The Ties that Bind: The Laurelhurst Chronicles, #5

By Kellie Butler

Over thirty years ago, Lydie found herself orphaned, her beloved parents dead in the London Blitz attacks.

However, through her sister-in-law, Kate's intense custody battle with estranged husband, Lord Elliott Cutterworth, new evidence emerges that Lydie's parents' deaths were no accident, and that Elliott was involved.

Now, Lydie must decide if she has the courage to wade back into the wartime world of smoke and mirrors to free Kate's daughter from Elliott's clutches, and find the truth of what happened to her beloved Mummy and Papa.

In the final chapter of the Laurelhurst series, Lydie faces her ultimate challenge with the man who has been obsessed with her, long before she knew him. Will Lydie get to the truth and bring Elliott down once and for all, or will she become once again ensnared in Elliott's web of lies?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raleigh Hills Press
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393176152

Kellie Butler

Kellie Butler is the international bestselling author of Beneath a Moonless Sky, Before the Flood, The Broken Tree, Out of Night, and The Ties that Bind, all part of the five-star rated The Laurelhurst Chronicles series. Kellie has lived and traveled around the world but now calls the high desert of Arizona home. She loves coffee, walks with her dog, yoga, knitting, reading, classic rock, lofi hiphop, and classic film.  

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Kellie Butler

The Ties that Bind

Book Five of The Laurelhurst Chronicles

First published by Raleigh Hills Press 2021

Copyright © 2021 by Kellie Butler

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Kellie Butler has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021935596

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Contents

I. MAY - DECEMBER 1973

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

II. JANUARY - MARCH 1974

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Also by Kellie Butler

I

May - December 1973

Chapter One

Kate sat at the defense table inside of a small courtroom in London for Violet’s custody hearing on an unusually humid May morning in 1973. Next to her was Sir Campbell, a barrister and friend of Edward and Kit’s from their public school days. Across from them on the other side of the courtroom was Elliott’s counsel. She didn’t see Elliott, but perhaps he chose not to attend with his health.

While they waited for the magistrate to enter, Kate turned around and glanced at Edward and Kit for reassurance. Ever since that evening at Henry and Lydie’s house, she had been preparing for this: freedom. With her family by her side now, she felt slightly more confident that she could get Violet back. Elliott would see she wasn’t fighting this alone.

Ever since she had refused his request to tell him where her sister-in-law was, Elliott had taken greater steps to make sure Kate couldn’t see Violet. Years ago, she’d told her family that Violet was at a boarding school in Switzerland, not knowing whether that was true. Later, she found that was exactly what Elliott had done. Kit had used some of his contacts to find out where the girl was. Not only that, but the social worker had been to see her.

Kate was ready to be free of Elliott, but not if it meant giving her daughter away to him. They had been separated for several years, as was customary for a contested divorce case. Kate didn’t contest wanting to divorce, she contested the custody hearings and her being at fault. Elliott was the one at fault. He had been the one who had driven her to abuse alcohol and drugs. Of course, the courts didn’t always see it this way. He didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, didn’t get about, and had plenty of money to where Violet would be used to the same arrangement she always had. She just wouldn’t have her mother.

Kate knew from the beginning it wouldn’t be easy to get Violet back. Sir Campbell had warned her she was fighting an uphill battle with a so-called innocent father who could provide the status quo for Violet. Such cases hardly ever worked in the mother’s favor, especially one like Kate who had been rather promiscuous and perhaps even neglectful. She hoped her behavior and her steps to create a better life had satisfied the social worker and thus the magistrate.

The magistrate entered, and everyone rose.

"After hearing testimony from both parties, I am ready to give a verdict. In child custody matters, they are murky, at best. However, I must reiterate nothing is more important than the well-being of the child. I must consider what I feel to be the best care for Violet Cutterworth. As adults, we must think of what is in her best interest.

After speaking with the social worker and psychologist who interviewed Violet, I feel placing her into the custody of her father is in her best interest. She will be able to continue her life as she knows it. Although I realize you have made efforts to rectify your previous behavior in the past few years, Lady Cutterworth, I am afraid to place her back into your custodial care. I simply cannot take that chance, nor can Violet of you relapsing. In addition, it seems your husband isn’t quite keen on dissolving the marriage. Perhaps work something out with Lord Cutterworth himself, or you may choose to take that up with the final divorce proceedings. Judgment in favor of the Lord Cutterworth. After three years, I hope you will think of young Violet Cutterworth in this process and settle your divorce now. Court is now adjourned.

Kate stared blankly ahead of her. She had done everything, and it still wasn’t enough. Dumbstruck, she couldn’t even hear Sir Campbell.

Kate, are you listening to me?

Her ashen face froze like a stone. Finally, his voice registered, and she turned to him. No, I didn’t hear you.

Either we wait for the final proceedings or you try to work something out with Lord Cutterworth. I’m afraid our hands are tied at the moment.

And make a deal with the devil? She shuddered. He said that perhaps we could submit again in the final proceedings. We’ve waited this long, why not try again? How long would it take for us to get on the docket?

Well, it’s another year or so until we reach the five-year separation period. The court would grant you one then, even if both parties don’t agree. Unless, of course, we could prove he’s no longer fit to be a custodial parent to Violet or perhaps dies.

What are the odds of that?

He shrugged. You know him better than I do. He’s got to be nearly eighty or so. His fortunes are fine, although I understand the recession is hitting even some of the staunchest of misers. Stop by my office this week, and we’ll discuss our strategy.

Kate was about to answer when she felt a tap on her elbow.

I’m sorry, love. Why don’t we go get something to eat? You must be famished, and Kit’s hosting us at Asquith House. You still have friends.

Kate rose, and her legs almost went out from underneath her.

Edward steadied her. It’s not over, no matter what Campbell says. We’ll figure out a way. Come on, let’s go home.

Nodding, she followed him out of the courtroom, and Edward and Kit followed. She turned to see a faint sneer on the face of Elliott’s barrister. She wondered what pact with the devil had he made.

* * *

Later that evening, the three of them sat at the dining room table inside Asquith House. Sometimes, Kate had such fond memories of this place, especially all those years ago when she’d come searching for her ticket out of the states. Funny, it all seemed bittersweet now, those heady days of romance. There were times she wished she had ever decided to emigrate to Britain, but then again, she might not have had Violet. Violet was the one good thing that she had from her twenty-plus years abroad.

As Kit and Edward chatted, she pushed food around her plate.

Kate, darling, eat something, Edward said.

I’m not hungry. What am I going to do?

Well, it’s not a completely lost cause. Things can happen between now and then.

She scoffed. You know the chances of that. Very few mothers like me get their children back with fathers like Elliott. Besides, where am I going to get the money for that? If we lose again, I would have to pay more money. I would hate to ask my family for any more legal fees. I could try again, maybe.

Monies can be arranged. What is important is getting Violet back, Edward said.

You heard what that social worker said. She doesn’t even want to see me. Elliott has brainwashed her. Frustrated, she closed her eyes. She didn’t see a way out of this. She was trapped.

Yes. Give it time, love, he said gently.

I don’t have time! Every second he has her is every bit I have lost with her. How did they not understand? None of these men seemed to understand just how difficult it was to be away from her daughter.

Kit propped his elbow on the table and rested his head in the palm of his hand. Kate, tell me, is there anything about Elliott that hasn’t come to light? Is there anything you could use to persuade him to at least give you partial custody?

Her brain turned slowly like the gears in a clock until she realized what he was inferring. You mean blackmail?

Not exactly. Just an incentive for him to be more agreeable, for a better word. He pressed his fingers to his lips.

Kate vehemently shook her head. That sounds like blackmail. Elliott won’t go for it.

He shrugged. It’s worth a try. Get him to come to the table. He’s betting you’ll lay down and just accept things.

She sighed. It sounded so easy for them. It wasn’t their child, though. The only things I have are some old letters, clippings, things like that that. I doubt there’s anything in there. Elliott instructed his attorneys to hand them over to me once he knew Edward and I were ‘shacked up’ as he called it. I hadn’t had time to clear everything of mine before he instructed me to leave the flat in London.

What kind of letters? Love letters? Edward’s voice rose.

She scoffed. Elliott writing love letters? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. No, I’ve been through those things. There’s nothing.

I think we should look through them. We need to find something on him that perhaps we could use to persuade him or even get the police to look into him. It’s worth a shot. The alternative is using the other ace we might have, Kit suggested.

And what would that be? Edward asked quietly.

Lidibet. Kit looked him squarely in the eye. He held his gaze for a moment until Edward looked away in disgust.

Kate’s expression was a mixture of misery and anxiety. No, I don’t want to bother them. I know Lydie is doing better, and she suggested wanting to do something to help, but they have too much on their plate.

Edward snapped his fingers. Didn’t Lydie send us an invitation to something this summer?

Kate glanced from Edward to Kit. Yes, it’s a special party. Bobby, Nora, and Suzy are coming home after their first year of college, and Cole is home from his school for good. I doubt she expects us to attend. She probably just sent it out of courtesy.

Well, could you swing getting a few days off? he asked her.

Aren’t you the one telling me not to take time off? She gasped.

Normally, yes, but if you could get a few days, then take it. He shrugged.

It means I won’t get paid, and I can’t ask you or my family for more money.

If it means helping your case with Violet, I think it’s worth it. We’ll sort it out. I can spot you a week’s pay packet or so.

Might want to take it, my dear. Edward hardly spots anyone money, and I’ve known him since I was in nappies, Kit advised.

You didn’t have to go that far, Edward muttered.

Kate wrinkled her nose. I think it’s funny. Alright, I’ll see if my boss will let me off for that week.

Then it’s settled. We’re heading back across the pond, eh? I could use a few days in New York as I wouldn’t mind seeing a few people again.

You mean Olivia, Kate added.

Perhaps, yes. She won’t be able to drop everything.

Kate smiled. I can assure you Olivia has been invited to that party. She’s a member of the family pretty much, remember? So are you.

Kit blushed slightly.

Erm, we should probably head back if we’re going to make the train, Kate, Edward said.

I wish we could stay here tonight.

So do I, but we both have work, and I’d rather sleep in my bed and not have to get up at a god-awful early hour to make a rush-hour train.

Kate stood. Can’t reason with him. Alright, let’s go.

Keep him on the straight and narrow, Kate, Kit said.

I’ll try.

Edward shot Kit a look before heading out the door. Kate followed. What was that all about? he asked.

I have no idea. Come on, I’m exhausted after today. My bed is going to feel so good. At least I have one.

They sauntered out into the night. Something told Kate it was going to be a quiet journey back to Oxford. She wondered if Elliott was celebrating back at that place he called his home. One day she’d like to knock that smirk off his face. Maybe, just maybe, she would.

Chapter Two

Lydie peered out of the window of her kitchen as she dried the last remaining dishes for the upcoming party. She wondered if she should have taken Francine’s advice and rented glasses and plates for the occasion, instead of pulling out nearly everything out of the storage room up on the third floor. Well, technically Henry had done that, but she was the one doing all of the cleaning. That was one job she wasn’t giving JoAnn. Good housekeepers were hard to find.

It felt a bit odd these days with them being nearly empty nesters. Bobby, Nora, and Suzy were all off at college, but Cole lived with them now. After many nights discussing it, they finally took the plunge and brought him home. Not that the school wasn’t excellent in their care and everything else. It was just that things were changing, and with the economy being the way it was, it was somewhat less expensive to hire a nurse to watch Cole while Henry and Lydie were at work.

Lydie’s heart burst with joy as she thought of seeing her boy’s beaming face as she came home from meeting with clients all day long. Now a trained art therapist, she worked with children just outside of the city. She loved her work, and having Cole and Henry to come home to each day was the cream on the top.

Henry seemed to enjoy having Cole at home as well. She liked to think that somehow the quietness of the house after their eldest three went off to college had persuaded him to want to have their youngest son home. The other thing which had also persuaded him was being able to go fishing with him. Bobby had never really warmed to the Bainbridge family tradition. Cole, however, adored it. It made Lydie happy when Bob, Henry, and Cole would leave for a week to go fishing. It left her and Hyacinth alone, of course, but Lydie was gone during the day.

Her mother-in-law lived in her own little world these days, sometimes not even knowing who Lydie was. Lydie plastered a smile on her face and gently reminded her she had married her son in a big church wedding in the city. At times it frustrated her that Hyacinth couldn’t recall the woman who had married her son nearly a quarter of a century ago, but then Lydie remembered there were gaps in her own memory, thanks to all of those ECT treatments, and she stuffed it.

What hurt Lydie the most about it, though, was at times Hyacinth barely remembered Henry. Many a night Henry had come to bed, shaking his head as he held back tears. Henry hadn’t always agreed with his mother, nor some of her antics—and there had been many—but it broke him that his mother couldn’t occasionally recall her only son. The son who had insisted upon his parents moving in with them two years prior when Hyacinth had begun to wander from their house on Geneva Street up to his old school at the entrance of their neighborhood. Thankfully, Olivia, who had seen Hyacinth out on her wanderings, had called Bob, who in turn had called Henry. After a few occurrences, Henry decided to move them. Lydie couldn’t say that Hyacinth had liked it, but at least she wasn’t as difficult as she had been.

Just as she placed the glass on the counter, Henry approached the sliding back patio door. He’d been outside cleaning the grill and getting the pool ready for the summer. Now that they no longer had Bobby, Nora, and Suzy to help out, some of it had fallen back onto his shoulders. Within moments, he bustled into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

Geez, I’m parched. He grabbed a bottle of ginger ale from the door. Want anything, sweetheart?

She grinned. I could use a bottle myself. I think I’m going to rest for a moment.

He glanced at the stacks of plates and a plethora of glasses. I should have helped you with those. Maybe we should have used paper plates.

If we were having a pool party, I would agree, but the table is set up out there. These look nicer.

And that is why you are the hostess, sweetheart, and I’m not. He pecked her on the cheek before opening two bottles. Any news from the kids? I know Suzy is coming in tonight, but I haven’t heard a thing from Bobby and Nora. I swear those two forget we have schedules.

Well, you know Bobby’s schedule isn’t exactly his own anymore with the ROTC and everything.

Henry nodded. Nope. I dare say it won’t be for many years to come. Well, at least if he stays in the Air Force. I can understand him, but Nora…

Dances to the beat of a different drum. She’s finishing up a project. She’ll be here in time for the party.

She’s in the city. It’s not like she couldn’t come home more than she does. Henry passed her a bottle and took a swig of his. Why I thought her living in the city this year was a good idea, I have no idea.

Lydie took a sip of her ginger ale and then leaned over and kissed him. You’re a good father, and I love you for it. Being in an apartment with other students will help her adjust better.

We’ll see. If she keeps her grades up, that’s fine. If they start to slip, though, I swear she’s moving home.

Admit it. You don’t like not having them home.

That’s not it. I’m just more concerned about Nora than I am about Bobby and Suzy. The Air Force will keep Bobby in line, and Suzy, even though she’s out in California, well, I never have to worry about her. She’s going to make sure she gets into med school. Nora is in the city and honest to goodness, I’m worried. It’s even worse than it was a few years ago.

That it is, but it’s never been a sort of Disneyland. You and I both remember that. At least Nora has grown up being near it.

Anyway, he sighed. I’m glad they’ll all be here for a while. Plus, we have Kate, Edward, and Kit coming. I wish they could have stayed here. We have room.

Well, sleeping on sofas is probably not their idea of a nice visit. Can’t say my back would like it, either. Every bedroom in this house will be taken with all four of our kids at home. Bob and Hyacinth have the downstairs bedroom, and the nurse has the one up on the third floor.

It was a good thing we converted part of the attic into a suite for her. Henry took another sip of his ginger ale and then glanced at his watch. I’d better change before I head to JFK to pick Suzy up. I have a good mind to stop by and check on Nora. Project or no.

Don’t do it, Henry. If she’s trying to finish, she needs her focus. Take it from me.

He closed his eyes, silently counted to ten, and then deeply exhaled. Okay, fine.

Henry was about to say something else when the shrill ring of the kitchen phone interrupted him. Lydie picked it up. Hello. Hi, Suzy darling. I thought you’d be on a plane now. Your father was just getting ready to go get you. Oh, you’re delayed? You’re going to take the red-eye tonight? Okay. Henry beckoned for Lydie to give him the phone. Your father wants to speak to you. Hold on.

Henry snatched it from her. Suzy? Hi, sweetheart. What happened with your flight? Oh, I see. Well, I suppose you can’t help that. Are you sure you’re okay? Well, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning then. I’m not sure when Bobby and Nora are coming in. Bobby will probably come in first, even though he’s in Cambridge. Okay, sweetheart. See you in the morning. Thanks for calling.

Henry hung up. Well, looks like I’m staying home. If Bobby comes in tomorrow, I’m going to stay in the city until he gets in, and I’m picking up Nora, whether she likes it or not. She can be working on her project tonight. I’m not sure how she isn’t finished with everything, anyway. I thought she was done.

I don’t know, darling. Hopefully, she’ll finish up tonight and call us. Lydie had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when the phone rang again. She picked up. Hello. Oh, hi, Bobby. Where are you? In Boston? Ah, I see. When are you coming in? Tomorrow around noon? Suzy is coming in tomorrow morning on the red-eye. Your father is staying in the city so he can pick you up. Alright, darling. See you tomorrow.

He’s taking the train in the morning.

Mm-hmm.

Well, that does it. I’m getting on the horn, and I’m going to call Nora. There is no reason why I can’t pick her up.

Would you rather me do it?

No, I don’t. I’m her father, and she can speak to me. Henry took the phone from Lydie and dialed Nora’s number. He listened as it beeped several times and then one of Nora’s roommates picked up. Hi, Nicole. This is Dr. Bainbridge. Is Nora home? She is? I need to speak with her please.

Henry eyed the ceiling as he waited several moments until she finally came on the line.

Hello, Dad.

Nora, your brother and sister are arriving tomorrow. I’m going to be in town, so I want you to meet me at Penn around noon. I’m picking up Suzy in the morning, and your brother is coming in from Boston.

Twisting the phone cord that hung from the wall, Henry’s mouth formed a line as his daughter’s voice gave the answer he didn’t want to hear.

Oh, you’re getting a ride tomorrow afternoon? From whom?

This child is on my last nerve. "No, I don’t know Bonnie. Who is that?"

Count to ten, Henry. Hmm, okay. Well, alright. Tomorrow afternoon. We’ll see you then.

Henry hung up the phone and turned to Lydie. What just happened there?

That’s a good question. I think you’re a big softy, Henry Bainbridge. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

If she’s not here tomorrow afternoon, I won’t be. He scowled.

Speaking of tomorrow, isn’t that when the gang is coming in from Heathrow?

Yes, dang it. Edward said they are renting a car again and staying in the city this time. He placed his hand on his chest. Why do I get a bad feeling about Nora insisting on getting her a ride here instead of coming with us?

Because you worry a lot, and your doctor has told you to stop taking on too much, that’s why. As far as Nora, we’ve both known for years she is going to do as she likes.

She’ll end up like Kate if she keeps this up, he muttered.

Henry Bainbridge, that isn’t nice to Kate at all. You know she’s worked hard to turn herself around.

Lydie, when Kate was Nora’s age, that’s when a lot of this started with her. It’s when she went off to college that she developed all these penchants for partying as she did. I didn’t intervene back then because I thought that was more of Mom and Dad’s job. I suppose I want to help.

Did you ever do anything stupid in college?

Of course.

Then let her learn from her mistakes, Henry. You can’t fix them for her. No matter how much you or I want to do that.

Well, since I’m free for the rest of the day, I’m going to my study to read for a while, then I’ll go toss the ball around with Cole. He pecked her on the cheek. Call me when we’re ready for dinner.

Lydie shook her head as he walked out, heading for the reprieve of his beloved study. For the life of her, she hoped what she had said about Nora was right. If not, Henry might just lose it. And no one wanted to see Henry Bainbridge lose his temper, especially when there would be plenty of people over.

Chapter Three

Edward, Kate, and Kit settled into their seats aboard a 747 from London to New York. As Edward eyed the stewardesses’ short hemlines, Kate nudged him. Stop that.

Since when can I not look at hemlines? I was merely observing they’re much shorter than they were last time, he said smugly.

Kate wanted to shoot daggers at him but turned to Kit instead. Help me out here, Kit.

Kit smiled. I’m afraid I can’t this time. They are a bit shorter than they used to be, but still respectable. I have heard that a certain airline in the US has their girls wearing hot pants and kinky boots. Oh, and plenty of champagne all around.

Blimey, Edward said. Really?

Mm-hmm. It’s a start-up.

Kate groaned. Both of you are incorrigible.

Exactly how is it our fault they decided to raise the hemlines? It’s not like we made the request, Edward said.

Because the lot of you fly more than women do, that’s why. It wasn’t like this back in the fifties.

Hardly anyone flew in the fifties. Besides, you were flying on a private plane back then, I seem to recall. Edward smiled as a stewardess paused to take their drink order. Two gimlets, please, and perhaps a club soda for the lady.

Since when did you order for me? She huffed and then turned her attention to the stewardess. I’ll have a gimlet, too.

You’d better quit while you’re ahead, Edward. The lady is getting feisty, Kit chuckled.

Kate closed her eyes in order not to say something she’d regret. Those two. Dear gosh, I’ll be glad when we get to Henry and Lydie’s house. Then I won’t be outnumbered.

Edward roared with laughter. Yes, have my sister stick up for you.

She will. At least I hope she will. I’m counting on her in more ways than that. Kate frowned as the stewardess passed her the lime and gin concoction that she was more than ready to gulp down.

Easy with that, Kate, Edward said softly. You haven’t had a drink in a long time. There’s gin in there.

I can handle gin. I just hope I can handle this weekend.

Edward gently touched her hand. I doubt Lydie will refuse outright. You know how she feels about Violet.

I know. It’s just a lot to ask of her. I don’t know what to do. Now the court has refused custody, I fear my fate and Violet’s are in her hands.

Now it’s not as dour as that. We will all have a good chat about it. Aren’t you rather excited to see the kids? Edward said.

I can’t believe they are grown up. Just yesterday we were flying over when the twins were born, and here they are, finishing their first year of college. I still can’t believe Henry let Nora go to Cooper. I can’t believe Mom didn’t faint at that.

Well, from what I understand Cooper is rather prestigious, isn’t it? Selective, at least. Kit said.

Yes, but Lydie went to Barnard. I would have thought Nora would have followed in her mother’s footsteps.

Perhaps she didn’t want to meet an Ivy Leaguer. Besides, her siblings are at Stanford and MIT. They have enough to be proud of right there, Edward offered.

I should say so. The Air Force ROTC unit that Bobby is in is named after James Jimmy Doolittle. The man received his master’s degree and a doctorate from MIT in aeronautics. No one can forget the Doolittle Raiders during the war. That is quite a legend to live up to. I’m quite pleased for him, and for Henry and Lydie, Kit said.

The Doolittle Raiders? Who were they? Kate asked.

Kit’s eyes bulged in astonishment. The Doolittle Raiders? Only eighty of the toughest men this century has ever seen. They were the first ones to make a raid on Tokyo in 1942, during the darkest days of the war in the Far East. The glimmer of hope from that raid gave the Allied forces courage that we could take back our losses in Burma and Malaysia, which was bad indeed for us in the British Army. It was an American victory, but the boost in morale meant so much to us. Valiant men.

Didn’t know that, Edward said. 1942 was a rather dark year all around, from what I remember. That’s when I started getting an inkling that things were amiss with Lydie up at Laurelhurst. It seemed that night wouldn’t end. Lydie was sometimes called Little Miss Spitfire by her friends. She earned that moniker after how she fought against Alistair and Goodall back then.

Kit laughed. Yes, just as tough as our little friends were up in the sky. Everyone always thinks of the bombers, you know, and the impact they made. They aren’t, of course, to be discounted. Ah, but those little friends were the ones who flew in first, paving the way for the bombers in many missions.

Which is exactly how it happened with Lydie. She paved the way for myself, the barristers, and the police to take Alistair and Goodall down. She was our secret weapon, and could get into places none of us could. He took a sip of his gimlet. They put too much lime in this one. Dear me, next year will be thirty years since Alistair died and Goodall was arrested. Thirty years since she finally tasted freedom after our parents died tragically.

And we wonder why she never wants to come home. Kit raised his eyebrows.

I used to blame myself for that, you know. I always thought had I intervened sooner, perhaps things wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did. Still, it’s water under the bridge. There was one thing I never quite got over, though.

What is that? Kate said as she sipped her drink.

"I’ve always questioned the circumstances of my parents’ death. I know logically it makes sense that they died in the Blitz.