“The Trouts picked it up when they went to New Bedford for the dedication. Seems Harvey Brimmer’s story about Caleb Nye’s secret marriage was true. The book was part of a dowry he gave his daughter. It’s been in her family since then. They’d like it back after you’re done with it.”

Kurt gave Song a peck on the cheek, then got in the boat with Dooley. As the boat headed toward the mangroves, Song finally seemed to realize that Kurt was leaving. She waved her hand and shouted a thank-you.

“Too bad you got to leave Dr. Lee so soon,” Dooley said.

“That’s okay,” Austin said. “She’s got a young guy to keep her company.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Dooley said with real concern. “Anybody I know?”

“Probably not. His name is Caleb Nye.”

“Women,” Dooley muttered with a sad shake of his head.

Minutes later, they broke out of the mangroves into open water. Dooley goosed the throttle, and the boat raced across the blue-green waters of the bay to the distant mainland.