Page 58 of Seabreeze Library

Laughing, Ivy rose from the table. “Let’s go check on the Bookfest progress.”

As it turned out,Libby had left to work on her proposal for the city council, and Poppy returned to the inn. Reed’s crew finished the demolition, so the noise level ratcheted down a few notches.

The paper covering the floors crinkled as Ivy walked through, and the air was thick with the smell of dust and old wood. All around she could see evidence of progress.

Outside, she spied Poppy working on her laptop on the patio by the pool. She looked up when Ivy and Shelly neared.

“I hear the plans for the book festival are going well,” Ivy said. Patrons at Java Beach had eavesdropped, and word was already spreading.

Poppy’s eyes shimmered with happiness. “People are excited to get involved. Louise at the Laundry Basket said she’s having reading withdrawals since the library closed. She volunteered to manage the bake sale.”

“How kind of her,” Ivy said, looking over Poppy’s shoulder at the spreadsheet on her computer. She tapped an entry on the list. “For food trucks, call Marina at the Coral Cafe.”

“Will do,” Poppy said, adding to the list.

Ivy’s phone rang, and she brought it from her pocket to answer it. “Hello?”

A young man spoke, “This is Andrew Fields calling for Ivy Bay.”

“This is Ivy. Thanks for calling.”

“I’m in the car,” he said, sounding like he was on a speakerphone. “I’ll be brief. I understand you spoke to Viola and my mother. I’m driving back from a client meeting in San Diego, so I could meet you in Summer Beach on the way. The highway exit is coming up. I realize this is short notice, but would that work for you?”

“Of course, if you don’t mind meeting in a construction zone. We’ll be here.”

Ivy hung up, her faith in the impossible restored. “Andrew Fields will be here shortly. Let’s get the plans and that document.”

They filled in Poppy while they got ready to meet Andrew. “You work fast, Aunt Ivy.”

“This is only a preliminary talk.” Ivy didn’t want to raise hopes, even though Shelly could hardly contain her enthusiasm.

When Andrew arrived, Ivy met him in the foyer and led him to the patio where they sat by the pool. He was younger than she’d expected, probably Poppy’s age or a couple of years older. He had sandy hair, a lean physique, and eyes that held a seriousexpression. Overall, she had a positive impression of him, hardly surprising given who his mother and aunt were.

“This is quite the house,” Andrew said, taking it in. “Aunt Viola is a real history buff, and she’s told me about this place. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the gala. My work often requires overseas travel.”

“Viola was instrumental in driving the restoration.” Ivy introduced him to Shelly and Poppy. “My sister and my niece, who also manage the inn.”

“Nice meeting you,” Andrew said, his gaze resting on Poppy for a moment longer than necessary. He turned back to Ivy. “May I see what you told Viola about?”

Looking at him with a smile, Poppy unrolled the plans. “We found these plans hidden behind a wall. That’s not unusual around here.”

Andrew nodded. “My mother shared the backstory.”

“We also found this.” Ivy placed the two parts of the paper on the patio table. “We wondered if this might point toward a dormant, unclaimed account.”

He peered at the faded fountain pen script. “Those numbers could very well pertain to an account. Have you looked up this address?”

“It’s a bank in Switzerland,” Ivy replied.

Andrew read the notation. “‘Funds on deposit for the Summer Beach Library and Art Museum.’ That’s interesting, and it might have applied at one time. Is this all you have to go on?”

Ivy’s heart sank. This is what she feared, and she felt a little foolish. “All we’ve found so far. It’s not enough, is it?”

“We’ve worked with less,” Andrew replied. “It’s entirely plausible, but I want you to understand there may be difficulties.”

Still, Ivy asked, “Could you look into it?” She paused, biting her lip. “I’m sure your law firm is excellent, but I don’t have much money to put toward this.”

Andrew lifted a corner of his mouth. “Aunt Viola loves a good mystery, and since she put me through law school, I’m in no position to decline her wishes. This one’s on her. I can’t imagine it will take long. Do you have any documents that might establish ownership or heirs, such as a will, trust, or death certificate? Even old letters. Anything that might demonstrate intent.”

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