Amelia Hartley had been a private investigator in the charming town of Maplewood for over thirty years. As her forty-ninth birthday loomed, she had made up her mind to take early retirement and spend her days puttering in her garden and doting on her grandchildren. Little did she know that one last case was about to turn her life upside down.

Amelia had just finished packing up her office, stacking boxes filled with old case files and mementos of her career. She sat back in her creaky office chair, wiping away a stray tear as she looked around the room that held so many memories.

Just then, a sharp knock at the door startled her out of her reverie. Amelia straightened up and called out, "Come in!"

In walked a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes. He appeared to be about the same age as Amelia. He introduced himself as Lucas Bennett, an old friend of the mayor's, who needed Amelia's help with a delicate matter. Amelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself.

I was born in England, but have lived in Southern California for many years. I m now retired and live in the Pacific NW in a little seaside city amongst the giant redwoods and wonderful harbor, almost at the Oregon border. My husband and I have one cat, called Midnight and she is featured in two of my latest Sci-Fi short stories. I love Science Fiction, animals, and trying to help others. I publish under Doreen Milstead as well as my own name. My photo was taken right before the coronation of QE II in the UK.