Chapter 27: Pound of Flesh

Since the divorce, the entire Qaid family sat around the dining room table for the first time. Jessie wasn't sure how to have this conversation. She reconsidered inviting a mediator or therapist to lead the session, but she supposed it was too late now. David was here, and it was time she and the children had clarity and closure.

So she began. "You all know why we are here. This isn't a blame game. It's not a reconciliation or an attempt at redemption. I recommend full disclosure. Ask whatever questions are pressing on you. Make whatever statements you may have swallowed back. Be respectful, but don't let empathy keep you from saying what needs to be said. Does that make sense: Can we all agree?" She looked from Steph to Jakara to Liam to David, who all seemed more interested in their hands than her, but they nodded.

"Who wants to start?" Jessie asked.