Page 1 of One Last Secret

PROLOGUE

“It’s quite beautiful, though, isn’t it, Mary?”

I look over the canvas and try to think of a diplomatic way to respond to Annie. I enjoy art as much as anyone, but my sister has a love for it that goes beyond simple enjoyment. Still, I can't for the life of me see how a few intersecting shapes painted in primary colors can command the same reverence as the sculptures of Raphael or the murals of Michelangelo. Surely, the Mona Lisa is a better example of a masterpiece than what looks to me like a child's drawing.

Eventually, I chose a non-answer. "It's really something."

She smiles at me. “You don’t like it.”

It’s not a question, and there’s no point in denying it. “I don’t understand it,” I explain. “It’s just shapes and colors.”

“Everything is just shapes and colors.”

“Yes, but… you know what I mean.”

“I do. Come on, let’s go look at the pottery. Those have different shapes and different colors!”

I roll my eyes, but I start laughing as Annie pulls me along.

"Now boarding all military members, passengers with disabilities, and members of our Admiral's Club."

The announcement pulls me from my memories. My group won’t board for a few more minutes, but I stand and gather my things anyway. My companion frowns at me. “Why are you getting in line already? We’re not boarding until group two. That’s at least five more minutes.”

“I might be five minutes early?” I reply. “Perish the thought.”

My companion, Sean O’Connell, rolls his eyes. “Well, I’ll sit if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. After all, you only have six and a half hours to sit on the flight. Then only two hours to sit for the drive to Monterey.”

“Have I ever told you that you have a lovely gift for sarcasm? Perhaps instead of a career as a detective, you should consider a career in film?”

“I’m not a detective, I’m a governess.”

“Who has solved four murders and is now attempting in earnest to solve a fifth.”

“We don’t know that she was murdered,” I remind him, my tone sharp.

He lifts his hands placatingly. “Right. Sorry. A disappearance.”

My sister Annie vanished without a trace thirty years ago. The police looked for her for several weeks before telling me and my parents that there was no evidence. Not just not enough to continue the investigation. No evidence at all.

I’ve spent the past thirty years convinced that answers are out there, but only within the past two years have I made an effort to find her, and only within the past few months have I pursued that in earnest. It’s the reason I hired Sean in the first place.

As for me being a detective and not a governess…

“I’m only behaving as any decent person should. When one is made aware of the fact that innocent people are being denied the justice they deserve, one should do whatever is in their power to bring them that justice, no?”

Sean sighs. “Let’s not argue, Mary.”

I press my lips together and turn away. This is a common disagreement between us. In four of my past five places of employment, I have been thrust into scandals and forced to solve murders. Sean would argue that I take it upon myself to solve murders.

But what am I to do? Should I just look away as everyone else has done and let their memories fade to dust? Should I let my sister fade to dust?

You did for twenty-eight years. Why change now?

Fortunately, the gate agent calls our group to board, and I’m able to push those thoughts to the background and board our flight. Sean and I take our seats in the cramped aircraft, and I wish that I’d spent a little more money for business class tickets. The older I get, the more legroom matters to me.

“Not bad for steerage, eh?” Sean says, settling into the seat next to me.

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