His Greatest Sin
"Oh? Is his term up?"
"Yes, ma'am. The word is he performed exceptionally in Alaska. The Moretti council has already reinstated him as head of the family."
"I see." I nodded, my tone as flat as if we were discussing the weather. "The roses are looking lovely today. Have the gardener give them extra water."
The butler hesitated, then understood. "Yes, ma'am."
Some people's return was, indeed, less important than the flowers in the garden.
A week later, I ran into him at the city art gallery.