Part 278 (1/2)

Lou turned the letter over in his hand. There wasn't any purpose in

reminding Michael that the letter had been addressed to the

investigating officer on the case. ”It's possible. It's the first lead

we've had on this in nearly twenty years.” He remembered the police

photograph of

a little boy, and looked up at his son. ”I guess you're going to

London.”

EMMA ROLLED our cookie dough and tried to put her heart into it. She'd

always loved Christmas. This year, for the first time since childhood,

she would be spending it with her family. The kitchen smelled of

cinnamon and brown sugar, carols were playing through the speakers, and

Bev was measuring out ingredients for plum pudding. Outside, a light

snow was falling.

But her heart wasn't in it. She was afraid it was six thousand miles

away, with Michael.

As Emma pressed the cutters into the dough, Bev slipped an arm around

her. ”I'm so glad you're here, Emma. It means everything to me, and

your father.”

”And to me.” She scooped up a cookie in the shape of a snowflake and

laid it on the baking sheet. ”You used to let me do this when I was

little. If Johnno was around, he'd come in and pinch a few before they

were even cooked.”

”Why do you think I sent him off with Bri?” She watched Emma sprinkle

colored sugar over the tops. ”You miss Michael, don't you?”

”I didn't know I would. Not this much.” She carried the tray to the

oven. ”It's silly. It's only two weeks.” After setting the timer, she