“Doubtful. When it comes to bones, around here they call them ‘ancient’ instead of ‘fresh’ if they’re not from a new death. Like if they didn’t wash ashore because of something that happened a few days ago or even a month. If it’s been around a while, it’s considered old news. Ancient.”

“Okay. So if it’s fresh and not ancient, they’ll have to investigate.”

“Right. They’ll need to figure out if it was an accident or . . . foul play.” At least he hadn’t said “murder.”

“I don’t know much,” Annie said, “but it looks to me as if, yes, that bone’s been around a while. If they determine that it’s ancient, why will that be a problem for us?”

Earl sighed. “Native people, dear girl. In addition to the ME and the archeologist, the state police have to notify the tribe about your find. On Chappy—or anywhere on the island—it would most likely be Wampanoag. In which case, the bone will be turned over to them. No matter how old it is or isn’t.”

Annie stirred her tea. “So . . . what am I missing? Why would that be a problem for us?”

“Well, for one thing, it’s going to take time to determine who this guy was—assuming it’s a guy.”

“Detective Sloan said it could be from an animal.”

Earl shook his head. “That’s no animal, Annie. He might have told you that because he thought you’d be less upset. But nope. That’s a human skull. Or I’d guess about half of one. But no matter what, right now, we’ll have to stop construction.”

Impatience began a slow burn inside her. “Why? What does this have to do with the Inn?” She wondered if her voice had been too loud.

Earl cleared his throat. Again. “Here’s the short version: we might be sitting on sacred land, Annie. If your skull is Wampanoag, they have to make sure it didn’t come from an old burial ground. Also, if it really is ancient, as in the ‘old’ kind of ancient like that Kennewick guy, our property might be declared a historic site. In either case, it means there’s going to be a ream of red tape. And we need to be prepared for the worst.”

“The ‘worst’ being?”

He took a long drink of coffee. “The worst will be we won’t be allowed to have an Inn here at all.”