“He checked in with me on more than one occasion while you two were raising such a ruckus across the pond. Austin told me you were—how did he put it? I think the exact words were ‘that more than competent detective fellow.’”

Rachel grinned. “Those are high words of praise coming from my father.”

Frankel glanced back at the cathedral. “If someone said half the things he had about Sergeant Hawley at my funeral, I might think it was all worth it.”

Everett nodded while giving his niece a warm hug. “That was quite the eulogy your old dad just delivered.”

“It was,” she agreed. “But I’m worried about the toll this is taking on him.”

“We’ll have to gang up on him later at Christmas Eve dinner. That is, presuming you and Austin are still coming?”

“As far as I know,” answered Rachel.

“Because I would totally understand if you and Detective Frankel had made other plans.”

A flustered Frankel looked from Everett to Rachel, who was starting to blush.

“Plans?” stammered Frankel.

“Uncle Everett—”

The younger Grant brother stopped them with a grin. “I admit my eyesight isn’t what it once was, but it’s still good enough to peer across a church aisle. I also might not be the brilliant copper my brother or the detective here is—but it was easy enough to connect what I saw to my niece’s flimsy Matilda alibi yesterday.”

Frankel tried to come up with a response and barely managed a word. “Oh.”

Rachel ended up doing him one better. “Dad already figured it out.”

Everett looked like a child who just had their balloon burst by the neighborhood bully. “Well, like I said, the man’s a brilliant copper.”

“Sorry if I ruined your fun,” Rachel said.

“It was nice thinking I was ahead of the great Scotland Yard commander for a moment.”

“Sounds to me like you’re selling yourself a bit short,” observed Frankel. “I was told you were the first one to come up with the Commandments angle.”

“Let’s just say I helped get Austin started. So much has happened since, it’s been practically impossible to keep up.”

Rachel linked her arm in Everett’s and they moved away from the church.

“If it’s any consolation, I’m planning on being at your house tonight and I will make sure to get Dad there as well.”

“Wonderful!” exclaimed Everett. “But given everything we’ve just been discussing, I think it only appropriate that Detective Frankel joins us as well.”

Frankel shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense,” said Rachel. “That’s a splendid suggestion. This way I won’t have to split Christmas between the three of you.”

Everett gave a vigorous nod. “Consider it done.”

“What’s done?”

The three of them turned to find Rachel’s father falling into step beside them. He looked even more harried than moments ago at the podium.