“We’ve had some high-profile people using the place. The position and security is always a draw.” Joanna showed her the kitchen, the study, a downstairs bedroom with doors opening onto the garden, and all Mel could think as she peeped and peered and gazed was that Joanna had erased the past. There was nothing of the old Otter’s Nest here. No memories. The old building with its cracked walls, peeling paintwork and broken shutters that didn’t quite close, the ugly cushions favored by Joanna’s stepmother—all gone, to be replaced by this sophisticated, stylish beach house.

Mel thought of her own home, crammed with memories of their life together as a family. Photos, awards, souvenirs they’d picked up on various vacations over the years. Eden’s early attempts at pottery that she couldn’t bring herself to throw away or even put in storage. Everything in the place told a story of the past.

Joanna’s house had no past. Joanna had basically wiped history.

She followed Joanna through the spacious living room and out onto the terrace.

The surroundings were more sophisticated, the garden well-tended and stocked with a profusion of colorful plants, but the view hadn’t changed.

Mel gazed at the ocean, just a few steps away. “The view is the same, obviously, but nothing else. There’s nothing of the old Otter’s Nest left.”

Joanna stiffened. “I don’t expect you to understand—”

“I understand. Just because we haven’t spoken for ages doesn’t mean I don’t understand. I don’t know who you are now, but I knew who you were then. And the old Otter’s Nest was part of then.” Mel walked to the edge of the terrace and looked back at the beach house nestling in lush gardens and framed by tall trees. “It’s stunning.”

“My stepmother thinks I butchered the place. She came out to look at it when the building was completed. She wrote to me and said my father would be turning in his grave.”

Horrible woman, Mel thought. “For what it’s worth, she’s wrong. Your father would have loved it.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. He was an enthusiast, and always chasing the next adventure. I can hear his voice now. He would have said, What a brilliant, exciting idea. Do it.”

“That’s exactly what he would have said. Thank you for that.” Joanna voice sounded scratchy and Mel glanced at her.

“He’d be pleased that you’re back.”

“Yes, I think he would.”

Mel frowned. “Are you all right?”

Joanna paused. “I haven’t talked about my father in years. It feels strange.”

Why wouldn’t she have talked about him?

“Have you seen your stepmother?”