The parties exchanged documents, consulted accountants, and argued about the value of the old partnership interests.

Some records were too damaged or incomplete to answer every question.

Others were clear enough to establish that earlier assurances had been misleading.

Eventually the Mercer family reached a negotiated settlement, subject to the approvals required in that proceeding.

It included compensation and a written clarification of Ruth’s historic interest.

It did not resolve every moral question about Harold’s career or prove every story Frank had heard overseas.

Eleanor called Frank first.