Liv looked down at the paper. Everything felt so final and real, even clinical. Essie’s life and achievements had been condensed to one sheet of paper. “I know of a beautiful article where fans share stories about what Essie’s books mean to them,” she said. “We could add a link to it in her obituary.”

“Good idea.” Anthony nodded. “Who wrote it?”

“Chloe Anderton from Sheen.”

“The journalist who was digging for info on Essie?” he said, furrowing his brow.

“I think you should read it. It’s very touching, and people can change.”

Anthony thought for a moment. “Okay, I believe you.”

Liv’s heartstrings tugged when she thought about Hank receiving the news. “I’d like to tell Hank Milligan personally,” she said.

“Yes, whatever you think is best.”

He ceremoniously turned over the first piece of paper. Last Will and Testament was typed on the page. “And that brings us to Essie’s will,” he said.

Liv’s stomach clenched when she saw it. Over five months ago, she and Anthony had sat in a coffee shop together and he delivered Essie’s last wish to her. And now they were here, trying to wrap everything up with a neat bow. She clutched the tie in her pocket for comfort.

“There’s a lot of legal jargon involved,” Anthony said. “Although I know you’ll understand it perfectly, it is rather long-winded. So, I won’t read out the entire document to you. I have other beneficiaries to contact, too.”

He ran a hand through his hair. The tuft he left on top somehow made him more human. “Suffice to say, as the executor of Essie’s will, I am to oversee all the administration and financial arrangements relating to her estate. Essie has bequeathed the vast majority of her assets to the Museum of Writing in Manningham. She requests that a contemporary writer’s room be set up in her name, and also that a series of bursaries are made available for writers in underrepresented communities.”

He continued. “After her death is announced I shall set up a meeting with the curator and the museum board to inform them of Essie’s generous gift.” He looked up at Liv. “You previously mentioned a lack of modern exhibits. How do you think Essie should be best represented in the museum?”

Liv thought about what she’d like to see. “What about setting up a replica of her writing room?” she said. “It was the place she spent most of her time. Readers would love to see where she wrote about Georgia Rory.”

“Perfect. I knew you’d have a great idea.” Anthony cracked a smile. “Would you like to be involved with the project at all? It’d be fantastic to have you on board.”

She blinked hard at him. “Are you offering me a job?”