“First of all, just who is this mother of mine that you keep on mentioning?” Mildred asked, sitting upright.

“Urella Green,” Elliot answered as he sat down opposite her. “Do you know her?” he asked.

“It rings a bell,” Mildred responded. “Does she own a chain of furniture and décor shops?”

“Well, yes,” Elliot responded. “She’s said to be a good businesswoman. I don’t know business people and I’m not into home décor,” he added. ...