Gwen enlarged the picture. “You’re right, Val, but it’s hard to judge because it’s not clear at this magnification. There are a lot of green images in this aerial shot that are probably trees, lots of trees. Though fifteen years ago, who knows what this looked like.”

“Those do look like trees, fully mature trees. Given the age of the house, my guess is those have been there a long time. And that’s a good thing with what I’m thinking… because that makes a good hiding place,” Val said.

“You don’t think a maid was standing in a mini forest watching children swim in a pool?” Gwen handed the phone back to Val. “That looks like a lot of foliage someone might have had to wade through to have gotten a peek from.”

“I’m not thinking of the maid,” Val said.

Gwen’s gaze shot up. The alarm buzzed signaling dinner was ready and Val got up to get the pan out of the oven. The smell of tomato sauce was fantastic. “If the maid had a daughter, she might have looked through the trees at the yard next door, at children her own age playing. Privileged children, where the maid’s daughter was not allowed to be. Not allowed to join in. Maybe she watched often and then one day saw something she wasn’t supposed to.”

“Do you think there’s a possibility of Jennifer Ballard being involved in this? That she was Ingrid Gruber’s daughter?” Gwen asked.

“The resemblance is uncanny,” Val said.

“If that’s the case, how did she come to live right next door to Gabrielle?”

“Good question… speaking of Gabrielle’s house… the key. I have to put the key back. The one I found in Gabrielle’s pocket.”

“Did you find out what it belongs to?” Jack asked.

“I’ve researched it online and found several things it might open. I took plenty of pictures so I can investigate it more but I really can’t keep it any longer. Honestly, the damn thing is making me nervous holding on to it for this long. I think I’ll feel better once I put it back. Gwen, care to go with me after dinner to do that?” Gwen was a better choice than Jack. There was a risk that they’d be seen going into the house. If caught, she’d never be able to justify why Jack was there with her. She’d be fired immediately.

“Sure. What do you think the key opens?” Gwen asked

“A safe deposit box. If that’s the case, the Morgans might start looking for their daughter’s key. Gavin knows I found one. And it can’t be in my possession if anyone starts asking about it.”

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