Arthur looked past my shoulder toward the quiet line of trees behind the cottage.

“Richard signed a formal plea deal with the federal prosecutor this morning,” Arthur said quietly.

“He agreed to three years of federal supervision and full repayment.

Evelyn wasn’t charged, but she signed a waiver giving up every legal claim to Ethan’s estate.”

He reached into his vest pocket, took out a small brass key on a steel ring, and dropped it into my hand.

“That opens the safe-deposit box at the Main Street bank,” Arthur said.