Cleo was a little disappointed that Olivia was working tonight, but she had to admit it was nice to get a little time for just her and Andrew. Olivia’s mother had Mia, so it was just the two of them as they sat down for dinner in Andrew and Olivia’s kitchen. She cringed a little […]

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was in here.” Iris had left the Countess’s sitting room just long enough to get some water. And in that time, someone else had sat down in her chair. The surprise at this was tinged with frustration, since she’d very clearly left four books, her laptop, and her […]

The shrill sound of the phone ringing pulled Olivia out of the light cat nap she was taking on the couch as Mia watched a movie. She’d been up since three that morning, when she’d opened her eyes to see a gauzy figure in her bedroom, standing over her side of the bed. The figure, […]

The Alderidge House was one of New Winslow’s finest mansions when it was built in the mid-nineteenth century. However, by the time the twentieth century rolled around, it was falling into disrepair. The Alderidge family had fallen on hard times as illness took away many of the young men and women in the family. By […]

The quiet murmur of conversation at the table ended abruptly as Councilman Baxter stepped into the chamber and closed the door behind him. Despite the fact that it was mid-afternoon at Town Hall, the isolation of the council chamber made the space feel timeless and detached from the rest of the world. “Thank you all […]

Olivia’s head was aching as she set up Mia’s movie. Andrew was out for the night at Iris’s, so it was just the two of them. She could turn on Lion King for the eight hundredth time and that would give her time to take a quick shower before Mia noticed she was gone and […]

Iris had two cases back to back today. Thankfully, both of them were follow-ups, so it probably wouldn’t be a lot of actual work. Most of the time she would be traveling between the sites, which wasn’t bad. First up to Colrain, then back to the Countess in Petersham, then hopefully meeting with Roman, Dr. […]

Roland didn’t have a face. At least not one that Iris could see. But it was as if her gaze was repelled from him, like if she tried to look her eyes would slide right over him. In fact, it was hard to keep her eyes open anyway, even if she tried to look away […]

Hugh was mopping the floor when Olivia got into work, clutching her thermos of coffee. He was on the far end of the room and clearly didn’t hear her walk in as he sang along absently to the radio. “Good morning!” she called as she walked in. He stopped, then turned and smiled at her. […]

Olivia’s phone rang as she was cutting watermelon for Mia’s lunch. She set down the knife, wiped her hands, and picked up the phone. The Caller ID display read an unfamiliar number in Worcester. “Hello?” “Hi, is this Olivia Walker?” The voice was professional and warm, male with a strong Boston accent. “Yes, it is.” […]