ALEXANDER

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Dad sat at the end of the table, Josh sat with his mother directly opposite me, and Kevin sat two chairs away from me, and my mother was missing still.

The room was so quiet, too quiet for a meeting filled with power-hungry men and women.

I adjusted my tie for the fourth time, feigning a calmness I didn't feel.

My eyes moved to Josh who sat stiff as though he was holding his breath.

He hasn't spoken to his mother since I came, and neither ...