Now she was. Someone else would take over her botany class at Blackstone College while she embarked on the challenges of original research, publication, and laboratory work. Someday she would like to return to Blackstone College as a botany professor, but first she had to earn that privilege by proving herself at New York University.

School started next month, and today her only task was to help Liam toilet train his dog. One of the first things Liam did after taking ownership of the Black Rose was to send for his beloved, slobbery bulldog, who was going to be living on the yacht with them. A box of gravel was set out near the stern of the ship, and they walked laps around the deck while waiting for the dog to do its business.

They rounded the bow of the ship, where the view overlooked the marina. The sun was just beginning to set, and Gwen spotted a familiar figure loping across the pier toward them.

“Tell me that isn’t who I think it is,” she said.

“Uncle Mick,” Liam confirmed in a grim voice. “That’s his wife walking beside him. Guard your wallet. They’re both crooks and desperate for cash.”

The publication of Mick’s memoir had been canceled. Since Liam’s return, it was obvious the memoir was a pack of lies. There were no Italians who’d kidnapped little Willy Blackstone. There was no unjust prosecution. Mick had kidnapped Willy Blackstone, then passed him off to his cousin when the police closed in on the Five Points. Crocket hated the Blackstones enough to hold on to the boy, raising him in the same dingy conditions the rest of the workers in the steel industry endured.

“Don’t even let them onboard,” Gwen advised. “You’re a respectable man of business now, and consorting with shady people can ruin your reputation.”

Liam ignored her pleas and lowered the gangway. Five minutes later, Mick and his blowsy wife were onboard, craning their necks to admire the fine brass fittings and elegant deck furnishings. Mick was rail-thin, his wife a little plump and bedraggled, and they both lugged overstuffed canvas satchels.

“We heard you’d moved aboard,” Mick said. “It seems to me you’ll be lonely here. Do you suppose you’ve got a room for me and Ruby?”

Liam folded his arms across his chest. “Forget it. No room at the inn.”

“You can’t just turn us away,” Mick protested. “We’re family. You owe us.”

Liam’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t owe you anything. You and Crocket ruined most of my life, but no more. From this day forward, my name is Liam Blackstone. And if you ever try to come near me or touch anything else I own, I’ll set the law on you.”

Mick sputtered in outrage. “We don’t have anything left! They canceled my book.”