The lawman and the Kraus niece
Samuel Hawthorne is a Prohibition agent with a clean suit, a precise manner, and a reputation for knowing which doors require a warrant. Betty Hawthorne, born Kraus, is Cornelius's niece. The Hawthornes arrive after the opening social period, and their late arrival will cause comment: she was family, after all, and family expects to be remembered.
Betty knew Cornelius as an imposing, inconsistent uncle: generous when it suited him, infuriating when it did not, and forever convinced that loyalty was something to be tested. Samuel entered the family later and quickly learned that Cornelius kept his confidence close.
The family and estate circle: the executors, the Wrens, the Vales, the Crowes.
Prohibition agent with a suspiciously forgiving view of certain business dealings
A Prohibition agent with a suspiciously forgiving view of certain business dealings. Samuel has stayed welcome in rooms where information travels by enforcing the law selectively. His authority makes people nervous, and he knows a threat never carried out loses its value quickly.
Clipped, official, and watchful. Asks questions as if filling in a form and lets silences do the work. Occasionally reminds people, mildly, what his job is. Softens only around Betty, and visibly resents anyone who makes her a target.
Née Kraus; Cornelius's glamorous niece and heiress to part of the Kraus fortune
Née Kraus; Cornelius's glamorous niece and heiress to part of the Kraus fortune. Cornelius paid for her schooling, criticised her choices, and could make a compliment feel like an instruction. She expected clarity from his estate, not necessarily money, and she does not intend to be treated as an entitled heir.
Arrives with energy and apology, having clearly just come from somewhere. Talks about Cornelius as "Uncle" with equal parts exasperation and grief. Direct about wanting answers, defensive about wanting money. Quick to defend Samuel without explaining him.
Your private objectives, secrets, and leads are in the confidential dossier that opens with the word you receive at the door. Nothing on this page is secret.