Page 177 of Key West Homecoming

Frank had barely moved while she talked.

“How much does Rachel expect the estate to recover?”

“Several hundred thousand for certain. Potentially more, depending on what can actually be collected. She says it’ll take time.”

Frank nodded and looked at the carpet.

“You’re not staying.”

“No.”

“I knew that in the first five minutes. I let you finish because you would’ve felt cheated otherwise.”

Emma smiled.

“So here’s the managing partner answer. Your accounts are clean. Marcy has handled everything properly, and you can leave here with nobody’s opinion of you changed by a degree. I’ll write whatever you ever need me to write.”

“Thank you.”

“What are you going to do in Key West?”

“I don’t know yet.”

Frank waited.

Emma smiled. “And right now, that feels good.”

He laughed once.

In twelve years, Emma had heard Frank laugh that way maybe three times.

“I’ve asked about your plan in every review I’ve ever given you. You always had one. Every plan was sensible, and I approved every one of them.” He shook his head. “That may be the best answer you’ve ever given me in this office.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

“Don’t analyze it. Take the compliment.”

“I’ll try.”

Frank stood, which usually meant a meeting was over.

“One thing.”

Emma waited.

“When you know what you want to do, if there’s a version where you take work from us on your own terms, call me first. I don’t care where you live or what hours you keep. We can talk about what makes sense.”

Emma hadn’t expected that.

“I appreciate it.”

“I’m not trying to keep you.”

“I know.”

“I just don’t want to buy that brain back from somebody else in three years.”

Emma laughed.