Vance said.

“They require the full balance before admission.”

Caroline picked up her purse and stood up from the wooden chair.

“I’ll secure the deposit,” Caroline said.

Caroline opened the front door of the Seabrook Living design studio on Mill Street at four thirty.

Paige Miller was standing by the long oak drafting table, sweeping pine shavings into a galvanized dustpan.

Paige tucked a yellow pencil behind her right ear and looked up as Caroline walked inside.

“The manager from the coastal diner dropped off the contract deposit,” Paige said cheerfully, holding up a paper receipt.