Jade Returns: Book I: Serenity Cove Series, #1

By Toni French

JADE RETURNS

Book I: Serenity Cove Series

 

The first book of the series introduces you to the characters and town of Serenity Cove, a close-knit seaside community. Jade grew up in the town, and after many years on the road she has accepted an offer to return. She looks forward to having a home, reconnecting with old friends, and setting down roots. To her surprise, a mysterious death in town opens the door for her to collaborate not only with the police but also her close circle of friends. The victim's identity is in question, and as the team uncovers the truth it leads each of them to ask more and more questions. Jade recognizes that there are some aspects of the case that connect to some other research she has performed, and understands that there may be some dark days ahead. Undeterred, she relies upon "Papa" for divine intuition and to navigate any uncharted waters with grace. Throughout the investigation, another more personal relationship is developing. And Jade quickly learns that she is not the only one having that experience.

 

The book presents a tapestry interwoven with strong friendships and community, honor and respect, love and romance, spiritual connections, trauma, ritual abuse, and death. You will come to know Jade, the people in her life, and the angelic realm who both watch over and attend to them. The characters and their journeys will continue throughout the series. And although you may never need it, you will discover a section at the end of each book entitled, "Meet the Characters."

 

You are cordially invited to become part of Serenity Cove and enjoy its myriad treasures… it is my hope that you will find a bit of inspiration and encouragement among the world of words.

 

THE SERENITY COVE SERIES READING ORDER:

Book 1 – Jade Returns

Book 2 – Unveiled Secrets (working title; book in progress)

Book 3 (and beyond) – TBD

 

OTHER RELATED WORKS (Coming Soon)

– Jade's Art

– Other surprises

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toni French
• Release date: Sep 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201627560

Toni French

Ms. French has been writing and producing creative works throughout her life. While displaced as a result of the 2020 global situation, she was re-inspired to begin this series and plans to continue following the characters along their journeys. Although fictional, the book has been drawn from and inspired by life's hopes and dreams as well as years of research, fascinating conundrums, and rabbit-hole exploration.

Book preview

Prologue

It’s just as we discussed... everything is in place, Rafael decreed. Her father has passed away and we are bringing him home now. Jade will not realize it for a period of time, but with his death a long line of generational curses shall be extinguished.

Sahana responded, It feels like it’s been an eternity, Raphael. Why did Jade have to wait so long for this freedom?

Raphael’s comforting glance spoke volumes, and Sahana already knew his answer before he spoke. Papa’s timing is always best. Their eyes locked in understanding and there was no need to speak any further on the matter. Grace permeated the quiet and they experienced a familiar peace that surpassed all understanding. Raphael equated this experience to a familiar human expression: it was one of the perks of the job.

Even before Jade was conceived, her Guardian Angel Rafael understood that Jade’s life was being created for a special purpose. Yet she would not come to understand that until much later in life. In her bloodline, a darker realm had coveted her life as a first born from the time she was conceived. All throughout Jade’s life those dark entities had tried and failed many times to coax her to choose a path to lead her away from her divine purpose. He had observed her dipping her toes into alternate pathways from time to time, but instead of falling away those experiences only served to reinforce what she knew to be true. Rafael smiled each time she walked away with resolute confidence.

Papa—a name by which as some humans refer to the Heavenly Father—met with Rafael generations before Jade’s conception and shared the exquisite plan that He had carefully designed for her life. Rafael smiled whenever he recalled their conversation... for Jade was exactly as Papa described her: a natural beauty gifted with many creative talents and intellectual abilities, highly observant, and acutely aware of nuance. Even from childhood, instead of believing what others told her, Jade relished the opportunity to dig for the truth. She enjoyed learning more about whatever captivated her interest and then avidly researched anything that did not make sense. Only then could she know for certain whether it was or was not right for her own life path.

One quality that Rafael admired was that Jade was always the first to admit when a decision she made was perhaps unwise. And even when some of her choices could prove to be dangerous, Papa and her angelic team surrounded her with divine protection because they knew that those unwise paths would ultimately lead her back to them. At times Jade amused the team because her seemingly reckless-looking choices were­ at the same time quite courageous.

Rafael also held Jade in high regard because instead of standing in judgment about certain lifestyles, she chose to examine choices that the world often rejected to better understand why people were drawn to live in a certain way. It had given her greater compassion for her fellow humans, and she was grateful for every experience. Through each encounter, as soon as Jade felt any of her own life choices were unsafe, she walked away and immediately gave thanks to Papa for His protection.  

Gifted with strong intuition, and as Jade matured she began to recognize and acknowledge the Source of her divine guidance and discernment. As soon as she realized that truth, her need to know everything became less and less important and she was able to relax and fully trust the Master of the Universe (or Papa) as she loved to call God. And it was then that she began to understand and could more fully enjoy playing with both her right and left-brain gifts.

Book I begins.

1

It is finished! Jade declared as soon as she learned her father had died, and she sensed something shift in her universe. It was also one of the reasons she felt free to move back to Serenity Cove—the town where she had grown up. One day, she thought, perhaps I’ll write about our family dynamics... but not anytime soon. Even the thought of writing it all down created not only an unpleasant physical sensation in her body but also triggered adrenal stress. Neither was healthy for her body, mind, spirit, or soul.

Jade chose to focus her thoughts instead upon a story that she began researching a few years before. It dealt with the subject of epigenetics, a topic she felt moved to revisit. She could not remember all the details, but recollected that it had something to do with trauma being passed down through the DNA... that trauma was actually inherited from one generation to the next.

My life has been one long research project. And every single thing that happens—all of it ties together... even when all evidence seems to point to the contrary, she mused aloud. I’m certain that epigenetics hold the key that will unlock all the mysteries. She remembered how fascinated she was the first time she heard the term, not only because of the subject matter on its own, but also because it might personally apply to her own life and ancestral line.

Over the years, Jade had learned to listen to her body’s signals. As she was driving Jade became aware that she was feeling those all too familiar anxieties. In response Jade took several deep breaths and quietly affirmed: I release all that no longer serves me. She smiled, remembering the day that she had adopted the phrase from on of Louise Hay’s books and began using regularly speaking it. However, it was grounded in a scriptural principal far older than the author’s affirmation.

Jade gave quiet thanks to Papa and quoted, I am transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I am a new creation; old things are passed away, all things are become new.

Over many years, Jade had learned that thoughts, ideas, or relationships that did not serve to uplift or heal her also did not deserve a place in her life. So although Jade was always willing to look at truth, she was unwilling to rent any mental space to toxic ideas or memories. If she permitted them to remain within her consciousness, they ran her life and the eventual outcome was anything but healthy.

Jade closed her eyes and chose to consciously breathe in joy. She began giving thanks that she had been given a beautiful opportunity to return to Serenity Cove. Like its name, the town was a quaint and peaceful place where she had spent most of her youth. And although it was actually a city she still liked to think of it as a town.

After college Jade worked for several newspapers throughout the country, and some of the articles she had written had received national acclaim. After spending years on the road, it was lovely to be returning home again.

Her cross-country journeys had become a favorite way to spend time. She had begun to notice that driving allowed her to relax and feel completely free. And while she loved her life on the road, the constant change in locale prevented her from feeling rooted anywhere. Jade was so glad when Mr. Brooks reached out to offer her a role at the paper, and she realized how much she was looking forward to calling somewhere home again.

As she drove, Jade thought about the many types of stories that she had researched. Some of the articles had uplifted and brought hope while others exposed the dark horrors that society hoped would remain hidden. Each piece was as precious to her as a newborn child. She nurtured each detail to build the story and eventually was strong enough to stand on its own in print.

When Jade was eight or nine, her mother shared that she had worked in a mental institution as part of her Nurses Training. It gave Jade’s young mind an idea and she began imagining what it would be like to be a writer. One day she told her mother how interesting it would be to go undercover and live in a mental institution so that she could see into their minds and write their stories. Her mother dissuaded her from pursuing the idea so Jade decided to keep those kinds of thoughts to herself, unless she wanted to purposefully shock her mother.

All throughout her schooling, Jade continued to feel that the human psyche was one of the most fascinating things to study, and she never forgot her dream: a mental institution housed so many characters—each one could potentially become a character in a novel! Years later, it was no surprise that Jade found herself drawn to movies, television series, and books that contained a psychological component.

When she entered college, her mother had encouraged her to take lots of types of courses before deciding on a path. And Jade adopted that philosophy and tried all sorts of things. She tried out for a play, met and got to know all sorts of people, and enjoyed many social activities. Her life became filled with a long series of anecdotes and adventures... any of which could easily have become a novel.

Yet in all her years writing for papers she had not chosen to write about herself. During one of her drives she allowed herself to wonder: Have I purposefully chosen a life that keeps me constantly on the move... am I unconsciously running from the threads of my own life?

That thought resurfaced and aloud Jade retorted, Well, if I am, it’s no longer satisfying.

Looking back, Jade realized that a dramatic shift happened after her marriage ended. During the marriage, she spent nine months meeting with a Pastoral Counselor and during one of the sessions, the Counselor asked her to describe her fantasy.

At first she was offended because she thought he was referring to a sexual fantasy. He gently educated her that a fantasy was nothing more than something she might desire for her life.

After reframing it in her mind, Jade’s answer surprised the Counselor. She said, I want to disappear and go live on an island... I am a famous novelist... and I live in a beautiful villa with gossamer drapes at the windows. In her mind’s eye Jade was picturing the drapes on windows in a large house she remembered from watching the movie Reds. "I see myself wearing beautiful flowing sarongs, have a beautiful tan, and drive a convertible. I have all that I need and never worry about money. Everyone on the island treats me kindly... honors my privacy... and they never intrude upon me. And I have a worldwide audience who adores me... like Joan Wilder in Romancing the Stone."

Jade remembered that her Counselor’s expression looked sad and he addressed her with gentle concern in his voice. "Jade, I sense that in your marriage, you are disappearing... He noted a perplexed look on her face and added, Your identity is disappearing." Her mind his word over and over, and at some point he recommended they end the marriage. A quiet despair came over Jade and she felt there was no hope.

Looking back, Jade realized that after the marriage ended she had never remained anywhere longer than two years. Often it was less.

It had been a nice day on the road. As dusk approached, Jade put away thoughts of the past. It was time to stop for the night and recharge. The sky was filled with purple and blue slivers amid the orange and pink hues of sinking sun and she loved that time of day. Jade pulled off the highway when she saw a motel. Once stopped, she opened her car door to step out and took in the beautiful landscape.

Drinking in a deep breath she declared, Papa, I’m again claiming your words: ‘It is finished!’ Let this day be the beginning of best new adventure.

And in her mind she reaffirmed: And so it is.

2

Editor Zane Brooks of The Serenity Cove Chronicle had reached out to Jade a few months before and asked her to consider coming back to town to work for him at the paper. Jade had been one of his High School English students many years before. After she graduated he learned that she planned to declare Journalism as her college major, so he made a point to keep an eye on her career and he was so proud of her successes.

When Zane was first offered his own role at the paper, he immediately wanted to bring Jade aboard one day so he kept it tucked away at the back of his mind. He knew she had a travel bug, but also had a feeling that she might one day consider returning to Serenity Cove when the time was right.

He never regretted his decision to leave teaching and Zane had grown to love The Chronicle. So when he learned that one of his writers planned to retire, he touched base with Jade to ask whether she might consider joining the staff. He knew it was a long shot because he couldn’t offer her the glamour or the money that came with one of the bigger papers, but something told him that she might be ready to come home.

To his great joy, she accepted the offer, and promised to return as soon as she finished up a current story that she was investigating. He was pleased when she eventually sent word to let him know it was nearing publication.

AS JADE RESTED IN THE motel room she was thinking about her life and the various paths that had brought her to this point in time. Before starting college Jade was hopeful that one day she would be working in a more undercover role, perhaps as an investigative journalist where she might get the chance to travel internationally for some of her stories.

Over the years she had been able to travel extensively, and had written several really interesting pieces. Some had dealt with dangerous components, but she was fortunate that nothing had been life-threatening to date.

At some point in her life Jade had declared a personal philosophy: Life is like one big archaeological dig for treasure, and I’m on a perpetual quest for the truth. She had shared it with a few people and most of them laughed at her dramatic tone, but she knew it was her personal truth and she was looking forward to this new quest. There might not be anything overt in the community, but she was determined to dig for treasure.

Jade often used her travel time as an opportunity to do some soul-searching. She enjoyed singing and even had conversations with herself, the angels, and Papa. It amused her to recall that a man who she once worked with suggested she take a brain test... so she did. And to her great surprise the test showed that she highly left-brain analytical and highly visual. She had always been very creative and artistic since her toddler days, and she thought the test would show a strong right-brain creative side. Thus, it surprised her to learn that she had such a strong left-brain analytical mind.

Yet, as she thought about it, she recognized how true that was true. Even her artwork, was highly detailed in nature and each calligraphy stroke precise.

Suddenly Jade audibly laughed, remembering that her analytical nature often drove the men she dated a bit crazy. One man told her he was frustrated because she could out-logic him. But what’s wrong with wanting to know the why? she wondered. And aloud added, When I communicate with people, I want to understand what they are saying and I dive into the details, especially if something doesn’t make sense or if I catch them in a lie. My professors always seemed to love that about me in class because it showed that I was deeply invested in learning and understanding the matters we discussed.

Jade often came into contact with people who were annoyed with details. Many top-level thinkers expected her to answer in short quips or bulleted lists, but that was not how she was wired and Jade often found it quite unpleasant to work for or be in relationship with those types of people. At times, they were also controlling and verbally abusive, so she found herself shutting down around those types of people. There were other CEOs and Executives, however, who appreciated and honored her differences, trusted her insights, and encouraged her to shine.

Over time, Jade began to realize the unusual gift that she had been endowed and was able to fully embrace the way her brain functioned. That is also when she realized that she did not mind being alone; in fact, she often preferred it. "It’s exhausting trying to please everyone... and, she thought, it would be amazing to live among a community where we appreciate and encourage one another... where we build one another up, perhaps even work together, and truly love one another.

Tonight in the motel she began thinking about her father’s recent death as well as her divorce. Jade was deep in thought and began to speak aloud. My truth is: I think I am depressed. And perhaps I have no real sense of what a good male-female relationship is supposed to be because I had such a volatile relationship with my father. She paused and then added, I certainly did not idealize him. And I feel nothing right now... I’m completely alone.

The empty space seemed to embrace her; however, she evaluated what she had just spoken and quickly edited her words. Papa, strike that. I know you’re always with me. Thank you that you never left or forsaken me... and thank you to my angels as well. Jade made it a habit of speaking throughout each day to Papa. He was her best friend—her closest relationship.

3

On her birthday many years before, Jade’s sister had mailed a book to her. It was a paperback copy of the best-selling novel called The Shack. Several people had mentioned the title to Jade, but she never had any interest to read it until it arrived as a gift. And as a courtesy to her sister, Jade read it.

To her great astonishment, the book touched her life in such a way that she was never the same again. The author William P. Young had written a story for his children about a character named Mack who meets God. And in the story God is called, Papa.

Initially the character of Papa was introduced in a female form and Jade remembered how she laughed when she read that; whe absolutely loved that it went against all the conventional stereotypes. After all, Jade mused, God is neither male nor female. In fact, both male and female together represent Him. As Jade followed the story of its main character Mack, she enjoyed how his eclectic relationship with Papa developed and unfolded. In fact Jade felt that the author’s choice of the name Papa was the most perfect name for God the Father, so she immediately decided to adopt it when speaking to God.

In Jade’s mind, using the word "Papa" was a far more intimate way to speak to God. It evoked images of what she imagined it must be like to have a father who adored her and who was also the center of her world. In fact, that was the way that she had always imagined God to be. But because Jade had never experienced that same relationship with her own father, it had been hard to imagine that kind of relationship with God until she read The Shack.

Jade felt indebted to the author whose words had at last presented God in a way that she could actually visualize this type of relationship. At last she could know, feel, sense, and see that Papa God was the one she could always trust, who loved her best—more than any human ever would or could, and was the one with whom she could have the most abundant relationship. And, she thought, the term Papa can’t be too far off base since the word Abba in Hebrew means Father.

⬥

That’s right, my darling girl, Papa responded. He loved when Jade began calling him by that name. Their relationship had immediately transformed and began to grow in new ways.

⬥

Throughout her life, Jade had been an avid fan of various television series and movies. She especially loved dramas, crime investigations, and psychological thrillers. During one of her investigative pieces, she spent time in Hollywood and had gone undercover as a Background Actor. It had been a fascinating, eye-opening, and interesting investigation and she often missed living in that area and working on the sets.

Some time later during a cross-country drive, she came upon some Hollywood content while reviewing various social media platforms. One particular video title caught her eye and she took advantage of the time on the road to continue her research. She felt prompted to go down various rabbit holes and began to gain insight into a deep well of corruption in Hollywood and beyond. And as she listened, she heard recurring themes of pedophilia, Satanism, and the Illuminati. Although Jade was aware of each theme mentioned, she was surprised at how openly it was being discussed in the mainstream.

But there was one unfamiliar term that kept popping up in the content... something called MK-Ultra. However, the more that Jade heard the term used within various contexts, it felt like there was something very familiar about it. She continued to listen to various types of broadcasts, and details about a nefarious cabal began to unravel. She had first learned about this cabal as a teenager through a series of tapes that came to her family.  And eventually Jade realized she had also learned about MK-Ultra—it had just not been given that name when she first heard about it. And Hollywood had been inserting elements of it into their movies and shows for years.

Many years before, Jade had met a scientist who was part of Military Intelligence and he had shared stories about some famous people he knew and worked with, as well as other very unusual things that he had been doing throughout his military career. Jade began to recollect and piece together snippets that he had shared.

The day that Jade first learned about MK-Ultra, she began to dig further into it and discovered that the same scientist’s name was listed in the declassified project documentation. And that led Jade to find many of his other associated projects and colleagues.

Jade continued her research and came upon another military officer’s name linked to Satanism and pedophilia. Jade continued to dig and discovered that his name was also listed in the same MK-Ultra documentation. Jade began looking for more information about the second man and felt sick when she discovered an online photo of both the scientist she met as well as this second officer at a black tie event. Jade then discovered that second man’s name was linked to a pedophile ring that preyed upon children at a U.S. Military base.

The hair on the back of Jade’s neck stood up when she realized that she herself was tangentially connected to this second officer. Not only did she know one of his military colleagues but also one of the parents of his victims.

One of the daycare victims was the youngest daughter of Jade’s former neighbor. During high school Jade babysat for this Military family who lived across the street and she had become fairly close to the mother of the family. The family had received orders to relocate, and at their new posting their youngest daughter was molested at the base’s daycare. After it happened, the wife had returned to town and invited Jade to meet her for dinner one evening to catch up. At the meeting she confidentially shared what had happened to her little girl.

Through the years, Jade knew that there must be a purpose to her own life but she had been a bit unclear about just what that was. As she examined all of this new information, she wondered: Is this corruption and evil what I am supposed to expose? Should I write a book, an article, do a podcast?

Alone with her thoughts Jade began to speak quietly with Papa. I know that you promised: I know the plans I have for you, for good and not for evil... to give you a future and a hope. But what are those plans? And how can I trust anyone with all the evil I see in the world?

And although she did not audibly hear Papa, she knew His voice and sensed His reply. I love you, Jade. You can trust that I am working out each detail. You can always trust me.

Thank you Papa, I do trust you and know you will always guide my steps, Jade responded aloud.

JADE FELL INTO A DEEP sleep, rested well, and in the morning completed the final leg of her trip. She arrived in Serenity Cove and drove straight to the realtor’s office to pick up the keys for her new house. She had discovered the house on a website and fell in love with its charm, so she purchased it on the realtor’s recommendation with all its furnishings. Once she saw it, Jade was pleased with her decision and found it suited all of her needs.

As she was unpacking Jade began thinking about all the research that she had been doing through the years. She had discovered that even in her personal time, what others might consider entertainment actually provided layer upon layer of invaluable data. And a growing repertoire emerged. Jade began gleaning information to aide her in the investigations she planned, and the content offered numerous insights and ideas for the books she was planned to write. Over the course of many years, Jade had started writing about twenty different books and knew that they would all tie together one day.

Not long before, Jade suspected it was no accident that the shows and films to which she gravitated seemed to all be Hollywood-scripted versions of MK-Ultra’s intentions and other darker agendas. She began to remember certain series: Orphan Black explored cloning; Fringe and Counterpart featured alternate worlds and second versions of the main characters; and Dollhouse was a series that she had watched many years before that... she sensed that it too was very much like the MK-Ultra program. Another series that Jade had come across featured actor Christian Slater being drugged and used in an Agency operation. When he was on the drug he was an assassin; off the drug he lived a normal life as a husband and father. However, there was a glitch one day and the two versions of his identity became aware of one another. In fact, they began communicating to help each other. At one point, his handler gave an order to terminate him because he had learned about the operation. When he realized that he was about to be assassinated, he proved to the handler that the glitch was actually an asset. Thus, his life was spared.

But then suddenly the series was yanked. In fact, Jade began to notice a pattern that the shows she most enjoyed were often suddenly ended. It was frustrating and disappointing, yet as she began to see the correlation that itself was an even more fascinating connection of a series of dots. Jade began to wonder whether those in the shadow government yanked them before the ‘fictional’ storylines were actually discovered to be true.

As Jade’s mind was reviewing all these facts, she remembered that the scientist she met began consulting for Hollywood movies after he retired from the military. She suspected that it was quite possible that he and others like him were responsible for consulting on many of the storylines, to not only confirm accuracy but perhaps also interweave MK-Ultra themes and other agendas.

And Jade began to formulate an idea for a story that one day she hoped to pursue. Given what she was learning about the various control agendas, she wondered and even suspected that the military experiments being conducted were ultimately responsible for the date rape drugs coming into existence.

Now wouldn’t that be an interesting article to publish? she wondered to herself. But were I to expose what they have done I wonder if they would try to take me out as well? Given that sobering realization, Jade tabled the idea... for the time being at least.

Perhaps one day she would broach the subject with Mr. Brooks.

4

Jade was sitting at her desk at The Serenity Cove Chronicle when she received a text message. It read: Jade. Can you meet? Have something you need to see. Meet me at our spot. She read the text second time and quickly replied in code to let Dirk know she was leaving to meet with him. She remembered from years ago that their spot was down at the Pier.

There was something in the tone of the Detective’s text that pricked her spirit. She grabbed her keys and phone, and shot a quick text to Zane Brooks, her editor: Going to meet a source. She waved down the hall to him and once she was sure that he signaled his approval, she took off for the front door.

Down in the parking garage, she pressed the button on her key fob. She could not remember where she had parked so the sound pointed her in the right direction and she jumped into her car. Normally she would have put the top down, but something told her: No, not now. Time may be of the essence.

Watching her as he always did, Rafael was pleased that she understood the urgency as he gently prompted her thoughts. Although Rafael’s name was unknown to her, he was clear that she knew she had divine angelic protection. It had been his honor to guard her throughout her life and Rafael considered it a privilege, never a duty.

Dirk stood waiting at the pier, gazing at the boats in the harbor. He headed over to the bookshop to await Jade’s arrival and check on something. His best friend Skyler Sky Jansen owned the shop, and when Dirk became a detective, they developed an arrangement if ever there was a need for secrecy. As he approached the shop, Dirk turned the knob and the door chimed to announce his arrival. He waved to Sky and quickly put one finger to his lips to indicate he needed Sky to keep silent.

Skyler and Dirk had created a set of codes and signals when they were pre-teens. Sky immediately distracted a customer to allow Dirk time to move unnoticed to another location in the store.

Sky then walked over to another of his loyal customers and placed his hand near her back. Mrs. Kennelly..., he greeted, I found a beautiful first edition that I think may be perfect for your collection! I have it waiting for you in my office and I’d love to show it to you! She followed him into a back room and he placed in on a table for her to visually inspect.

Dirk almost audibly laughed at Skyler’s gift for subterfuge, took his cue, and headed over to the staircase. As he opened the door and headed down the wide staircase to the basement, Dirk remembered that day long ago when he and Skyler discovered a secret chamber while they were downstairs working one summer during their boyhood. The shop’s previous owner had sent them downstairs to clean and reorganize the bookshelves. In one of the rooms they discovered that one of the bookcases had a secret latch. Dirk had tripped and fallen forward when his shoe got stuck in a crack in the floor. While trying to steady himself, he knocked into the latch and the whole case began to turn.

Both boys stood with mouths gaping as they watched the transformation. Without making a sound, they looked inside the hidden room and discovered a light switch. The room was empty and it appeared to have no purpose—or so they thought. While checking out the room, they both noticed how small it was and felt that was odd. And because it contained almost nothing inside, they began to examine it and discovered another latch that opened a second hidden room behind one of its walls.

To protect themselves, the boys made doubly sure that they could both open and close the openings. They tested the latches several times together to make sure they would not accidentally lock them inside. And they made a pact not to speak of its existence to the owner unless he brought it up first, and even as boys they vowed to buy the shop if it was ever for sale.

Because the owner never spoke of it to the boys, they thought he was unaware of its existence and felt as thought they had discovered a gold mine. Years later they uncovered other secrets as well including a pathway to a tunnel system under the city. They decided to use the secret rooms if they should ever need complete privacy.

Both Sky and Dirk continued to work at the shop every summer and after school. After college Dirk enrolled in the police academy, and Skyler began working at the shop full time. Eventually Sky took it over when the owner’s health failed. Sky had always loved books and began buying first editions to add value to the shop. The owner eventually passed away and left the store to Sky. In a letter to Sky, he told him that he had come to consider him like a son and knew that it would be in good hands.

Thus the two young men did not have to buy the store after all. Sky channeled his energy into the store. And Dirk loved to solve mysteries so the police force was a great fit for his natural talents. Both young men settled into their work routines, and saw one another often.

After some time on the police force, Dirk was promoted to Detective and later to Lead Detective. He loved the role and when his Captain wanted to keep promoting him, Dirk felt he would preferred to remain Lead Detective where his hands remained on the casework. Yet the Captain saw his natural leadership gift and quietly continued to groom him for great things.

WHEN DIRK SUGGESTED Jade meet him, he thought he left something in the Secret Room the last time he was there, so he popped down to get it and then quietly ascended the stairs. At the top he listened for voices but the shop was silent so he quietly re-entered the shop, waved to Sky on the way out, and went to get a table at the Pier to wait for Jade.

The Pier was a restaurant and bar next to the water and he was a frequent patron. Dirk loved that the town was built on a Cove, and for him the water always offered a relaxing sight at the end of his day. Although the town of Serenity Cove was more like a city in size, it had retained a certain small-town feel. Newcomers were mesmerized by its beauty and quaint appeal and the residents took great pride in keeping its appearance pristine. And although it was equipped with modern technology, its ivy-covered stone buildings and cobblestone streets were just two features that added to its old-world charm.

Both Dirk and Sky had been close to Jade all throughout their childhoods into their teens. She and her family had moved away after high school, and so they kept in touch for awhile before each one headed off to college. Then her work as a journalist took her to other parts of the country. It had been many, many years since they had seen her, and both men were really looking to reuniting.

Even as a child in grade school, Jade had exhibited many artistic gifts. In high school her Creative Writing teacher made her doubt her ability to write, but when her writing easily flowed in college she found her life took quite a turn. Her professors were very impressed with her work and she was offered two editorial roles. Some of her writing was published and she was offered a fellowship. After that she took some time off and then accepted an offer to write for a large paper.

Jade reviewed her life decisions and accomplishments and felt at peace about returning to Serenity Cove’s quieter lifestyle. In her off time, she was updating the cottage’s interior, doing some decorative painting, and then decided to repaint all the exterior trim. Inside she also decided to revive several artistic hobbies that she had put on the back burner for many years.

She enjoyed her new work routing, and was delighted to work for Mr. Brooks. She had always loved his teaching style and knew that he would respect her work as well as her thought process.

On her first day back in town, Mr. Brooks was overjoyed to see her. He told her, Jade, you remind me of a younger version of myself, and you are most welcome to stay here forever if you so choose.

Jade’s eyes danced in merriment as she thanked him for the warm welcome. Then, in a more serious tone Jade confessed, I truly am happy to return, Mr. Brooks, but I am hoping to do more than just writing stories. I’d love to investigate crimes and mysteries. Have you ever worked with the police or other agencies when crimes occur?

Zane noted the excitement on her face. Jade, I love your enthusiasm... however, the town may disappoint you. We do not tend to have a lot of crime around here.

Jade laughed, realizing it was true. Well... perhaps not crimes like the ones on T.V., but I suspect there must be all sorts of hidden stories, mysteries, and family secrets. Her eyes widened with excitement as she confided, It shall be my mission to root them out!

My dear, you have my blessing. Go to it, dear sleuth! Zane laughed. And, please call me Zane now that we are colleagues.

Knowing her zeal for mysteries, he looked forward to seeing what she might uncover. He offered her a desk location with a bit more privacy and led her there after they discussed some ideas that he thought might help get her started.

Jade looked up and said, Thank you, sir—I mean Zane. I must admit that it feels a bit odd calling you by your first name after being your student, but I shall work on it. She giggled and then she added, I truly want to thank you for this opportunity and I’m really pleased to be here. I always loved your classes and I know this is going to be great. Jade smiled and laid her things on the desk.

I am delighted that you have returned to us. You were one of my best students, and I know you will do well. Do not hesitate to come to me if there is anything you need.

They settled into a nice routine, and Jade felt at peace with her choice. The money was not great, but she could still manage. And if she could break a story that one of the syndicated papers might pick up to run, that would bring in more income as well.

And of course, she thought, things might really change if I could just finish one of the many books I’ve started.

DIRK HAD BEEN THINKING about Jade ever since he learned that she returned. He had called to welcome her home but wanted to let her settle in before he invited her to meet. Today was the perfect day. He sensed that perhaps their work lives would intersect at some point, so he wanted to take her to the Bookstore. When he and Sky discussed his plan, Sky told him that he was open to sharing their secret with Jade and only Jade—no one else.

Dirk remembered Sky’s face when he voiced that caveat, and it made Dirk laugh. Sky wanted to preserve the secret for all time, so sharing it with Jade was a huge deal. Yet Sky also knew that they had been like the Three Musketeers growing up, so it was easier to consider it.

Dirk made the short walk from Sky’s shop to the Pier and asked for a table near the water. He looked around but did not see Jade yet and was glad to beat her there. When he texted, he wondered whether she would remember their spot, and was happy that she did.

Jade arrived and spotted Dirk as he was gazing over the water. She recalled spotting him in town one day when he was working but she did not approach him. As she looked across the seating he turned his head and got up from his seat to meet her as she crossed the room.

Hey there! Jade exclaimed. It is absolutely fabulous to see you again!

They hugged and then Dirk held both her arms and was beaming as he gazed at her. He thought she had grown into the