you do lose control.”
His expression sharpened.
“I never had control. I had responsibility. There is a difference.”
“Is there?”
“When my cousin crashed his car,
