Caleb finally laughed softly.
“I’ve imagined this conversation about a thousand times.”
Claire’s eyebrows rose.
“You could’ve made it happen.”
“I know.”
The answer was so immediate that Claire’s prepared defensiveness seemed to lose its target.
Caleb continued.
“I should have called years ago.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was ashamed.”
“Of what?”
Another pause.
“Of leaving.”
Claire looked down.
Nathaniel remained silent.
Sofia gave them space.
Caleb said, “I didn’t leave because of you.”
“I assumed that eventually.”
“I left because of your mother.”
Claire stiffened.
Ruby looked at her.
Caleb quickly added, “Not because she did anything wrong.”
“Then explain.”
“Eleanor gave me something.”
Claire looked at the routing sheet.
“Documents.”
“Yes.”
“What?”
Caleb took a long breath.
“She found records proving the cooperative purchase had been approved. She also found copies of loan documents connected to Northbridge.”
Nathaniel leaned forward.
“Do you still have them?”
