CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR - The Unraveling Threads of Family Ties

"I'm quitting my job," George repeated, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "I've been an accountant for thirty years, Ava. Thirty years of spreadsheets and tax forms and... and... boredom! But no more!" "Dad, I don't understand. If you're unhappy at work, maybe you could look for a different position in accounting, or-" George shook his head vehemently. "No, no, you're not getting it. I'm not just changing jobs. I'm changing careers. I'm going to become... a professional mini-golf champion!" Ava stared at her father, waiting for the punchline. When it didn't come, she managed to choke out, "A what?" "A professional mini-golf champion!" George's eyes were alight with enthusiasm. "You know how I've always loved our family mini-golf outings. Well, it turns out there's a whole professional circuit out there! Tournaments, sponsorships, the works!" "Dad," Ava said slowly, trying to keep her voice calm, "have you really thought this through? I mean, can you even make a living