Page 40 of Mai Tais and Murder

“What kind of work was he doing?” Michael asked.

“He is a journalist,” Mel supplied, and Helen admired how steady her voice remained. “Sports mostly.”

“Cool,” Michael’s attention immediately shifted. “Did he know any famous players?”

The conversation drifted to safer topics, but Helen caught Diane watching her thoughtfully once or twice. Luckily, her daughter didn’t press for more details about their Hawaiian adventure. Later, as they gathered dishes for dessert, Diane cornered Helen in the kitchen. “You know,” she said quietly. “Whatever really happened in Hawaii, I’m glad you had Mel with you.”

Helen paused in slicing the apple pie. “What makes you think anything happened?”

Diane smiled, looking so much like her younger self that Helen’s heart ached. “Because I know you, Mom. And I’ve seen enough cop shows to know that ‘missing laptops’ don’t usually require this much careful explanation.”

Before Helen could respond, Mel appeared with a stack of dirty plates. “Need any help?”

“Perfect timing,” Diane said. “You can help Mom with the pie while I make coffee.”

As they worked side by side, Helen felt Mel’s familiar presence like a comfort. They moved in easy synchronization, gathering plates and forks, adding whipped cream to each slice. “Your family is wonderful,” Mel murmured. “Thank you for sharing them with me.”

Helen touched Mel’s arm, remembering their Hawaiian adventure, the trust they’d built, the secrets they kept together. “Thank you for being someone I want to share them with.”

The evening wound down with the twins fighting sleep on the couch, while Sarah had disappeared into her room, claiming homework called. Tom and Diane curled together in the loveseat, looking content. Helen sat back, taking in the scene, marveling at how naturally Mel fit into this tableau of family life. “Next time,” Diane said as they prepared to leave. “You’ll have to stay the weekend. The twins especially would love it.”

“We’d like that,” Helen replied, hugging her daughter close. Over Diane’s shoulder, she saw Mel accepting shy hugs from the twins, and her heart felt full to bursting.

In the car, heading home, Mel reached for Helen’s hand. “That went well,” she said softly.

“It did,” Helen agreed, thinking of Diane’s knowing look in the kitchen. “Though I think Diane suspects there’s more to our Hawaii story than we’re telling.”

“She’s observant,” Mel said. “Like her mother.”

* * *

Back at their house,Mel settled into her evening routine, checking the locks, setting out the coffee grinder and filling the kettle for the morning while Helen got ready for bed. The familiar motions felt grounding after the emotional evening with Helen’s family. As she scrolled through news headlines on her phone, a particular story caught her eye. “Helen,” she called toward the bedroom. “Come look at this.”

Helen appeared in her favorite silk nightgown. “What is it?”

“Anonymous Source Exposes Major League Sports Corruption,” Mel read aloud. “A shocking tell-all book released today details systematic game-fixing across multiple professional sports.” She looked up at Helen. “It’s Abramson’s story.”

Helen sat beside her on the couch, leaning in to read. “Mickey did it,” she said softly. “He really got it published.”

Mel scrolled through the article, noting how carefully the source’s identity was protected. “Listen to this: ‘The revelations have already prompted investigations by several state gaming commissions and calls for congressional hearings.’” She shook her head in amazement. “Abramson was right about how big this would be.”

“Do you think he’s seen it?” Helen asked. “Wherever he is?”

“Probably,” Mel replied, remembering their last conversation with him at the airport. “This is exactly what he wanted. The truth coming out while he stayed safe and anonymous.” She continued to scroll. “Mickey did good work making sure nothing could be traced back to us or Abramson.” She paused on a particular paragraph. “Though I have to admit, part of me wishes we could tell people we helped break this story.”

Helen chuckled. “Like your new fans? Sarah and Michael would be even more impressed with their almost-step-grandmother if they knew.”

The casual way Helen referenced their future together made Mel’s heart skip. She set down her phone, turning to face her partner. “You know, watching you with your family tonight... it made me realize how lucky I am.”

“Oh?” Helen’s eyes twinkled. “Do tell.”

“Not just because you love me,” Mel continued, taking Helen’s hand. “But because your family is opening up to me. New people to tell my old cop stories too and teach how to make origami boats.”

Helen squeezed her hand. “They’re your family now too, you know. Even if we must keep some of our adventures secret from them.”

Mel leaned in to kiss her softly, still amazed at how naturally they fit together. When they parted, she reached for her phone again, wanting to finish the article. But a different headline caught her attention. “That’s odd,” she murmured.

“What is?”

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