“The Newport paper reported that the Mercer family ended every business venture tied to Grant’s firm.”

Caroline set the heavy green watering can on the stone step beside the back door.

“Did Grant sign the withdrawal notice himself?”

“His managing partner signed it,” Paige said.

“Grant left for Boston yesterday morning without filing any legal petitions or asking for custody rights.”

Caroline reached into her canvas tool tote and pulled out a long rectangular brass door plaque wrapped in thick white tissue paper.

She unfolded the paper, revealing polished gold lettering that caught the low orange sunlight coming through the courtyard gate.