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could convince Grandpa Tanaka of his worthiness when James entered the kitchen, strode to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of pineapple juice. It was his go-to drink when he was stressed.
    â€œRough day, Dad?”
    James looked at his son, his lips pressed into a crooked grin.
    â€œIs it so obvious?”
    Leigh answered. “Your tie is undone, your hair is standing up because you've been running your hand through it, and you've just guzzled an entire can of juice in one gulp. I'd say you're stressed.”
    James sighed. “I haven’t had such a heated argument with my father since I was a teenager.” He pulled his tie off, and sat at the table with them. “What are you two working on?”
    â€œThe samurai virtues,” Andy offered.
    â€œWe looked up the samurai code or Bushido ,” Leigh continued. “We're trying to find a way to convince Grandpa he actually did uphold the samurai virtues and that he deserves to keep the swords, even though his father never officially gave them to him. We thought if we found examples in his life when he exhibited those virtues, he'd realize he's a good man.”
    James beamed. “That's great! I hope you can figure it out. He sure wouldn't listen to me.” He got up and paced again, raiding the cookie jar Lily always kept filled. Andy and Leigh shared a look. James was health conscious, and ate sweets only when he was nervous or upset.
    â€œI've never seen my dad so depressed.” James sighed. “He's always been so even tempered, go-with-the-flow. But when I refused to take the swords, he almost bit my head off.”
    James absently reached into the cookie jar for a second treat. “I ended up walking out on him. I've never done that before.”
    â€œSo the swords are still with Grandpa Tanaka?”
    â€œNo, I took them over to Mr. Kimura. I asked him to hang on to them until we get this resolved. I figured they were safer with a neutral party.”
    â€œGood idea,” Andy agreed.
    â€œGrandpa Tanaka trusts and respects Mr. Kimura,” Leigh added.
    â€œRight.” James finally settled at a chair next to Leigh. “So what have you found?”
    Andy handed the list to his father and sat back. “I guess I can understand how Grandpa feels. I wonder if I could ever earn the right.”
    James lowered the paper and regarded his son curiously. “Do you think you don't qualify?”
    â€œI'm not particularly strong. Or courageous. You and Mom have taught me about honesty and justice. But as for the rest—I think Craig is more in line with those.”
    â€œYour brother is fearless, but he can also be reckless. He was a powerhouse on the football field, but he spent more time in the doctor's office than anywhere else.”
    Andy laughed at his father's description of his younger brother.
    â€œSo he had a few broken bones. As an accountant, the worst injury I'll get is a paper cut or a staple in the finger.”
    James chuckled. “Well, if you can convince my dad he deserves to keep the swords, you'll be a hero in my book.” He rose and disposed of his empty juice container. “I'm tired. Guess I'll call it a day. Good night, Leigh. Thanks for helping out with this project.”
    â€œIt’s my pleasure, Mr. Tanaka.”
    * * * *
    When they reached her apartment, Leigh felt in her purse for her keys then thanked Andy.
    She skipped up the step, keyed her way into the building then climbed the stairs to her third floor apartment. But as soon as she opened the door and stepped into her living room, she knew something was wrong. Very wrong. The windows, which had been closed against the cool spring breezes, were open. An open bottle of Scotch and a half-filled glass sat on her coffee table. And her prized manga books lay in a torn heap on the floor.
    â€œSo, you finally decided to come home,” a voice behind her growled. She heard a boot connect with the door and it slammed