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sputtered.
    â€œRight, my sister, or better put, Madeline’s daughter.” He rested the phone on his lap and used both hands to rub his head. “Madeline’s children never considered me a brother. We might share the same Mitchell bloodline, but there’s no love between us,” he said, actually kind of disappointed.
    â€œI didn’t realize the two of you talked.”
    He gazed at her and roared, “We don’t. She was calling to chew me out about not supporting Zarah during the pregnancy.”
    Sheba’s eyebrows arched. “I see,” she said. “I can tell that was awkward.”
    Joel lay back on the seat and pulled Sheba with him. He swiped his fingertips across his forehead. “It was, but you know, she has a point.” Sheba rested her head on his shoulder. “I don’t like Tamara calling me and barking out orders, but I respect her boldness.” He wrapped his arm around Sheba. “There’s something to be said about a woman who speaks her mind. Tamara is rough around the edges and, apparently, doesn’t respect boundaries. She’s definitely Madeline’s daughter. Whew, for sure. My goodness; I feel sorry for Don, having to deal with both of them at DMI. Now, there’s a job I wouldn’t want,” he said, finding the idea humorous.
    Sheba patted his chest. “I’m glad she didn’t upset you.”
    â€œNah, I’m not upset. Confused, yes, but not upset. Maybe this is God’s way of pushing me toward I-94 sooner rather than later. I guess it’s time to go home,” he said. “Heaven help me.”

Chapter 7
    If it wasn’t Joel wearing on her nerves, it was Madeline. Tamara traipsed through the DMI lobby and took the elevator upstairs. With each step she second-guessed her decision about coming to the building. Her mother had called a few hours ago, before eight o’clock, and had asked Tamara to stop by. There had been a sense of urgency in the request, which made Tamara nervous. The last time they’d spoken, Madeline was being Madeline, trying to shove her plans down Tamara’s throat. The impending tension blanketed Tamara, causing her to shiver upon exiting the elevator. Instinct said to turn around, press the ground level button, and get out of there while she had a chance. Tamara stood out in the open, completely vulnerable. Against her better judgment, she entered her mother’s office, sure this was leading to doom.
    â€œI see you made it,” Madeline said, sitting at her desk. Don was in the office too.
    â€œOh my, the two of you together is probably not good for me. Is this an intervention?” Tamara asked, flinging her jacket and purse over the back of a guest chair located in front of the desk.
    Don gave her a hug. Madeline was poised to give her one too, but Tamara dodged the gesture by tossing an air kiss in her mother’s direction. It wasn’t that Tamara had a problem with receiving affection from her mother. In this case, Tamara was determined to maintain her resolve and not let Madeline wear her down with words and gestures before getting out what she had to say. Her feeling of being in the wrong place was still there.
    Madeline rushed over to Tamara and hugged her tightly. “Girl, get over here. The days of blowing me a kiss are long gone. You were gone far too long. I have a lot of years to make up, which means I’m going to hug my daughter every chance I get,” she said, tightening her embrace. “You might as well get used to it.”
    What had made Tamara think her mother was going to let her slip into a chair at the conference table without incident? Tamara had to finally force herself free from the extended hug.
    â€œLet’s meet at the table,” Madeline said. Don joined them.
    â€œOkay Mother, let’s cut out the small talk. Why did you summon me?”
    â€œHave a seat. Can I get you some coffee?” Madeline