“Water drawn from several large wells at the foot of Mt. Baldhead was pumped by large gasoline engines in the pump house up to a one-hundred-thousand-gallon reservoir at the top of Lone Pine Dune north of Mt. Baldhead, from which it flowed by gravity through pipes crossing beneath the river to buildings and street hydrants in the village,” Iris says, gesturing at a series of prettily designed panels that show Saugatuck at the turn of the century. “By the 1950s, water pumping and electrical generating functions had been moved to larger locations, and the building fell into disrepair. By 1970, the building’s heavy slate roof had pushed out the walls and broken the interior tie-rods. A portion of the west wall had fallen in, exposing the interior to the elements. Windows and doors were in bad shape, and much of the brickwork needed repair.”

She stops and looks me directly in the eyes. “My husband and I offered to lease the pump house from the village as a summer cottage in return for restoring the building. We became one of the first permanent lakeshore cottage families and helped save this building from demolition. I started the historical society and museum,” she says. “This building has now been designated as a Michigan Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Iris’s expression is curious now. “I know you don’t like me, but I’m not so different from you,” she says. “We love this town. We love its history. We want what’s best for it.”

Does she mean this? I think. Or is she saying it to get what she wants?

“An exhibit here averages about $15,000 to construct, and we operate on donations alone,” Iris continues. “We want the next generation to understand our town’s history and become its next stewards.” She stops. “Like your son.”

Oh, she’s good.

“Now, what is it I can help you with before we discuss a potential deal?” she asks.

“It’s Sadie Collins,” I say.

“Yes,” Iris says. “I would be very interested in her materials. They would be of great value here.” She stops. “So, what is it you need to make that happen? I’m guessing you’d like us to ease our restrictions on your fish house.”

I look at her. “I do,” I start, “but my request is actually of a more personal nature.”

Iris lifts an arched eyebrow. “I see.”

“I can’t get her out of my mind,” I admit. “I dream about her. I worry about what happened to her. I’ve researched her online, but I really can’t find out much information. I thought maybe...” I stop. “That you could help.”

“You need my help?” Iris asks, raising her other eyebrow.

“I do.”

“Okay, then,” Iris says with a definitive nod, her two wigs sliding oh so subtly. “Follow me.”