“We don’t know that for sure,” Auntie Wang said. “The Carmen Crowe in that photo could be from another family altogether, though I don’t know of any other Crowes that came to Maui who weren’t related.”

“Sounds to me like she was definitely one of them,” Liam said. “If we could find this Carmen Crowe, she would be able to give us information about your mother’s family.”

Quinn’s head was spinning. How would her mother come to be close to someone with such a reputation of sorrow? Though it really wasn’t that far-fetched. Her mother had always been drawn to those in need.

Quinn felt there was even more to the story. Perhaps more tragedy but also details that the public didn’t know. Like her mother, she’d always cheered for the underdog, and though her heart broke for the Crowe family, she also felt for the Rochas who came later and probably wished they were not born under the shadow of Charles Rocha’s black deeds.

Liam stood. “Auntie Wang, we’ve been here a long time now, and we should go. You’ve got other commitments, I’m sure.”

She smiled as she stood and yawned. “You’re right. I have a committee meeting at the museum this afternoon, but first up is a short nap. Quinn, I will do some poking around about this Carmen Crowe character.”

“Thank you so much, Auntie Wang,” Quinn said. “And I’ll let you know if the Lineage registry finds anything concrete.”

Auntie Wang reached out and touched her hand. “I wanted to talk to you about that. I’ve been there, and I know how it feels to see a possible connection, then later find out it’s nothing. It’s devastating.”

She was right.

“Yes, I’m sure it would be,” Quinn said. “But it’s something I need to do.”

“It needs to be done, I agree,” Auntie Wang said. “But why don’t you turn it over to me and let me follow up on each lead? It will save you a fair amount of heartache, and when I find something that is a real connection, we can follow it together. There are more ways to look for your family too. If you have your birth certificate and your mother’s, I’d like to see them.”

Quinn considered her proposal. It sounded enticing. With all the emotions she was juggling at the moment, it might be nice to have a mediator to sort through everything.

“That would give you more time to help with the house before you leave,” Liam said, raising an eyebrow at her.

Quinn looked from him to the old woman. Liam had a point, and she couldn’t help but think about how good it felt to actually help with the remodeling of her own new home.