Faux Vows, True Desires

"Masked figures. Tough to track," Stefan remarked casually, his voice a mix of frustration and determination. Edgar had been burning the midnight oil, trying to piece together the puzzle of Lucinda's disappearance years ago.

Heaping more work on Edgar's plate would surely earn him an earful.

With a kind-hearted gesture, Owen chimed in, "Keith, let me hook you up with a detective agency I know. They're top-notch, real cream of the crop in their line of work."

Grateful for Stefan's offer, Keith warmly accepted, "I'd appreciate that, Mr. Martinez. Your help means a lot."

Turning to Stefan, he added, "You've done enough, man. I'll get the agency on it."

"Lucy, grab me some paper," Keith said with a sudden spark of inspiration. "I'll sketch her figure. While I can't recall her face under that mask, I can sure as heck draw her silhouette. It'll make the search a bit easier."

Lucinda quickly fetched paper and a pen for her brother.

Following Owen's recommendation, Keith was introduced to Darlene Bishop's detective agency.

The whole afternoon, Keith holed up in the corner, his pencil dancing across the paper, bringing the mysterious lady to life. Though her face was unknown, everything else was vivid in his memory. As evening approached and the diner's hustle waned, they all settled down for a family dinner.

With some free time afterward, Lucinda sidled up to Keith to admire his work. "Wow, bro," she exclaimed, "I had no idea you had such an artist's hand. She looks as real as anyone I've ever seen!" Keith glanced at his drawing with pride. "Dad made us take all those arts classes as kids, remember? Once high school hit, I dropped it for academics, but the basics stuck with me."

mysterious woman had left such an impression that even after years without practice,

also peered over

couldn't help but scoff playfully, "I can draw too, you know. Cecilia, how about

it off, "With your arm all banged up?

cultivate their kids' talents with all

comment made Owen beam; it was clear she cared for

still holding the drawing, mused, "This lady looks familiar. I'm sure I've

you've met her?" Keith asked, the excitement clear

furrowed in concentration. "But there's something about her poise, her

mask, there's something about her eyes, her posture, it rings a bell," Cecilia added,

the sketch to Stefan, "Do you recognize her?

Stefan's world, Lucinda's circle had been small, with Cecilia being her only close female friend. And since Cecilia had

examined the drawing but shook his head. "I'm not great with faces, and our circle has many

here when the agency can do the legwork for us?" Owen

Darlene Bishop's agency after realizing he

until he swept her up in a passionate embrace, his lips capturing hers in a fiery kiss. "Back to earth?" Stefan teased, his breath warm

did you say?" Lucinda blinked