by MJ Miller
Andy glanced at Luce, who’d been quiet for the last few minutes. They’d yet to tell anyone about the explosion they’d seen. That they’d mysteriously shared a vision and ended up face down in the sand.
“Probably set off some explosion of some sort, and I’m guessing nobody was aboard.” Andy tossed out whatever he could on that. This was still his and Luce’s secret.
“Last question for a while, then I’ll stop,” Chris said, leaning forward in his chair. “Now that everyone else is gone, tell us. How did you figure out they were hiding slaves and not selling them?”
Andy looked over at Luce, who was curled up on the window seat. “I didn’t, Luce did.”
Hearing her name, Luce looked up. She was exhausted. The local police had been coming and going like worker ants. Everything seemed to be a crime scene. The Bowers Estate. The Holman’s. The entire stretch of beach front in between. Now that they’d cleared out, everyone had settled in comfortably, discussing all they’d learned.
“Tell them Luce, how you figured it out.” Andy grinned knowing she’d prefer to let him tell it.
Luce smiled back, wondering how she’d finally found a guy who could let her shine without feeling like it diminished him. He’d given her all the credit, and some she didn’t even deserve. She pointed to the ship on the mantle, the one that had been used as a centerpiece.
“I was studying the map. The Log entries. The drawing of the ship. And I realized that if I closed my eyes and imagined the ship, there weren’t cannons jutting out from the lower deck. When I looked closely at the drawing, and at the model? There were no cannons. There were people. At first, I cringed, thinking they were slaves being hauled off to be sold. The sheer inhumanity of it made me ill. But something kept bothering me. The arrows in the passageways. The notation in the log that said Liberty for all, leave one.”
“According to the notes in the log, Holman absconded with one female.” Chris got up and began pacing. “Which meant if they were carrying slaves, then all were freed, leave one. Holman took her, and then the ship anchored, led their passengers to the tunnels, where the arrows led them to freedom.”
Andy interjected then. “The arrows all pointed here. To Lionel Bowers’ manor house. The other passageway led to Edward Holman’s house.” He sighed. “Take a right, go to heaven take a left…. “
“You don’t know that, Andy. Maybe if we keep searching we’ll find more answers.” Luce got up, went to sit on the arm of Andy’s chair, leaned in and in front of them all, kissed him softly. “You’re a good man, detective. This doesn’t change that.”
“No, it certainly doesn’t,” Adeline chimed in. “Now it’s late, and I think we ought to call it a night. I don’t want anyone having to drive back to the city at this late hour, so anyone who needs to stay, Peabody will get you settled in.”
The next month flew by. While Andy recovered, Luce and Kat went to work producing the final cuts for all 6 episodes of what would be titled Phantom of Execution Rocks. It would be billed as a reality/documentary series on the deeply held secrets of the gold coast of Long Island. Hopefully, if the ratings were good, it would continue to explore other secrets and legends of Long Island.
It was tedious work. Long hours, with no free time, which left Luce with little ability to help Annie with her wedding. Her big day — and Luce felt like an outsider.
Finally having a few minutes to spare, she put her feet up on her desk, and called.
The minute Annie answered, Luce broke down sobbing.
“Luce, please don’t cry. Please. It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not. It’s your big day and it’s two weeks away and I should be there with you right now making sure it all goes perfectly.” The words sputtered out of her mouth. Very unlike her normally unruffled demeanor, and at that moment, she just didn’t care.
“No, you shouldn’t. Luce, it’ll be a wonderful day I promise. But you know me. It’s not about the day it’s about me and Chris. I don’t care if we get married in a corner deli, well, as long as there’s cheesecake. You helped me pick the dress Luce. You took care of the invites. You approved the venue, though who wouldn’t? You haven’t slept in weeks, I know you. Now relax, it’s all good.”
Luce sighed. “But you’re pregnant and exhausted.”
“Chris is more than pitching in, Luce. Just relax. Though yes, I would love it if you could come out a few days early. But I know you’ve got to get things wrapped up on the show. Your whole career is riding on it. I get it.”
“You know I’ll be there early. That much I promise. Maybe we’ll finish up sooner than expected. Kat’s been amazing and the post-production team is zipping along.”
“Knock knock?” Luce looked up to see Kat in the doorway. Grinning, as she obviously overheard.
“Hang on Annie, let me see what Kat needs.”
“Stuart sent me to tell you that you’re officially on vacation starting tomorrow.” Kat announced.
“Wait, what? We’ve got a show to do!” Luce shook her head.
“He said we’ve got it covered, and you can work remotely as needed.” Kat said, a bit emphatically.
“Luce that’s fabulous!” Annie screamed into the phone. “Come to the house tomorrow. Bring everything, you’re staying here until the wedding. No wait, bring more, you can house sit while we’re on our honeymoon! This is awesome, see you tomorrow!” With that, Annie hung up, leaving Luce glancing between the phone and Kat, still sitting in the doorway grinning.
“What just happened?”
“You got your life back!” Kat looked smug.
“You did this, didn’t you?”
“Maybe only a little, Luce, Stuart really does want you to take some time. Promise.”
Something in her voice made Luce a bit suspicious, but it was too late to fix. Annie was ecstatic. And if Luce were being honest, she desperately wanted to do this. Truthfully, Luce was feeling left out. This was after all, All About Annie. Her big beautiful day. And Luce needed to be involved as much as she needed to breathe.
Chapter Forty-Three
It was a perfect day for a wedding. Luce had to admit, Annie really had planned it perfectly. Even though it was a holiday weekend, she’d managed to book one of the most coveted venues around… a chartered schooner sunset cruise wedding. They would sail from a port on the south shore of the Island, and the ceremony would be held just as the sun started to set.
The private harbor had a small clubhouse, where cocktails would be served prior. Afterwards, dinner and dancing. It was a small wedding party, Luce and Jen, Andy and Mark. Julie and Bill were going to usher everyone to their seats. The guests were limited to close friends and family. No more than about fifty people. Annie was starting to show, her small baby bump barely visible under the beautiful chiffon gown she’d chosen.
As Luce buttoned what seemed like hundreds of tiny closures up the back, she smiled. “You know if you weren’t sure I’d be here to do this, you probably would have gone with a pullover dress!”
“Maybe, but you’re here and I knew you would be. You always have been. Now it’s my turn to be there for you Luce.” Annie smiled as she watched their reflection in the mirror. Luce was wearing an emerald green that complemented Annie's gown. “We need a selfie, quick.”
“Buttons, then selfie Annie.”
“OK. Seriously, Luce, you’ve been my rock, and now I’ll be yours.”
“Thanks Annie. I love you to pieces you know that, but you’ll always be my baby sister. Can’t help it.”
“Well, turnabout is fair play, sis,” Annie said with a wink.
The Captain stood at the helm of the ship, offering a spectacular backdrop sunset view. The bands of yellow, orange and red hovering above the horizon. He nodded as a cellist began the sweeping, melodic notes of a popular wedding canon.
Mark and Jen took the lead down the small aisle separating the few rows of white folding chairs laced with flowers and garland. Luce and Andy were next, taking their places. Luce
watched as Annie began coming down the aisle alone, and her eyes immediately welled up with tears. She was as radiant and stunning as any bride, ever. The floor length gown with its subtle sheen and specks of gold in the champagne-colored fabric reflected the setting sun. The sweetheart neckline and empire waist allowed the material to flow creating the perfect silhouette.
Annie insisted that she could enter alone, though Luce thought she should have walked with her. So she let out a grateful sigh when Chris quickly left his spot next to the Captain and went back down the aisle to take Annie’s arm and escort her. It was as perfect a moment as anyone could wish for, Luce thought. He couldn’t bear for her to walk alone. Glancing at Andy, she found his eyes on her, a curious look on his face. Luce briefly wondered what he was thinking, but was soon focusing once again on Annie and Chris as they took their place under the floral archway. The Captain cleared his throat and began.
“Normally I’d give a little spiel about marriage, but Annie and Chris have chosen to recite their own personal vows, so Annie, if you’d like to begin?”
Annie gnawed her lip nervously. “Chris. I spent the last 24 hours agonizing over what to say and how to say it. I even thumbed through some of my favorite novels looking for the perfect phrase. Only there isn’t one. Because nothing could be more perfect than you and I, here today, finally starting our lives together. You’re my perfect. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you for all our tomorrows.” Slipping the simple gold band she’d chosen on his finger, she looked up and smiled softly, her eyes locking on his,
The Captain nodded at Chris.
Taking a breath, Chris smiled. “Annie. You’ve always been the one. The one who could fill my heart with joy. The one who could shatter it into a million pieces. The one meant for me and only me. The universe gave us another chance to get this right. And we will. I’m eternally yours. I too loved you then, I love you now, and will love you for all our tomorrows.” Slipping the diamond and sapphire band he’d had designed for her on her finger, he reached over and wiped an errant tear from her cheek.
“Go on, kiss your bride, Chris,” the Captain said, grinning as Chris hadn’t waited at all. He’d scooped her into his arms, and dipping her back as if they were dancing, kissed her as if he were starving, not coming up for air until the captain tapped his shoulder.
Cheers rang out, muffled only slightly by the breeze and the flapping of the sails.
Luce hugged Annie tight, and reached out to hug her new brother equally tightly. “Take care of her, Chris.”
“Always, Luce.”
Dinner was buffet style, outdoors at the marina, followed by the customary champagne toasts, though it was cider for Annie, and then the traditional cake ritual. It was a small reception, intimate, yet as full of joy as any large wedding Luce had ever been to.
The small live band Annie had hired was perfect. Playing all the typical wedding favorites from different decades and genres of music. Something for everyone. When they hit the intro for everyone’s favorite Al Green hit, Andy jumped up and looked down at Luce with a fire in his eyes she couldn’t ignore.
“They’re playing our song, Luce,” Andy smiled and winked as he reached for her hand, pulling her into his embrace.
“Are you cleared to dance?” Luce asked, knowing it had been barely six weeks.
“In fact I am. Have I told you how stunning you look?” Andy stared at Luce earnestly.
“You have now, handsome,” Luce fired back with a grin. “You wear a tux well.”
They danced, swayed, and held onto each other for the rest of the night. Pausing only occasionally for another glass of champagne or to say hello to someone. The dance floor sparkled under the twinkling white lights dangling from the eaves and twined around the outdoor porch railing. It was magical, and Luce sighed as she breathed in the night air and rested her head against Andy’s chest. This was a perfect night she thought to herself, smiling.
“Care to share,” Andy whispered looking down at her upturned face.
“Nope.” Her smile grew wide. “Some things are better left unsaid,” she whispered back.
Finally, it was time for the Bride and Groom to leave. Luce knew eventually it would end this way, but she wasn’t ready for it.
Annie threw her arms around Luce and squeezed as hard as she could. Pulling back slightly, she whispered in her ear.
“Sleep with him.”
“What?” Luce pulled back and stared at her sister.
Annie laughed and leaned in to hug her again. “You and Andy are meant for each other and you’ve wasted enough time. Just go for it.” Squeezing Luce once more, she stepped back and grinned, then held her hand out to Chris who’d been waiting a few steps away.
Watching them head to their Limo, Luce wiped a tear from her cheek and turned back to head inside, only to find Andy blocking her path.
He stepped toward her and grabbed her hand, pulling her in for a hug.
“They’ll be back in a few weeks, Luce.” He said softly, as he placed a hand behind her head pulling it to his chest, letting her rest it there while she regrouped.
He took a breath then, and plunged in.
“We’re not going back to the way things were, Luce. You know that, right?” He said suddenly, pulling back a bit. Luce tipped her head up, bit her lip and nodded.
“All in?” Andy asked with a soft smile.
She smiled back, still nodding, another tear slipping down her cheek, which he gently brushed away.
“Starting now?” His voice was low, husky. When she nodded again, his eyes blazing, he swept her up in his arms, cradling her, and headed to the waiting car.
“Andy, your leg. This is a bad idea,” Luce said, wriggling and pushing for him to let her go.
Setting her down, he took a breath. “Can’t a guy have some fun?”
“I think there are other ways to have fun, detective, that won’t involve you collapsing in a heap.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her into his side. “We’ll have to try those out then,” he whispered.
“I’m game if you are,” Luce laughed.
“You sure?” he asked, his tone a bit more serious.
“As I’ll ever be.” Luce whispered softly. But her smile said it all as he slid into the back of the waiting car next to her.
Chapter Forty-Four
“Maybe you can just have the driver drop me at Annie’s?” Luce spoke softly, she’d woken up suddenly after falling asleep on the ride back with her head nestled on Andy’s lap, his arm wrapped around her.
“I think that’s doable,” Andy replied, smiling. “Just need to stop at my folks’ place and grab my things.”
That got Luce’s attention, and she quickly sat up and pulled away. “What are you saying, Detective?”
“Ah, back to detective now, are we.” Andy laughed then. “Chris asked me to house sit while they’re away.”
“Annie asked me to house sit while they’re away.” Luce widened her eyes and then burst into laughter. “Did Chris tell you to take the Master?”
“I believe he did,” Andy shook his head grinning. “Annie told you to take the Master, didn’t she? I’m on board if you are, Luce,” he said, almost defiantly. His eyes blazed, daring Luce to refuse.
Luce took a deep breath, her green eyes flaring just as brilliantly. “All in,” she whispered.
They sat locked in the moment, as the car slowed to a stop.
“Come on, we’ll get my stuff and take my car over so we have a ride.” Andy opened the door and took hold of Luce’s hand to help her out. “You're parked at Annie’s, right?”
Luce nodded as she carefully stepped out. “You sober?” She asked, brows raised.
“Yeah, I stopped drinking a few hours ago. One of us needed to maintain control,” he grinned and winked.
“Oh I’m plenty in control, detective.” She laughed.
They were at his parent’s house, and Luce turned as the outside front lights suddenly came on and the
door opened. She smiled as they approached the house, seeing Molly step outside in her Robe and fuzzy slippers. They had left the reception earlier, Gil claiming exhaustion from Molly’s insistence they dance every dance.
“You two looked quite the pair out there tonight,” Molly was grinning. “Come on, have a nightcap before heading out. Except you Andy, you have coffee. Luce, I want to show you something anyway.”
Now that made Luce curious. She was tired, but could feel a second wind coming on. She followed Molly into an office just off the entry.
“Sit, please.” Molly went over to the solid mahogany hutch in the corner and opened the door, retrieving a decanter and two glasses.
“What do we have there, Molly?” Luce grinned.
“A personal favorite, which I think you’ll enjoy. Frangelico.”
“Oh, the hazelnut liqueur? I love it!”
“See so much in common,” Molly sighed. “We’re going to get along famously.”
Luce looked at her curiously but brushed it aside.
“I was talking to Annie at the reception tonight. And she told me how all of this local history you’ve dug up has made you both curious about your own family history. But she wasn’t able to find your dad’s research. I was discussing it with Gil on the way home, and I suddenly remembered something. Years ago, the historical society had a request for records from a historian up in Westchester somewhere.”
“Wow, no kidding? You probably still don’t have it I’m guessing.” Luce tried not to sound too disappointed.
“That’s where you’re wrong. It was an email, and I still have that email address so I located it right away. His name was Stephen Porter.”
“That’s my dad.”
“I thought as much, so I printed out the entire thread. Including the answers he was looking for. I’ve put it all together for you.” Molly set her glass down and went over to the bookshelf and retrieved a large manila folder. Handing it to Luce, she smiled.
