When her alarm went off, she leapt out of bed and took a quick shower. As she and Margie were getting ready, Margie announced that she had a text from Hank. “He says he knows what we were up to, and he’s going to arrest us when we get back.”

Claire’s stomach dropped. “Why?”

“He’s just kidding,” Margie said with a laugh. “Oh, here’s another text. He’s a slow typer, you know. He says, ‘Joking, the FBI sent out a notice that there is no longer a person of interest on the islands.’”

“What does that mean?” Claire asked. “Do you think they caught Marty?”

“No, I wouldn’t say that.” Margie shook her head. “That would be news – the biggest news the islands have seen all year.”

That calmed her a bit. “That’s true.”

“Let’s see if the prison can tell us anything,” suggested Margie.

Claire agreed and they headed out to the car. On their way, Claire got a call from Melanie.

“I’ve got some great news! They decided to drop the charges. You can pick Lucy up today.”

“What?” Claire felt like her heart would burst. “Does that mean that she –”

“Nope. They have no interest in Marty anymore. It looks like some new evidence came to light. I think he may be off the hook too, but I’m not sure yet.”

Her heart thundered in her chest. “This is incredible.”

Melanie laughed. “Easiest case of the year. If he does need help, though, give me a call. It was so nice seeing you, Claire. I’ve missed working with you!”

That was when she used to be good at her job…but Claire was too excited to let that melancholy thought drift in. “Oh, Melanie, I can’t tell you how much your help meant to me. I’ve missed you too. Promise you’ll come up and visit the hotel!”

“I was hoping you’d invite me!” Melanie said with a laugh.

Claire smiled. “Any time, really.”

Once Claire hung up the phone, Margie turned to her. “See? It’s all working out!”

“I don’t understand how. Is this a trick?”

Margie shook her head. “Melanie wouldn’t trick you. The tides are turning, my friend!”

When they arrived at the prison, Agents Alvarez and McCoy were waiting for them.

Agent Alvarez greeted her with a smile and a handshake. “Miss Cooke, so nice to see you again. I was just about to go and help Lucy find her way out.”

“Thank you,” she said, beaming.

When he walked off, Agent McCoy took a step forward. “I’ve got some good news and some bad news.”

Claire felt her muscles tighten. “What’s the good news?”

“We’ve received evidence that shows Marty is innocent. We’re done looking for him.”

“You’re kidding!” she said. “Wait. Are you kidding?”

He laughed and shook his head. “No, I’m not.”