In the Shadows

against her neck.

Her hand hovered just above it, afraid to touch something so

beautiful and precious. “I can’t take this.”

“You aren’t taking it. I’m giving it to you. My mother wanted

me to be happy, and you make me happy. So I want you to have it.”

She looked up at her friend, her eyes brimming with tears.

She wouldn’t let anything happen to him. She couldn’t. And if

Arthur wouldn’t help keep Charles safe . . .

“I have something for you, too,” she whispered.

“A secret?” he asked, voice still light, as though they were

playing.

“Yes. A very big secret. One that’s not mine to give.”

He frowned, puzzled, just as Thomas burst back into the

kitchen with a stormy glower. “I can’t find him anywhere.”

Minnie stood, holding out her hand for Charles. Her heart felt

heavy with the sadness of hope and betrayal. “I think I know

where we can get some answers.”

She led them out the back door, stopping at the small garden-

ing shed and taking a shovel. “You’ll have to do it,” she said,

handing it to Thomas.

He looked at the shovel warily. “Do what?”

“Dig up Arthur’s secrets.” Her traitorous toes dragging, she led

them to the trees behind the house, right to the spot where Arthur

had buried his mysterious case on his first night here.

He’d always tried not to be seen. She’d always seen him.

And now, to protect Charles, she’d given up a secret she

thought she’d forever carry out of love for Arthur. Thomas started

digging, and Minnie realized whatever was there, she didn’t want

to know. Not this way.

She turned and went straight back to the house, passing Cora