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“Local story about a series of art gallery break-ins,” Mel said, frowning. “Nothing was stolen, but security cameras caught someone in black examining specific paintings very carefully.”

Helen sat up straighter. “Why is that odd?”

“Because it reminds me of a case I worked years ago,” Mel replied. “Someone was authenticating paintings before a major heist. Checking which ones were worth stealing.”

“Mel Nelson,” Helen said in that tone that meant she knew exactly where the line of thinking was going. “We just got back from one adventure. Are you already looking for another?”

Mel tried to look innocent. “I’m just reading the news.”

“Mmm hmm,” Helen hummed, but Mel saw the spark of interest in her eyes. “And I suppose you won’t be thinking about this at all tomorrow?”

“Well,” Mel said slowly, “there is that new gallery that opened downtown. The one you mentioned wanting to visit?”

Helen laughed, the sound warm and familiar. “You’re impossible,” she said fondly. “But I suppose we could stop by. Just to look at the art, of course.”

“Of course,” Mel agreed, setting her phone aside. “Though maybe I should call my old contact at the department first. Just to get some background on the break-ins.”

“Naturally,” Helen said, standing and pulling Mel up with her. “But that can wait until tomorrow. Right now, I think we both need sleep. It’s been a busy evening.”

As they got ready for bed, Mel couldn’t help but think about the art gallery case. But watching Helen move around their bedroom, so naturally part of her life now, she knew her priorities had shifted. Whatever mysteries lay ahead, they would face them together, on their own terms. “I can hear you thinking,” Helen said as they settled into bed.

“Just wondering what our next adventure will be,” Mel admitted, pulling Helen close.

“As long as it doesn’t involve large, black suitcases or masked attackers,” Helen murmured, already sounding sleepy.

Mel pressed a kiss to Helen’s temple, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo. “No promises,” she said softly. “But I’ll try to keep it to art galleries and maybe the occasional missing person.”

Helen’s quiet laugh was the last sound Mel heard before drifting off to sleep, her mind already spinning theories about the gallery break-ins. But that was tomorrow’s mystery. Tonight, she was content just to hold Helen and appreciate how their Hawaiian adventure had brought them even closer together. As she finally dozed off, Mel’s last thought was that maybe retirement wasn’t so bad after all, especially when she had someone to solve mysteries with.

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