“I don’t know yet.” Lucy’s eyes filled. “Sloan says you want to ruin their future.” Eleanor chose each word carefully.
“Adults sometimes tell stories that make their own choices sound easier to understand.” I am not going to ask you to choose whose story you believe. “Did you burn her purse?” “Yes.”
“Why?” “Because I was angry and I made a bad decision.” Lucy blinked. Children notice when adults tell the truth before being forced.
“Did she knock down your cake?” “Yes.” “On purpose?” “I believe so.”
But that did not make burning her purse a good decision. Lucy thought about this with nine-year-old seriousness. “So you both got in trouble?” “In different ways, yes.”
“Is Dad in trouble because of the cake too?” Eleanor shook her head. “Your dad’s work situation is about work.” It is not because of my birthday.
Lucy seemed relieved by the separation of categories. Eleanor realized in that moment how many adults failed children by combining every conflict into one giant emotional weather system. She would not do that. Whatever Harrison had done, Lucy would not become a messenger, witness, or loyalty test.
The company board met on the first Thursday in September. Whitmore Residential Group had five directors: Eleanor, Martin Vega, retired banker Sharon Kim, construction executive Daniel Price, and Harrison himself. Because Harrison was the subject of the investigation, he did not vote on the disciplinary resolution. Rebecca presented the audit findings in a conference room where Harrison had once celebrated promotions.