Once Charlotte’s curiosity about the painting was satisfied, everyone went back to eating. It was a delightful dinner, with many toasts and hugs. Charlotte and Lincoln signed off with help from Jewel, and there was a response from Lady and her pups. Dishes were cleared, cleaned, and the kitchen was made spick and span. Another spectacular meal celebrating “mission accomplished.”

Later that evening, when Charles and Myra were getting ready for bed, Charles pulled a sheet of paper from his trouser pocket.

“What’s that?” Myra asked.

Charles unfolded the paper. “It’s a bill.”

“From where?”

“NYPD. We owe them for the vans they had to ditch after letting Avery’s people use them to deliver Steinwood and Corbett to us. No evidence, love.” He gave her a wicked smile.

“How much is it?” Myra asked.

“Two hundred fifty thousand,” Charles said, not batting an eye.

“It was worth it,” Myra commented casually.

“It always is.” Charles kissed her on the cheek.

“And justice can be a bitter pill to swallow.” Myra beamed.

Photo by M2IFOTO©2006

FERN MICHAELS is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Sisterhood, Men of the Sisterhood and Godmothers series and dozens of other novels and novellas. There are over ninety-five million copies of her books in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large day-care centers in her hometown, and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her four dogs and a resident ghost named Mary Margaret. Visit her website at fernmichaels.com.

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SECRETS

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Fern Michaels

From beloved storyteller and #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels comes the second in the Lost and Found series, as siblings Cullen and Luna Bodman uncover the secrets behind a long-lost diary.

Every antique tells a story. Cullen and Luna Bodman learned that through their parents’ furniture business. Now, with their restoration shop and café, they often find themselves at the center of those stories, unraveling mysteries for their clients. The old steamer chest that Cullen receives from an anonymous source is fascinating in its own right. But inside, Cullen discovers more—a locked diary accompanied by a letter, asking for the diary to be restored to its rightful owner. Also in the trunk is a wooden box containing ticket stubs and an undated carnival flyer.

But everyone isn’t thrilled with Luna’s quest. Her budding relationship with U.S. Marshal Christopher Gaines comes under strain as he tries to talk her out of a wild goose chase. But intuition pushes her on, unveiling a surprising modern-day connection, and leading Cullen and Luna to wonder if the diary’s secrets still hold power today . . .