Paige was standing by the long oak drafting table, sorting rolled tracing paper into tall cardboard tubes.

“The fish market manager came by with the final payment for the dining counter redesign,” Paige said, holding up a paper envelope.

“Eight hundred dollars, free and clear.”

Caroline placed her handbag on the workbench and unlatched her leather drafting case, laying out her German steel bow compasses, ivory scale rulers, and heavy brass parallel straightedge.

“What are you doing with your personal tools, Caroline?” Paige asked, tucking a pencil behind her right ear.

“An architectural supplier on Broad Street offered nine hundred dollars for the precision set,” Caroline said, wrapping the instruments in a piece of soft flannel cloth.