His phone rang.

The caller identified herself as an attorney representing Sloan Performance Holdings.

She spoke politely.

Very politely.

Arthur recognized the tone.

It was the kind of politeness people used when they expected their money to do most of the talking.

“Mr. Bell, we’re hoping to resolve this unfortunate incident without unnecessary publicity.”

Arthur glanced at Nora.

“Go ahead.”

“My client is prepared to make a generous settlement offer.”

“What kind of settlement?”

“A financial payment in exchange for a mutual release of claims and a written acknowledgment that the physical demonstration was conducted by mutual agreement.”

Arthur went still.

“Mutual agreement?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did your client mention that he shoved me into a chair?”

“Mr. Bell, we’re not here to debate individual moments.”

“He punched at my face.”

“We understand emotions were running high.”

“He attacked me again after I told him to stop.”

The attorney paused.

“Mr. Bell, nobody benefits from escalating this matter.”

Arthur looked toward the photograph of Ruth on the counter.

“How much?”

There was a small change in the woman’s voice.

“Excuse me?”

“How much money are you offering?”

“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”

Nora’s eyes widened.

Arthur didn’t react.

The attorney continued.

“The offer would also include reimbursement for documented medical expenses.”

“And the charity?”

“I’m sorry?”

“The Red Door Project. The children. The storage rooms. Their Christmas deliveries.”

“That is a separate commercial matter.”

Arthur leaned back in his chair.

“Then you don’t have a settlement.”

“Mr. Bell, perhaps you should discuss this with legal counsel before refusing.”

“I will.”

“Then may I tell my client you’re considering the offer?”

“No.”

Arthur ended the call.

Nora stared at him.

“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars?”

“Apparently.”

“Dad, that’s serious money.”

Arthur nodded.

“Yes.”

“And you just turned it down?”

He removed the ice pack from his shoulder.

“She wasn’t paying me to settle the argument.”

“What was she paying you for?”

Arthur looked at his daughter.

“She was paying me to help them pretend it never happened.”

That afternoon, Emily called with worse news.

Her access to the mall’s internal management system had been suspended.