Chapter 40

The next day . . .

Derek woke with a slight headache. He took a long hot shower, popped two aspirin, got dressed in a purple dress shirt and black slacks and headed downstairs. He walked to the dining room. He could smell food. He was starving.

He entered the room to see his mother, sister, and father who sat at the head of the table.

“I didn’t know you were coming over,” Deidre said.

“I came over last night. I slept here,” Derek said and sat down next to her. When he had lived with his parents, he sat to the right of his father and then it was Deidre. But since he had moved out ages ago, Deidre had taken that spot.

Breakfast was laid out on the table in stainless steel chafing dishes. Small flame burners underneath the chafing dishes kept the food warm.

His mother rang the little silver bell that was next to her.

Within seconds, the butler entered the room. “Yes, ma’am.” He wore a black s