“We can certainly assist with that,” Harper said.

“The tax benefits will be substantial, at least,” Harper said.

“I don’t care about the tax benefits,” I said.

“I just want the trees to stay standing,” I said.

The troopers led Graham down the hallway.

Alden Vale stood up and gathered his remaining papers.

“I will be going with them to the station, Sarah,” Alden said.

“I will tell them everything,” Alden said.

“Thank you, Alden,” I said.

“Don’t thank me,” Alden said.

“I should have done this the day your grandmother died,” Alden said.

He walked out of the room, leaving me alone with Harper.

Below the window, the police cars began to back down the driveway.

Their blue lights flashed against the dark green boxwoods.

I watched them go until the sound of their engines faded.

The house was suddenly very quiet.

The old grandfather clock in the hall ticked steadily.

I walked down the stairs and out onto the stone porch.

The autumn air was crisp and smelled of damp earth and fallen leaves.

The forty-eight acres of Blackthorn Ridge stretched out before me.