Page 74 of Undercover Savior

I’d say there was more to it, but as it was only conjecture, I held my tongue.

While we ate, David and Gus reminisced about Christmases past, mostly from their childhoods. The stories they told had me giggling to the point of tears.

“May I get you anything else, Mrs. Drummond?” I asked when I noticed her empty plate.

“Mairi, please, dear. And no, I’m quite full, thank you.”

Her gaze traveled from my eyes to the locket. As though my arm had a will of its own, I reached up and fingered it.

“David arranged for Father Christmas to have this delivered this morning,” I said, winking at Gus.

“That’s not all he brought,” said David, pulling the watch from his trouser pocket and holding it out for them to see. “It has an inscription that reads, ‘For all our moments together.’” He reached over and took my hand, and I beamed.

“Mum, are you all right?” Gus asked.

I glanced over at her wide-eyed expression and pale face. “Yes, fine.” Her gaze remained focused on David’s gift. “Wherever did…?” Her voice trailed off like it had earlier.

“I saw it in an advertisement what seems like weeks ago. Your son was gracious enough to secure it for me, thus earning him the Father Christmas moniker.”

“It’s lovely. May I take a closer look?”

“Of course,” said David, handing it to her.

She studied the inscription.

“I’ve no idea who A and A are. The photo I saw of it wasn’t detailed enough for me to notice.”

She nodded but didn’t raise her eyes. “It’s quite old, but still works,” she mumbled.

David’s eyes met mine, then we both looked over at Gus.

“Have you seen the watch before, Mum?” he asked.

Her expression changed from reminiscent to startled. “Of course I haven’t,” she said, plastering what looked like a fake smile on her face.

“It seems you recognize it,” he pressed.

“I’ve seen one similar, is all.” She returned it to David. “It’s a lovely gift. They both are.”

“The locket was my mum’s,” he said. “But you already know that, given you found the photo of Sullivan.”

While she smiled, something about the watch appeared to have rattled her.

I fingered the locket. “I love it, and I never intend to take it off.”

“I see there are more gifts beneath the tree,” said Gus.

“You would take note of that,” David teased. “Are there any with your name?”

“Let’s go look, shall we?” I said, pushing away from the table. “Oh no, leave that right where it is,” I scolded when Mrs. Drummond picked up her plate.

“I’m happy to help.”

I put my hand on her arm. “And I’m happier to have you as our guest.”

Her eyes filled with tears she quickly blinked away. “I’m honored, my lady.”

“Tsk, tsk, Mairi. As I’ve said, please call me Sullivan.” I waved my finger, and she smiled.

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