Next morning, it hit me when the staff wouldn't let me leave - this whole thing was just Richard laying down the law.

Last night wasn't asking - it was telling.

I knew the staff were just following orders, so I kept cool. "Where's Richard?"

"Mr. Richard left before sunrise."

"Tom back yet?"

"No ma'am, he's taking care of Mr. Henry's funeral arrangements."

Real flat, I asked, "What if I just walk out right ...