When everyone sat back down, the mood lightened and they ate the cakes and sandwiches. Anthony explained about Essie’s generous donation to the museum in her will. “If you or your clients can contribute items for display, it will certainly be appreciated,” he said.

Chatter rose up, laughter started, and they all talked about Essie and her books until the sky grew black outside.

As the last of the champagne was being sipped, Anthony ushered Liv to the corner of the room. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he said. “I suppose you could call it the last part of Essie’s wish.”

She exaggerated a sigh. “Haven’t we had enough of these things?”

“You might want to hear me out,” he said. “I found something written in Essie’s yellow notebook, a small note. She’d like you to receive a co-credit for her book. It means you’d receive part of her advance and royalties when enough copies are sold. Olivia Green could sit next to Essie Starling on the cover.”

Liv held her breath and clamped her eyes shut. She pictured her name in shiny raised letters. It was what she’d always dreamed of. But something, deep down, told her this wasn’t the right way.

“The advance and royalties would help my family out no end. But let’s keep my name off the cover and not confuse things for Essie’s fans,” she said. “It’s Essie’s book. I helped Georgia to find a new path, and I’m happy knowing that. I’ve actually always been fascinated by the acknowledgments in books...”

“Are you sure? Please take your time to think about it.”

She shook her head at him. “We really need to find a new relationship,” she said. “This solicitor-cleaner thing isn’t working for me.”

“Hmm.” Anthony rubbed his chin. “It might be a tricky habit to break.”

“Give it a try. I think that would be part of Essie’s wish.”

“Ah, I think so, too.”

“Are we really agreeing on something?” Liv said. “It feels kind of weird.”

Anthony gave her a hug. “Yes, but also very nice at the same time.”

37

FRESH SNOW

A few weeks later, in early December, snow fell heavily as Liv headed toward Essie’s apartment for the last time ever. She wore her jeans, boots and a bobble hat, and her breath clouded the air.

She took her favorite shortcuts along the back streets where last night’s pizza crusts and coffee cups were covered with a layer of white. The snowy coating made the city look like it was snoozing under a duvet, not yet ready to wake up. She loved the sensation of her feet squeaking and crunching, and she looked back over her shoulder to admire her fresh footprints.