Cleaning house

Nefretiri

The atmosphere in the room changes slightly, and I wonder if I've won or lost any support. Gladys stares at me with a determined expression. Had she changed her position on what I'd done? Could I count on her support?

Two of the five counselors would be on my side if I could. However, I understood that I didn't owe them an explanation. Everyone made that clear last night, but I think it's a good idea to keep our relationship as amicable as possible.

It would take me a long time to learn everything I needed to know, and the last thing I wanted to do was make enemies of people who were so highly respected.

It'd be easier to explain that I had enough money to set up a long-term fund to cover everything, but I needed them to understand why I'd done it. 

They cared about the funds. I cared about something else.

"Elder David, may I ask you a personal question?" I try to keep my voice calm and gentle, not wanting to be overly emotional.