The people who kept the machinery running
Thomas Wren has served the Kraus estate with the calm, opaque manner of a man who has seen too many private arrangements to be surprised by one more. Adelaide knows every corridor, habit, and household confidence Cornelius ever acquired. Neither is easily impressed, and both know this evening will be untidy.
Thomas drafted documents for the Kraus estate; Adelaide carried, filed, and protected the paper trail that made those documents matter. Between them, they know more about how Cornelius ran his affairs than anyone in the room, including the executors.
The estate circle: the executors, the Crowes, the Belleroses, the Vales.
Cornelius Kraus's precise and discreet estate solicitor
Cornelius Kraus's precise and discreet estate solicitor. Thomas answers questions exactly as asked and not one word further. He is valuable to the room because he has papers, and vulnerable for the same reason.
Precise to the point of pedantry. Answers the question asked and not one word more, often with "I can confirm" or "I am not in a position to say." Keeps his hands folded. Corrects dates and names in other people's stories, gently.
French-born steward of the Kraus household, trusted with its most private affairs
French-born steward of the Kraus household, trusted with its most private affairs. Adelaide ran Cornelius's house and, by extension, a good part of his life. She prefers kindness without applause and notices who reacts when certain names are mentioned.
Quiet, observant, and impossible to fluster. A faint French accent, formal address ("Monsieur," "Madame"), and a steward's habit of noticing what everyone needs before they ask. Deflects questions about the household with a polite "That was not mine to know.
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.