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?"

leave, then turned back to Esther. "Don't you remember

closely looked at Esther's face, searching for hints in her expression. However, she only seemed confused. This made

we met before? If you tell me your name, maybe it'll ring a bell," Esther said, giving an awkward smile. "It's been so long, I can't really place

know you previously?

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

you are."

face lightened up a

Finnegan...

memories

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

didn't really talk much back in those days, so Esther had almost forgotten him. She never would've guessed he'd

I wouldn't have guessed you'd be a secretary

a cold look. "And I

not? I've always had a knack

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

it were someone else,