"On that note," Jed Whitlow said, "I'd say it's time for lunch. Tonight we'll barbecue," he told everyone, and glanced at Max and Regan. "The first night of these meetings we like to relax with a good meal and a glass of bourbon. Or whatever your alcohol of choice is."
"Sounds good to us," Max told him.
Anna Whitlow pushed back her chair and stood up. "As usual, we've had everything else catered. It will only take a few minutes to get it all on the table."
"I suggest you all stretch your legs," Jed told them. "Return any business calls you need to. Whatever. Give us fifteen minutes."
"I think we'll step out to the patio," Max said to no one in particular. "You all have been here before, but we'd love to look around."
"Help yourselves," Jed told them. "Just be careful of the wildlife and the snakes."
They can't be any worse than the snakes in this room, Regan thought.