The glass doors were locked, and the brass plaque had been removed from the lobby wall.

I stood in the office that had belonged to my mother’s family.

Arthur Vance stood near the window, holding a brown folder.

“The transition is complete, Avery,” he said.

He handed me the documents.

I looked at the signature line on the trust agreement.

The name Prescott was gone.

The assets had been transferred under my mother’s maiden name.

“What will you do with the estate in the suburbs?” Arthur asked.

“I have already put it on the market,” I said.

“And the baby?” he asked.

“He will grow up far away from here,” I said.

He smiled slightly and nodded.

“Your mother would be proud of you,” he said.

He tipped his hat and walked out of the office.

I looked out the window at the Chicago skyline.

The rain had stopped.

A thin line of sunlight was visible over the lake.

I picked up my coat and my bag.

I walked to the elevator and pressed the button.

The doors opened, and I stepped inside.