Daniel Jeffers calling the meeting to order. “The purpose of this meeting is to better understand our financial resources available right now and to develop a plan to seek outside assistance if we need it.” Astrid sat at the back of the room to make it easier to leave if she needed to. Her mor was sitting beside her, and Penny, the Garrisons, Sophie, Kaaren, and Mrs. Jeffers were there too. Astrid was surprised Hildegunn wasn’t present. She turned her attention to the front, where a table was set up. Daniel, Hjelmer, Thorliff, and Mr. Valders looked out over those assembled. “We asked Anner Valders and Hjelmer to prepare a statement of the bank funds.” He nodded toward Anner Valders, who stood up. Anner cleared his throat. While the worst of the redness from the burns had left his face, he still looked rather strange—hairless and patchy. His right hand was covered in a bandage. Astrid wondered how bad his hand was burned.
