He walked out through the French doors, his two associates joining him as they disappeared into the dark gardens.

Nathaniel Vale gathered his briefcase.

“I must go prepare the filing for the probate court,” Nathaniel said.

“Elias, will you come with me?”

Elias looked at me, his eyes bright behind his thick glasses.

He reached out and took my hand.

His fingers were rough and warm.

“You did well, Valerie,” he said.

“Your mother would be very proud.”

“Go home and rest, Grandfather,” I said.

“I will see you tomorrow afternoon.”

He nodded, and then he and Nathaniel walked out of the library, leaving the door open behind them.

Only Julian and I remained.

The desk lamp cast long shadows across the empty bookshelves.

“Do you want me to leave?” Julian asked.

“No,” I said.

“I want to see the terrace.”

I walked out through the open French doors, into the cool night air.

The rain was slowing down, turning into a fine mist that settled on my face.

I walked to the stone balustrade and looked out over the lawn.