The Missing Man

by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

  ‘Wow…’ Morton breathed.

  ‘Sorry,’ Jack said. ‘I wasn’t planning on blurting it out like that. In fact, I wasn’t planning on telling you right away.’

  ‘I take it you’ve kept all this to yourself?’ Juliette asked. ‘I mean, from the police.’

  ‘Just Alice, Jan, Laura, George and I know the truth—and now you two. I wrestled with it for a long time, I really did. I still don’t know if I did the right thing. Once I had gathered enough evidence, I flew over to Boston and drove up to see my mom—the first time since I’d left in seventy-six. I stood on her doorstep and told her everything I knew. She slammed the door in my face and I walked away.’

  ‘What an evil woman,’ Juliette said. ‘And ill.’

  ‘It pains me to say it, but yes, she was,’ Jack agreed. ‘Alice and I talked it over—about getting the police involved—but by this time her dementia was kicking in and we just couldn’t see what was to gain by putting everyone through an investigation.’

  ‘I understand that,’ Morton said.

  There was a pause whilst the three of them took stock of the new revelations.

  ‘Sorry,’ Jack apologised, ‘that was pretty intense for our first meeting. I promise there’s nothing else bad like that.’

  Morton laughed. It was funny to hear the depth of research that his father had undertaken in order to discover the truth; it was exactly what he would have done in his position.

  ‘I hate to say this,’ Juliette began, ‘but we’ve got a plane to catch.’

  ‘So, where do we go from here?’ Jack asked. ‘I mean, I know you’re flying to New York then back home, but after that? I’m assuming after all that hard work that you’d like to keep in touch? Unless I’ve scared you off with my stories, that is.’

  ‘Yes—yes, absolutely I’d like to stay in touch.’ Morton said, lamenting that the words sounded so inadequate, like he was saying goodbye to someone whom he had just met on holiday. Now that he had found him, he wanted so much more from his relationship with his father. ‘Skype? Or maybe meet up soon?’

  Jack smiled. ‘Yeah, I would love that. I’ll get arranging a vacation to England, then. How does that sound?’

  ‘Fantastic,’ Morton replied. ‘You can stay with us—we live in Rye.’

  Jack’s eyes lit up. ‘Ah, yes, I remember quaint little Rye. Mermaid Street—is that there?’

  ‘That’s where we live,’ Juliette said. ‘Not a single straight wall or horizontal floor. Oh, and we have two front doors. Obviously.’

  ‘Sounds like my kind of place,’ Jack responded enthusiastically. ‘And you’re welcome out in Canada with us—anytime. It’ll be great to have you stay with us—meet Laura and George.’

  ‘That would be amazing,’ Morton said.

  ‘Hey—we need to exchange numbers otherwise it’ll be another forty years’ trying to find each other.’

  Morton laughed and fished in his bag. With a trembling hand, he pulled out a business card, adding to the back every additional contact detail not already on it. Jack reciprocated and then, reluctantly Morton stood, signalling the end of one of the most momentous occasions in his entire life. At that moment, he knew that those thirty minutes with his father, whatever the future brought them, would stay with him for his whole life.

  Jack stood and hugged Juliette, then turned back to Morton. ‘Come here, son.’ He said it with a hint of joviality, but the words were everything that Morton had ever wanted to hear.

  Morton smiled and embraced his father. ‘Goodbye.’

  ‘You know, you could always join us for a few days in New York,’ Juliette suggested. ‘If you’re free.’

  Jack looked uncertain. ‘On your honeymoon?’

  Juliette looked at Morton. ‘Fine by me—obviously.’

  Morton nodded. ‘That would be amazing if you could get a flight down?’

  ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do,’ Jack said. ‘I’m going to get a rental car and go up and see my sister for a couple of days, give you guys some time alone, then I’ll drive down to see you in the city—how’s that?’

  ‘Perfect,’ Morton said.

  ‘I’ll be touch, then,’ Jack said. ‘Now go and catch your flight.’

  ‘Bye.’

  The queue at check-in had dissolved and they went straight through, pausing as they disappeared through security to give Jack one last wave as he watched them leave.

  Morton emitted a long, meaningful sigh as they collected their hand luggage from the security conveyer belt, tears returning to his eyes again, as he took in the magnitude of the situation. ‘Well…that was unexpected—my God.’

  Juliette kissed him on the lips. ‘See, I knew you’d find him in the end. Although, technically, it was actually me who found him, but I’ll let that one pass.’

  Morton laughed and reached for her hand. ‘Come on, we’ve got a few minutes—let’s go and grab a glass of champagne.’

  Juliette turned her nose up. ‘Naaah—just a lemonade will do.’

  ‘Oh come off it—I’ve just met my dad—I want to celebrate.’

  Juliette pulled Morton to a stop and stood in front of him. ‘We can—but with lemonade.’

  ‘I don’t understand. Why are you grinning like that?’

  ‘Well…we’ve got something else to celebrate: I’m pregnant.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I’m pregnant.’

  ‘Lemonade all round!’ Morton shouted, lifting Juliette off the ground and kissing her on the lips.

  Acknowledgments

  Much of the research for this book came during a two-week trip to Massachusetts in October 2016. During that time, I visited various locations, libraries and repositories, where I received considerable help and advice. Therefore, my thanks must go to the following: the staff of the genealogy section of Boston Public Library; the staff of vital records in Boston City Hall; Karen Horn at Sturgis Library; Leslie Steers at Barnstable Town Hall; and David Allen Lambert and Fr David Frederici for their knowledge of Cape Cod. All of the records that Morton uses in his research are real, but with fictitious content.

  Whilst undertaking my research, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Writing Family History Special Interest Group of the Cape Cod Genealogical Society. The group were extremely helpful in answering my queries and questions, so thank you to the following, too: David Martin, Joan Frederici, Alice Plouchard Stelzer, Andrea Forbes, Madeline McHugh, and Priscilla Ryan.

  My thanks also go to Gail Ann Pippin for her Boston dinner suggestion—Legal Seafood—a good choice!

  As always, I am very grateful to Patrick Dengate for turning my vague ideas into a much better book cover than I could have imagined.

  Thanks to my early readers, Pauline Daniels, Patrick Dengate and Joan Frederici for all their suggestions and amendments, and thanks to my proof-reader, Julia Gibbs.

  Lastly, for too many things to possibly list, my heartfelt thanks go to Robert Bristow.

  Further information:

  Website & newsletter: www.nathandylangoodwin.com

  Twitter: @NathanDGoodwin

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/nathandylangoodwin

  Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dylan0470/

  Blog: theforensicgenealogist.blogspot.co.uk

  Hiding the Past

  (The Forensic Genealogist #1)

  Peter Coldrick had no past; that was the conclusion drawn by years of personal and professional research. Then he employed the services of one Morton Farrier, Forensic Genealogist – a stubborn, determined man who uses whatever means necessary to uncover the past. With the Coldrick Case, Morton faces his toughest and most dangerous assignment yet, where all of his investigative and genealogical skills are put to the test. However, others are also interested in the Coldrick family, people who will stop at nothing, including murder, to hide the past. As Morton begins to unearth his client’s mysterious past, he is forced to confront his own family’s dark history, a history which he knows little about.

  ‘Flickin
g between the present and stories and extracts from the past, the pace never lets up in an excellent addition to this unique genre of literature’

  Your Family Tree

  ‘At times amusing and shocking, this is a fast-moving modern crime mystery with genealogical twists. The blend of well fleshed-out characters, complete with flaws and foibles, will keep you guessing until the end’

  Family Tree

  ‘Once I started reading Hiding the Past I had great difficulty putting it down - not only did I want to know what happened next, I actually cared’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘This is a must read for all genealogy buffs and anyone who loves a good mystery with a jaw dropping ending!’

  Baytown Genealogy Society

  ‘Hiding the Past is a suspenseful, fast-paced mystery novel, in which the hero is drawn into an intrigue that spans from World War II to the present, with twists and turns along the way. The writing is smooth and the story keeps moving along so that I found it difficult to put down’

  The Archivist

  The Lost Ancestor

  (The Forensic Genealogist #2)

  From acclaimed author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin comes this exciting new genealogical crime mystery, featuring the redoubtable forensic genealogist, Morton Farrier. When Morton is called upon by Ray Mercer to investigate the 1911 disappearance of his great aunt, a housemaid working in a large Edwardian country house, he has no idea of the perilous journey into the past that he is about to make. Morton must use his not inconsiderable genealogical skills to solve the mystery of Mary Mercer’s disappearance, in the face of the dangers posed by those others who are determined to end his investigation at any cost.

  ‘If you enjoy a novel with a keen eye for historical detail, solid writing, believable settings and a sturdy protagonist, The Lost Ancestor is a safe bet. Here British author Nathan Dylan Goodwin spins a riveting genealogical crime mystery with a pulsing, realistic storyline’

  Your Family Tree

  ‘Finely paced and full of realistic genealogical terms and tricks, this is an enjoyable whodunit with engaging research twists that keep you guessing until the end. If you enjoy genealogical fiction and Ruth Rendell mysteries, you’ll find this a pleasing page-turner’

  Family Tree

  ‘…an extremely well-constructed plot, with plenty of intrigue and genealogical detail - but all the loose ends are neatly tied up by the end… The Lost Ancestor is highly recommended’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘It’s an excellent pick for holidays, weekend relaxing, or curling up indoors or outdoors, whatever the weather permits in your corner of the world’

  Lisa Louise Cooke

  ‘The Lost Ancestor is fast-paced, not plodding, and does well building mystery… The author’s depictions of scenes and places are vivid; the characters are interesting and intriguing. In toggling back and forth from past to present, Goodwin shows how the deeds of long-dead ancestors are haunting their descendants’

  GenealogyMagazine.com

  The Orange Lilies

  (The Forensic Genealogist #3)

  Morton Farrier has spent his entire career as a forensic genealogist solving other people’s family history secrets, all the while knowing so little of his very own family’s mysterious past. However, this poignant Christmastime novella sees Morton’s skills put to use much closer to home, as he must confront his own past, present and future through events both present-day and one hundred years ago. It seems that not every soldier saw a truce on the Western Front that 1914 Christmas…

  ‘The Orange Lilies sees Morton for once investigating his own tree (and about time too!). Moving smoothly between Christmas 1914 and Christmas 2014, the author weaves an intriguing tale with more than a few twists - several times I thought I'd figured it all out, but each time there was a surprise waiting in the next chapter... Thoroughly recommended - and I can't wait for the next novel’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘Morton confronts a long-standing mystery in his own family–one that leads him just a little closer to the truth about his personal origins. This Christmas-time tale flashes back to Christmas 1914, to a turning point in his relatives’ lives. Don’t miss it!’

  Lisa Louise Cooke

  ‘This is Goodwin’s best work for me. It is not a murder mystery, but Morton does solve some family mysteries with an almost Agatha Christie denouement. I recommend it for its genealogical appeal, mystery, and for anyone interested in World War I’

  McGenealogist Blog

  The America Ground

  (The Forensic Genealogist #4)

  Morton Farrier, the esteemed English forensic genealogist, had cleared a space in his busy schedule to track down his own elusive father finally. But he is then presented with a case that challenges his research skills in his quest to find the killer of a woman murdered more than one hundred and eighty years ago. Thoughts of his own family history are quickly and violently pushed to one side as Morton rushes to complete his investigation before other sinister elements succeed in derailing the case.

  ‘As in the earlier novels, each chapter slips smoothly from past to present, revealing murderous events as the likeable Morton uncovers evidence in the present, while trying to solve the mystery of his own paternity. Packed once more with glorious detail of records familiar to family historians, The America Ground is a delightfully pacey read’

  Family Tree

  ‘Like most genealogical mysteries this book has several threads, cleverly woven together by the author - and there are plenty of surprises for the reader as the story approaches its conclusion. A jolly good read!’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘Goodwin’s stories have been good reads, engaging the interest of the genealogist with references to records…Readers will welcome this new book as a welcome distraction from the intensity of research to reading about someone else’s work, with murder thrown in’

  Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter

  ‘Great reading - a real page-turner! Good solid genealogy research – highly recommended’

  Genealogy Happy Hour

  ‘It’s just a terrific book! It’s great stuff, I’ve read it, and you’re going to enjoy it’

  Extreme Genes

  ‘The writing is pin-sharp and there is plenty of suspense in an excellent novel which makes me want to return to the first books in the series’

  The Norfolk Ancestor

  The Spyglass File

  (The Forensic Genealogist #5)

  Morton Farrier was no longer at the top of his game. His forensic genealogy career was faltering and he was refusing to accept any new cases, preferring instead to concentrate on locating his own elusive biological father. Yet, when a particular case presents itself, that of finding the family of a woman abandoned in the midst of the Battle of Britain, Morton is compelled to help her to unravel her past. Using all of his genealogical skills, he soon discovers that the case is connected to The Spyglass File—a secretive document which throws up links which threaten to disturb the wrongdoings of others, who would rather its contents, as well as their actions, remain hidden forever.

  ‘If you like a good mystery, and the detective work of genealogy, this is another mystery novel from Nathan which will have you whizzing through the pages with time slipping by unnoticed’

  Your Family History

  ‘The first page was so overwhelming that I had to stop for breath…Well, the rest of the book certainly lived up to that impressive start, with twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end… As the story neared its conclusion I found myself conflicted, for much as I wanted to know how Morton's assignment panned out, I was enjoying it so much that I really didn’t want this book to end!’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin has given students of the Second World War, and avid family historians another great genealogical read’

  Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter

  ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s latest Morton Farrier gen
ealogical mystery deserves its five-star reviews on Amazon. A gripping story that will have you sneaking away to read just one more chapter!’

  Historian

  ‘Like his previous books, also set in England, this one keeps you intrigued right up to the very end… His style of weaving the past and present together is outstanding’

  Bay Area Genealogical Society

  The Missing Man

  (The Forensic Genealogist #6)

  It was to be the most important case of Morton Farrier’s career in forensic genealogy so far. A case that had eluded him for many years: finding his own father. Harley ‘Jack’ Jacklin disappeared just six days after a fatal fire at his Cape Cod home on Christmas Eve in 1976, leaving no trace behind. Now his son, Morton must travel to the East Coast of America to unravel the family’s dark secrets in order to discover what really happened to him.

  ‘One of the hallmarks of genealogical mystery novels is the way that they weave together multiple threads and this book is no exception, cleverly skipping across the generations - and there's also a pleasing symmetry that helps to endear us to one of the key characters...If you've read the other books in this series you won't need me to tell you to rush out and buy this one’

  Lost Cousins

  ‘Nathan Dylan Goodwin has delivered another page-turning mystery laden with forensic genealogical clues that will keep any family historian glued to the book until the mystery is solved’