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?"

Amelia, signaling her to leave, then

searching for hints in her expression. However, she only seemed confused. This made

ring a bell," Esther said, giving an awkward smile. "It's been so long, I can't

I know you previously?

your name? Maybe I can recall who you are." Esther cracked an awkward smile. "It's too long ago. I really can't remember who sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of

you are."

lightened up a bit.

Finnegan...

memories flooded

in middle school, there was this boy everyone thought was so cool and smart, named Finnegan. He wasn't as sharply

those days, so Esther had almost forgotten him. She never would've

wouldn't have guessed you'd

her a cold look. "And I didn't see

"Well, why not? I've always had a knack for

of the young Esther he remembered. He chuckled and asked, "How did you end up getting

If it were someone else, it could have