“I came to see you, of course.”
Nicole chuckled and let her inside. “It’s so good to see you again. How are you faring?”
“I’m doing much better now. My injury is healing nicely, and thankfully, I didn’t get sick from being in the cold water when Mr. Donnelly had tried to kill us.”
Nicole grasped her friend’s hands and squeezed. “I’m so relieved to know that.” She smiled. “So, what brings you here?”
“I thought you’d like to know that I’ve turned in my resignation papers to the Metropolitan Police. I’m no longer a detective.”
“Oh, dear.” Nicole frowned as sadness encompassed her again. “I’m so sorry, Angela.”
“No need to be sorry, Nicole. I’ve been a detective for too long, and I’m looking forward to my freedom.”
Freedom... Nicole certainly knew that was the perfect word for what her friend would have now. “What are your plans?”
“I don’t have any as of yet, but I’m just going to take each day as it comes and not worry about things. I’m going to finally allow people to get to know the real me. No more lies for this old woman.”
Nicole nodded. “I envy you.”
“Perhaps one of these days you’ll join me?”
“Perhaps,” Nicole answered sadly, knowing the only way she could stop being a detective was if she got married...and of course, she couldn’t get married because in her line of work she had to lie to men. She held her breath, telling herself she wouldn’t cry again.
“I’m also here because I thought you’d like to know about Joseph Donnelly.”
Nicole’s interested peaked. “Oh, yes. What has happened to him?”
“His trial was just last week, and he will be in prison for a long time.”
“That is wonderful news.” Nicole paused briefly before adding, “Father tells me that Glynn and Steve were found guilty and sentenced to hang for their crimes.”
“Yes, they were. Their hangings were two days ago, and I was right up front to see it happen.” She nodded precisely. “I’m sure my sister—God rest her soul—was rejoicing from heaven.”
“I’m sure she was, too.”
“So, have you heard from Mr. Lee lately?”
Nicole released a heavy sigh. “No, and I don’t think I ever will. He has not forgiven me.”
“Perhaps one day he’ll change his mind.”
“No, Angela. I don’t want to get my hopes up. If he hasn’t forgiven me by now, he never will.”
The other woman frowned. “I’m sorry. He seemed like such a nice man.”
“I know.”
“Well, I had better go. I have other errands to run before it gets too late,” Mrs. Phelps said, turning toward the door.
“I hope to see you again soon.”
“You will. I plan on living in Meols. The pace here is so much calmer compared to Liverpool.”
“Indeed, it is.” Nicole walked her friend to the door and gave her a hug. “I shall see you later. Take care.”
She watched her friend walk to her buggy before Nicole closed the door. She was happy that Angela was at peace with her life. If only Nicole could be. Then again, how could she be when she refused to move on? It was her own fault since she hadn’t forced herself to get Ashton out of her head. But it was time now. She couldn’t mourn forever.
Determined to finally feel at peace, she hurried upstairs to her room and searched through the wardrobe for a gown she could wear at the ball. She would arrive late, but at least she would attend, and by the grace of God, she would start her shattered heart on the road to recovery.
