Hallie Knight is summoned to a historic seaport town by Nicholas Trench, the critically ill grandfather of her former college roommate. Months earlier, Trench's granddaughter Susan mysteriously disappeared from his home and all attempts to learn her fate have failed. He feels that if anyone can find Susan, it will be this woman who was his granddaughter's closest friend.If Hallie is to succeed, though, it won't be with the help of the suspicious relatives who surround the old man. With Susan out of the picture, who among them stands to inherit Trench's money? And why does Hallie suddenly feel so vulnerable in this outwardly peaceful seaside town?