Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Esther's loud voice made Amelia panic.

"Shush!"

Esther realized too late that they were in the village, where people might overhear their conversation.

"So, what's your plan?" Esther felt better knowing Finnegan was on her side, working as a spy with her.

"I can't share it right now. It complicates my job since you figured out I'm a police officer," Amelia explained, cautious even though she trusted Esther's innocence not to spoil her plans. Esther nodded, understanding, and dropped the subject.

After a while, Finnegan came in, puzzled by their knowing smiles.

"Mister Finnegan, she found out I'm an undercover cop."

Finnegan wasn't surprised. "She's always been smart. It's no surprise she guessed."

Esther was worried by his comment. "What do you mean? Do you know me?"

glanced at Amelia, signaling her to leave, then turned

looked at Esther's face, searching for hints in her expression. However,

me your name, maybe it'll ring a bell," Esther said, giving an awkward smile. "It's been

I know you previously?

an awkward smile. "It's too long ago. I really can't remember who

you are."

lightened up a bit. "I'm

Finnegan...

memories flooded

school, there was this boy everyone thought was so cool and smart, named Finnegan. He wasn't as sharply handsome then, still growing into his looks, but he

much back in those days, so Esther had almost forgotten him. She never would've guessed he'd turn out

So it's you. I wouldn't have guessed you'd

look. "And I didn't see you becoming

proudly. "Well, why not? I've always had a

Finnegan of the young Esther he remembered. He chuckled and asked, "How did

into him. If it were someone else, it could have