“The custody is a matter of public record but not details like that,” Cal said. “For example, it is not accessible public record how much was inherited or how much insurance was paid. We can’t look up each other’s bank balances. But can that information be found out? When people talk, it can.”

“None of us would.”

“You told me there was a trust,” Helen said.

“But I never said how much,” Hannah said. “I just said it seemed generous unless Noah wanted to go to medical school or something.”

“No worries, I haven’t mentioned its existence to anyone,” Helen said. “But we should all stretch our brains. Find out what the connections are between Victoria and Noah’s future. The babysitter? Someone in Erin’s legal practice? A neighbor? Because the one thing that is undeniable—Victoria Addison didn’t come out of the woodwork until weeks after her daughter’s death. Something changed. It’s possible what changed is she found out there was money.”

Cal looked at her and gave a sly smile. “Helen, would you like to work for me?”

“My mind just works that way,” Helen said. “It frightens Sully to death.”

* * *

Hannah knew all about Roger Addison’s record in the criminal justice system but she knew next to nothing about Victoria. Cal thought it might be good for all of them to know more—like how she earned her money, spent her time and entertained herself—some of the minor details that wouldn’t make it into legal documents that were a matter of public record. He and one of the freelance investigators who served his law practice were right on it, hoping to pull together a better profile before visitation began.

Hannah thought it would be a good idea to talk with Noah. As usual he was extremely mature and accepting. “I have a grandma, then?” he asked. “I thought so.”

“And she wants to meet you,” Hannah said. “In a couple of weeks we’re inviting her over. You can spend an hour or two with her.”

“Is she nice?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Hannah said. “I guess we’ll find out. It’s for a short time, just because you don’t know each other and she wants to know you. I’ll be with you and Owen will be near. Maybe you can introduce her to Romeo and show her how to fish.”

“What if Romeo knocks her in the lake?” he said, showing Hannah a devilish grin.

“Do you remember your mom saying anything about your grandma?” Hannah asked.

“I think they didn’t like each other that much,” he said. “But is she mean?”

“I only met her for a few minutes, Noah, and she seemed nice. But don’t worry—we’re all going to visit with her together. She’ll be perfectly nice because if she’s not, she won’t be asked to stay for lunch. How’s that?”

“Probably a good idea,” he said. “Owen better show her how to fish. Maybe I can show her how I can swim.”

“Your swimming is impressive, that’s for sure,” Hannah said. “Since she lives in Minneapolis, I don’t think there will be many visits.”

“But, Hannah, you live in Minneapolis,” he said. “Hey, maybe we should just stay here!”

“Clever, Noah. I just haven’t figured out how I’m going to support us if I don’t go back to my job. If I don’t work, how do I pay the bills and buy groceries? How much do you like food?”

“Not that much,” he said, grinning.

* * *

Just a few days before their first meeting, the last week in July, Owen surprised them with news of visitors. “I hope this doesn’t complicate an already complicated situation. Sheila, her husband, Lucas, and their daughters want to come for quick visit.”

“That’s great, Owen. I’ll welcome the distraction, won’t you?”

“I won’t let it distract me,” he said.

“This is new territory for me,” she said. “I’ve never met an ex-wife before.”

“No? Well, there’s a chance you’re going to like her more than you like me,” Owen said.

“I promise I won’t,” she said.

But as the visit approached she found herself feverish with excitement. When they pulled up to the house, Owen and Noah were on the dock. Owen secured their lines and poles and followed Noah safely off the dock. Romeo was barking at the car and dancing around in excitement because he believed anyone who was coming to the house was coming to see him.

It was Sheila who jumped out of the car first and ran to Owen, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him closely. She was so beautiful. Hannah wasn’t surprised by her appearance—she’d googled the heck out of Sheila Abrams and had watched a couple of YouTube videos of her on talk shows so she already knew she was breathtaking and extremely well-spoken. The sight of her in the flesh did bring a few surprises—like her height. She was probably six feet tall. Her hair was strawberry blond, her skin pale and freckled, and even from a distance Hannah could see Sheila’s green eyes dance. Owen whirled her around, apparently not the least intimidated by Sheila’s husband getting out of the car. Nor by Hannah standing nearby.

Then Sheila looked him over. She put her hands on his trim waist, measuring. She said something that made him roar with laughter. Then she bent at the waist to look at Noah.

“Well, hello there,” she said. “You must be Noah.”

“I am. Owen said it’s okay to call you Sheila.”

“Indeed it is, that’s my name. And may I call you just Noah? Or should it be Mr. Noah? Or Sir Noah?”

He giggled. “Just Noah. I haven’t been knighted yet.”

“A real smarty-pants, aren’t you?” she said. “I’m sure if being a knight is your goal, you will have no trouble achieving it. And where’s Hannah?”

“I’m right here,” Hannah said, coming up behind her. “It’s so nice to meet you, Sheila.”

“Oh, sweetheart, it’s so nice to meet you!” And she opened her arms and enfolded Hannah in an embrace. Even though Sheila was tall and slim, her embrace was warm, soft and filled with affection. Hannah didn’t want her to let go. It was hard to reconcile, this brilliant attorney who could live in the cold world of fighting human trafficking and yet be so gentle and filled with love.

“Well, old man, looks like you’re surviving,” Lucas said, stretching out a hand to Owen.

Hannah peeked to find Owen and Lucas were shaking hands and grinning like old friends. They each clapped the other’s upper arm, making it almost a man hug. She realized she’d never seen any pictures of Lucas. He was Latino with thick black hair and the slightest touch of gray over his ears. His complexion was tan and showed the evidence of earlier acne, yet he was ferociously handsome. Unlike the slim Owen and Sheila, he was a man with muscles—broad across his chest, strong in the shoulders, legs like tree trunks and big hands.

“And you’re Hannah,” he said, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

“Oh! You must have sisters!” Hannah exclaimed, letting him hold on to her hand. His handshake was firm but gentle.

“Four,” he said, grinning. He had a lot of large straight white teeth. “They made sure I was educated in how to never crush a woman’s hand!”

The little girls, occupied with Romeo, slowly made their way over. Introductions were made. Jenny was six and Amber was seven and both of them had their father’s dark good looks and black hair. After having seen pictures of Brayden, it was obvious that he had inherited a lot of his mother’s fairness. But these girls favored their father. They had an exotic beauty.

There were suddenly a million things Hannah wanted to know about these people. How had they managed to keep their relationships in the right spaces and remain close after all they’d endured? How had this couple managed to divorce and recouple on such lovely terms? They carried on without jealousy or misery, without longing or anger, yet they’d been through so much hardship. Hannah had never seen the like.

“How about something to eat? To drink?” Owen offered.

“We stopped for snacks for the girls and they’ve been eating nonstop since we left the airport, but I will arm wrestle you for a cold beer.”

“No need to get physical, Lucas. I’m all stocked up. And, madam?”

“Any cold and very expensive woody chardonnay will keep me from complaining,” Sheila said.

“She’s always had expensive taste,” Owen told Hannah.

“I hope you’re prepared,” Hannah said, looping an arm around his waist.

“I have a wine cellar!”

“I hope it’s full!” Sheila said. “I’m on vacation.”

“Let’s get your stuff,” Owen said. “Work before pleasure.”

* * *

It was as though they’d all known each other for years, Hannah thought. Well, in fact they had, except for Hannah and Noah, who were newcomers. Sheila and Lucas put their things in their room and then, while the adults settled on the porch, the kids were all over the place. Noah was keeping up, though he used his crutches. They were inside, outside, they even tried going onto the dock until the adult voices yelled, “Hey! Off the dock!”

“Noah can’t be on that dock without an adult. With his braces and heavy shoes—he’ll sink like a rock,” Owen said. “And he has. Romeo knocked him in the first day he was here.”

“Jenny and Amber can swim. A little,” Sheila said.

“I’ve got plenty of life jackets. And fishing poles. When the weather warms up tomorrow afternoon, we can all fish and get wet,” Owen replied.

Owen had been thinking ahead and had a spaghetti casserole ready for dinner. Kids always loved spaghetti. By the time that was devoured, all three kids were in need of baths or showers, so dirty and gamey from play. By the time they were in pajamas, the dishes were done and Owen had lit the fire in the yard. The three kids were inside sharing the couch in front of a movie.