“Go pick up that package yourself,” barked Alex into the phone. “Christina, I’m on a business trip, not a picnic.”

“Yes, there was a package, and I need it. You’re my wife, after all, aren’t you?” “I work too,” she snapped, offended. “How am I supposed to get it?” “I’ll send you the code,” he replied.

“Or check your email, you got the notification.” “Okay,” she said quietly. “When are you coming home?” “Gonna be delayed,” Alex grumbled.

“We’ve got issues with equipment setup here.” “Will there ever be a time when you stop going on these trips?” she asked sadly. “I’m supporting the family, you know.”

Christina hung up and looked at the package notification. It didn’t look ordinary at all. The package came from abroad via some private service, and she could pick it up just by showing the code, no ID needed.

Christina wondered what her husband could have ordered, but nothing came to mind. Alex worked in production automation, often traveling to set up equipment; maybe it was some work-related trinket. Christina didn’t understand why it bothered her so much, but having to pick up the package herself caused almost physical repulsion.

“Mom, we’re gonna be late for school!” Max yelled from the kitchen. “I’m ready, what about you?” “Coming, sweetie!” Christina shouted and trudged to the hallway. Her head was pounding after a 24-hour shift as a paramedic.

The shift had been exhausting, and at home, the kid demanded attention. Christina already felt guilty for occasionally leaving him with his grandma. Though Veronica Davis eagerly babysat her grandson, it still wasn’t ideal.

Now she had to drop her son off at school and then trek for this package. The pickup location was inconvenient, on the other side of Chicago. She muttered a curse, grabbed her son’s backpack, and headed down to the entrance.

School was just a couple of blocks away. She’d let him go alone, but traffic in their neighborhood had become hellish since the new interchange opened. So they took turns walking Max.

Sometimes her, sometimes her mother-in-law, and occasionally her husband when he was home. However, Alex was absent more and more. Christina had calculated it once.

Her husband was home about ten weeks a year, spending the rest on the road. So she no longer had high hopes for their marriage. She just accepted it and moved on.

Besides, Alex gave no reasons for jealousy. Half-asleep, she walked her second-grader to school and hopped on the nearest bus. Strangely, they handed over the package without any formalities.

She just gave the code, and they gave it to her. Christina looked at the box; it was quite bulky. She grabbed it and headed home.

She managed to sleep a few hours, then rushed to pick up her son, already late. She completely forgot about the package. And then her mother-in-law came over in the evening.

She missed her grandson and wanted to chat. Usually Christina didn’t mind, but not today. “Why are you so out of it?” Veronica Davis asked, offended. “Didn’t get to sleep?”

“Yeah,” Christina yawned. “And Alex with his stupid package. Had to drag myself who knows where.”

“What’s in it?” His mother perked up. “Did you look?” “Mom, can I have the box later?” Max jumped nearby.

“It’s so big, I want to make a spaceship.” “Wait, it’s Dad’s package.” “He’ll come home and open it,” Christina brushed off.

“It’s rude to open it without him.” “But aren’t you curious what’s inside?” Veronica Davis smiled and clapped her hands like a child. “Christina, come on, open it.”

“We’ll say I asked.” “Alex won’t be mad, I promise.” “Oh, you’re worse than a kid,” she laughed….

“A grown woman?” “Fine, let’s see.” “I’m curious too.” “Especially since there’s no return address.”

“Mom, what if it’s from a villain? I saw it in a movie.” Her son declared confidently. “Where were you allowed to watch those movies?” Christina countered, removing the wrapping.

“I definitely didn’t show them to you.” “At the boys’ in school,” Max blushed. “Mom, come on.” “Why are you so slow? No, I’ll do it myself.”

She cut him off for some reason. Finally, she removed the top layer of packaging. Under it was a fairly large box.

Veronica Davis was practically dancing with impatience next to her. Christina even felt awkward. She opened the box and looked inside.

There was an old, very worn toy. A brown plush bear with a naive face and bead eyes. Clearly not new.

“Mom, what’s that?” Max stuck his nose in. “Hey, why does Dad need a toy?” “Oh, I’d like to know that,” Christina smiled. “Maybe they mixed up the address and it’s not Dad’s package at all.”

“Someone got the wrong address.” “No,” Veronica Davis swayed, and her smile faded. “That’s our little bear.”

“It really disappeared many years ago.” “Oh, I feel so bad.” “Christina, give me some water.”

Her mother-in-law staggered and nearly fell. They barely caught her. Veronica Davis was pale.

Her hands shook, and her teeth chattered against the glass of water her grandson brought. “What’s wrong?” Christina was amazed. “Is it the bear?” “This is no ordinary toy,” the elderly woman clutched her heart. “Alex never parted with it.”

“He slept with it, ate with it, and then the bear suddenly disappeared.” “In one day.” “We thought we lost it on a walk, but…” “Who needed to dig up the past?” “Yeah, unclear,” Christina sighed.

“Well, we’ll ask Alex.” “He should know from the sender.” “Mom, can I take the bear?” Max didn’t leave the package.

“No way, buddy,” Christina replied. “There could be anything in there.” “So don’t just grab something sent without a return address.”

“But it’s so unusual,” her son said cheerfully. “And they sent it to us, so we can play.” “What if it’s treated with something?” “We’re not spies,” her son laughed.

“Look, Whiskers is rubbing against the toy, and nothing.” Their family pet, a fluffy Maine Coon, was indeed trying to gnaw off the sent bear’s paw. Christina took the toy from the cat.

Whiskers meowed offendedly and gave her a stern look. Then he ran to his treasures in his bed. Max triumphantly grabbed the bear and rushed to his room with it.

Christina stood there, puzzled, looking at the packaging. She searched the whole box. No identifying marks.

The labels looked strange too. And her mother-in-law kept trying to faint. Had to give her medicine and put her to bed.

Soon Veronica Davis fell asleep on the living room couch. Christina lay down too. The day had been hectic.

When she woke up, it was morning. No trace of her mother-in-law. “What a mess,” she sighed.

“Why is my husband’s mother acting like this?” “Will she pick up Max today?” “I have a shift.” “Mom, who are you talking to?” Max yelled and burst into the parents’ bedroom. “See, I slept with him and nothing happened.”

He shook the bear. “Where’s Grandma?” “I’d like to know that,” Christina said thoughtfully. “Just in case, take the apartment key.”

“You might have to ask Tim’s or Josh’s mom to take you if Grandma doesn’t show.” “Okay,” her son nodded. “You’re on shift today?” “Yes, my good boy, we’re short-staffed at the station.”

She nodded. “So that’s the schedule for now.” “Why can’t you stay home?” “All my friends’ moms do.”

He looked at her curiously. “I like working,” she simply replied. “You know, when you help someone or even save a life, you realize it’s all worth it.”

She walked her son to school and called her husband. He didn’t answer. His phone was off.

Then Christina called his secretary. But the office said Vicky was on the trip with the boss. Christina stared at the phone as if it spoke Chinese.

Why does a secretary need to be at a production site for setup? But she didn’t pursue it. Decided the sent bear was someone’s joke. And she was used to the trips anyway.

She decided to wait for explanations until her husband came home. No matter their relationship, they’d have to talk eventually. With those thoughts, Christina went to work.

She took over the shift and headed to the first call. Driver Michael Sanders grumbled about traffic. Nurse Dennis or Dan, as everyone called him, was buried in his phone as usual.

They drove for twenty minutes. Spent some time at the gated community’s checkpoint. Finally, they were let in.

“Why can’t these rich folks afford private ambulance?” Michael Sanders muttered. “We’re wasting time while people wait for calls elsewhere.” “But patients here are the same.”

Christina cut off his rant. “Enough, Sanders.” “We’ll listen to your mumbling all shift.”..

“Christina Smith, what’s the call? What to bring?” Dan asked, finally looking up from his phone. “Seems like allergy,” she replied. “But just in case, bring poisoning stuff too.”

“You know, cases can be similar.” “Hey, Christina, remember last year that guy bitten by a tarantula?” the driver chuckled. “Called for allergy too.”

“Then we barely escaped without meeting that spider.” “Oh, hope this is easier,” she smiled, seeing Dan’s elongated face. He wasn’t in their team then.

“Where have you been?” a young woman jumped out onto the road. A stylishly dressed blonde. “We’ve been waiting half an hour, and you call yourselves ambulance?”

“Put fewer checkpoints at the entrance,” Sanders roared. “Wasting time.” “You’re not the only ones waiting for doctors.”

“Actually, maybe we don’t need ambulance?” the woman admitted. “My husband probably has allergy, it’ll pass soon.” “I gave him meds.”

“Then why us?” Christina frowned. “You’re doctors, right?” the woman shrugged. “Tell us if everything’s correct?” They entered the house.

There was a man with obvious throat swelling. But there were other signs that couldn’t be missed. Christina examined the patient tensely.

He wheezed. “Julia, why ambulance? I’m almost fine.” “You think it’s allergy?” Christina asked.

“Yes, my first wife died like that.” “Ate an exotic fruit on vacation in Thailand, throat swelled.” “Didn’t save her.”

“So, name, surname, age…” Christina nodded to Dan to start writing. “Victor Freeman, 44,” the man dictated. And spots appeared brightly on his face.

“Can you walk to the car?” Christina asked. “You agree to hospitalization.” “We refuse.”

Julia answered quickly. “It’s just allergy.” “It’ll pass.”

“You can’t hospitalize against will.” “I can do a lot,” Christina roared. “There’s a fine for false call.”

“Your husband suspected poisoning.” “Needs hospitalization and tests.” “Introduce yourself.”

“Name, surname, position,” Julia grimaced like she swallowed a worm. “Christina Smith, paramedic,” she calmly replied. “Want to complain? Go ahead.”

“But if patient dies from poisoning, close relatives are first suspects.” “So you don’t want to take husband to hospital?” “Nonsense,” Julia yelled. “Some paramedic diagnoses poisoning? You’re not even a real doctor.”

“Just an undereducated.” “My husband feels better, I see.” “He has important meetings today.”

“Who’ll lead them?” “Again, ready to take responsibility for his death?” Christina stared at her. “Of course, found the guilty,” she toned down. “If he signs, let him go.”

“But I’m against.” “Victor Freeman, I suspect poisoning,” Christina explained calmly. “If not, they’ll release after removing acute swelling.”

“You understand, no quick help at home.” “Where to sign?” Victor extended hand. “I’m not getting better.”

“Christina Smith, he’s turning blue!” Dan suddenly yelled and ran for the stretcher. A minute later, Victor, who consented to hospitalization, was loaded into the ambulance. His wife shouted she’d go to office and reschedule meetings.

Christina put oxygen mask on patient. They got Victor Freeman to hospital alive. He was sent to ICU immediately.

Filling papers, Christina laid out poisoning arguments and left; next call waited. By lunch, mother-in-law finally appeared. Texted she’d pick up grandson.

Christina sighed in relief. One less worry. Husband’s phone still off…

Christina set it aside. Needed to focus on work. At seven evening, they dined at station.

The whole break room with pies Michael’s caring wife brought. Then Christina decided to ask. “Listen, theoretically, if you got a package with old toy from unknown sender, what would you do?” “Throw it out.”

Michael shrugged. “Who knows what it is.” “I’d try to figure it out.”

“Maybe toy part of quest or prank?” “Of course.” “You young folks, all games,” the driver grumbled. “Then unknown diseases appear.”

“So, Christina, you got a toy?” “Maybe husband has mistress? Playing?” “Don’t know.” She shrugged. “Why mistress?” “Declared herself and hid.”

Driver shrugged. “Husband gets hint, others think silly joke or quest.” “So far, only mother-in-law got hint,” Christina sighed.

“Almost died yesterday.” “Then ran away.” “Didn’t want questions.”

“Oh, don’t dramatize.” “Almost died,” Michael smirked. “Maybe aimed at her? Does mother-in-law have someone?” “She’s widow.”

“Many years.” Christina shrugged. “Anyway, I thought it’s a joke.”

Next morning, she ended shift. But dispatcher held her. Asked to stop by hospital next door.

They delivered poisoning patient there yesterday. Christina sighed and went to adjacent building, figuring patient’s wife complained. She entered ICU, greeted familiar doctor.

He even stood from desk, fussed. “Christina, coffee?” “You’re off shift, right?” “Sure, Gene.” “Or I’ll fall asleep walking,” she nodded.

“Why called? Complaint?” “No, opposite,” colleague embarrassed. “We did toxicology fast.” “Turns out chronic poisoning your patient.”

“Not allergy.” “He almost died here.” “Restarted heart twice.”

“But stabilized now.” “What poison?” Christina asked, feeling tremble from nerves and fatigue. “Some modern chemical, slow-acting,” doctor replied.

“Gives allergy symptoms, detected only first day.” “By the way, patient wants to thank you.” “I’ll allow, but no more five minutes.”

“Okay,” Christina nodded, finishing strong coffee. She entered room. Victor Freeman no longer swollen, but still looked bad.

Christina greeted quietly, he opened eyes. His mouth corners lifted. “You saved my life,” businessman rasped.

“Doctors say no chance otherwise.” “Know when discharge?” “Whoa, stay at least week,” Christina advised.

“Need to flush poison from blood.” “Two heart stops, they say.” “Yes, understand, but business, damn it,” Freeman sighed.

“Julia will mess up so much.” “Oh, she’s brainless, like a clam.” “Understand, but you know? Not my business, but go to police.”

Christina looked at Freeman attentively. “Poisoned not once.” “Clearly wanted to kill.”

“Yes, understand,” Freeman waved off. “Think wife?” “We didn’t drink brotherhood,” Christina reminded. “Come on,” Victor waved.

“Why fight over that?” “Listen, wife not involved, sure.” “Unless accomplice.” “Julia returned from vacation yesterday, we’re on divorce edge.”

“She went to think, decide.” “Been bad week, maybe more.” “If divorce, what she gets?” Christina asked.

“Surely money.” “No, not our case,” Victor replied. “Julia’s dad has more money than me.”

“So property hardly concerns her.” “Maybe,” Christina nodded. “But who benefits?” “Don’t know.”

“Business stable.” “Partner best friend,” Victor shrugged. “Maybe mistake, accidental poison?” “Yeah, seven times accidental,” Christina sarcasm.

“All, guys, time up.” Doctor peeked into ICU room. “You’ll come again?” Victor asked suddenly.

“I’d like.” “Okay, drop by before next shift.” Christina promised for some reason.

“Just recover, okay? Don’t fool.” “Got it, got it.” “All, no argue,” he smiled.

Christina left building and realized. Her mood improved somehow. Victor Freeman turned out interesting patient.

He impressed her with persistence. And this man had enough zest for three. She smiled, glad they saved patient.

Then called mother-in-law. She promised pick Max from school and went sleep. While Christina rested, Veronica Davis had her own affairs.

The sent plush bear worried her greatly. She decided seek mystery solution at private detective agency. One was near beauty salon she owned.

So on way from school, Veronica Davis headed there resolutely. “I know you,” man at desk in small office said cheerfully. “Hairdresser, good cuts, salon nearby.”

“Ah, I remember you too.” “Always crew cut and ten dollars tip,” Veronica Davis smiled. “Actually, I’m salon owner.”

“Though overstated, we have just two rooms and manicure.” “Own business always good,” detective declared and introduced. “Nicholas Parker, what brings beauty salon owner to me?” “Don’t know how start,” Veronica Davis embarrassed…

Detective her age, she liked him somehow. “Someone from past appeared, want find mysterious stranger.” “Sent my son plush bear.”

“The one lost in Alex’s childhood.” “Want know who and why.” “How sent? Mail.”

“Surely sender address,” Nicholas Parker gave obvious version. “No, no data there,” Veronica Davis smiled. “Listen, Nicholas, time precious in such matters.”

“Let’s not waste.” “Excellent.” “Note, I dig deep,” he reminded.

“If secrets revealed, don’t offend.” “Told me everything?” “Well, basically yes,” woman nodded uncertainly. “Pity start cooperation with omissions,” detective sighed.

“Just say, take or not?” She no longer held irritation. “Okay, start investigation,” Nicholas Parker nodded. “Give address where lived when bear lost.”

“Why that?” Veronica Davis bulged eyes. “Think past people search there, right?” detective smirked. “Or think mail path?” “Decide yourself, you’re professional.”

She paid basic contract, week investigation. True, detective not especially inspired. He understood well – withholding clients bring problems.

But didn’t want refuse this woman. Next day detective started work. He knew his job, expected quick resolution.

But complications arose. First, Nicholas Parker went old client address. House long occupied by others.

Part apartment turned hostel or non-residential. Had to go management company. Luckily, detective had connections.

Got several former residents’ addresses. Then drive across Chicago. But no luck there.

Only girl who opened was granddaughter one former neighbor, said grandma now in nursing home. Nicholas Parker sighed, thought advance not last with such travels. But gathered and went to facility.

There lived Alberta Williams, elderly woman he needed. Luckily, visiting hours at Willow Tree not over, resident chatty lady. “Wow, first time see live private detective!” Alberta Williams admired, coquettishly fixing gray hair.

“Husband on procedures, or he’d chat too.” “Understand, collecting info about thirty years old,” Nicholas Parker sighed. “You lived with Veronica Davis family, son and husband.”

“That’s who I want talk about.” “Was such,” grandma noted cautiously. “But Veronica never had kids.”

“I worked maternity whole life.” “Would notice pregnancy.” “But she has son, Alex,” Nicholas Parker reminded, suspecting grandma’s memory off.

“Oh, dear, you misunderstood,” Alberta Williams sighed. “Boy was, remember well.” “But why think he’s Veronica’s son?” “She said so,” detective stared hastily.

“Isn’t it?” “Well, depends how look,” woman shrugged. “Veronica husband lived childless years.” “He promising, handsome man.”

“Good degree business, wife worked.” “But not adapted to household.” “Maid appeared.”

“Then just called helper.” “Wait, wait, know nothing this,” Nicholas Parker said. “What her name, helper?” “Elena, I think,” Alberta Williams recalled.

“So took her run house.” “Veronica’s mom ill then.” “She all travels.”

Happened one absence, husband Gerald affair with Elena. Not just, with continuation. Girl got pregnant.

But not sent away. Lived with owners. “How?” detective bulged eyes.

“And Veronica did nothing?” “Didn’t try,” Alberta Williams smirked. “But when maid gave birth, first walked, pushed stroller.” “Know how kids play dolls.”

“So they lived.” “Elena with son, Veronica her husband.” Then helper disappeared.

Boy one-two years. Don’t know what happened. Only Alex started call Veronica mom.

Year later they moved. “So adopted child?” Nicholas Parker amazed. “Well, don’t know.”

“Maybe took.” “Rich,” elderly woman sighed. “Rumored maid not left herself, accused something.”

Exchanged son for freedom. Was girl able argue influential family? “Remember more this Elena?” Nicholas Parker asked. “Where from?” “Migrant, from countryside.”

“Forgive, tired.” “Remember no more.” Alberta Williams complained. “Thanks.”

“You helped lot,” detective smiled. “Filled gaps my knowledge.” “What else here?” grandma sighed.

“Only fill gaps.” “Kids pay facility, we wait end.” “Don’t bother eyes.”

Detective left puzzled. Reason client’s omissions clear. Seems got son not quite legally, now fears exposure.

But Nicholas Parker couldn’t back down. Planned get to truth. Detective went postal service.

Private company, but connections there too. True, learned little. Only, package fishy.

Documents from abroad, but no customs. Packaged not international. Meanwhile Christina finally reached husband.

Alex’s phone on briefly. She dialed immediately. “Alex, hi.”

“What package sent me pick?” she shouted into phone. “Regular shipment, what?” Alex replied listlessly. “You calling like crazy.”

“Alex, package had old plush bear, brown, one faded ear,” Christina outraged. “What fooling?” “Home, sort,” husband outraged. “Maybe took wrong?”

“Yeah, now I’m guilty.” Christina didn’t hold emotions. “Never pick anything for you again.”

“Stop hysteric?” spouse snapped. “Okay, bye, no time.” “As always.”

She cried into phone tears. But only beeps. Then they cut…

Christina looked phone confused. Meanwhile son cat on couch tussled same bear. Both wanted possess it.

Whiskers with claws teeth winning over milder Max. “Mom, tell him!” son yelled from couch. “Max, stop tugging toy!” she shouted.

“Might be someone else’s.” “We kept it!” child retorted. “Can I stay at Ethan’s overnight? Invited weekend.”

“Yes.” “Tired,” she said. “Can drop you.”

“And bear with me,” son declared. “Packing then.” “Call Aunt Nancy meanwhile.”

Christina obediently took phone. Classmate best friend mom confirmed invite. Moreover, ready drop both boys school Monday morning.

Christina smiled. Small break after husband scandal needed. Soon Max ran excitedly best friend’s house.

Christina, handing to caring Nancy, went hospital. Poisoning victim moved regular room. Victor Freeman sat in robe over hospital pajamas glasses, examining laptop.

“Good evening,” Christina smiled. “Oh, my savior,” patient smiled. “Give me your phone number already?” Christina dictated.

Wondered when last attractive man asked her number. They chatted bit, laughed businessman shared name Christina’s cat, then he got call. Christina hurried leave.

Next day she started another shift. Sanders grumbled habitually, Dan sat phone usual. At least something stable her life.

Christina smiled, but soon no distracted thoughts. Calls one after another, last near dawn some strangely familiar address. Approaching, Christina realized.

Building where mother-in-law’s salon located. “What there, Christina Smith?” Dan yawned. “Early, right? Wonder police called?” “We’ll see.”

“Call from victim himself,” Sanders replied. “Won’t let finish shift peacefully.” Christina got out car saw at office entrance “Private Detective” sign, man leaning porch.

Didn’t look drunk. “Dennis, stay, I’ll go alone.” “Look, you’re nodding off,” she said.

“Anyway, what do there? Know these offices, cubicles.” “Easier for me,” he replied. “Be quick, okay? End shift, want home.”

“Don’t command…” Christina snapped. “We’ll see if long.” She closed door hurried victim.

Man raised eyes her. Face distorted grimace. He climbed steps temple “In”.

“Police been?” Christina asked. “What injury?” “Knife.” “Didn’t call.”

“Former cop myself.” “Know how ends,” man grumbled. “Just stitch wound, that’s it.”

“Heals on me like dog.” “Interesting idea,” Christina indignant, entering cramped office. “Where injury?” “Thigh,” man replied.

“Don’t think.” “Really private eye, not bandit.” “License, ID.”

“Office too.” “Yes, interesting.” “But need see wound,” Christina nodded, staring folder labeled “Davis VD”.

Man awkwardly pulled pants. She saw he bandaged already. Christina carefully removed tourniquet…

Applied hemostatic bandage started fill documents. “Okay, Nicholas Parker, we’ll stitch,” Christina sighed. “Won’t go trauma, right?” “No,” detective shook head.

“Can without anesthesia.” “I’ll endure.” “No, I’m not sadist,” paramedic shook head.

“Don’t worry pain.” “Listen, not my business, but Davis VD – maybe my mother-in-law.” “She came you? Problems?” “Old case,” detective gritted teeth.

“Can’t chat.” “Confidentiality.” “Yeah.”

“But for knife wounds must call police,” Christina looked him. “Maybe follow rules together?” “Really can’t,” detective said. “Nicholas Parker, as you want, then can’t stitch,” Christina stopped.

“Against rules too.” “Simple paramedic can’t provide such aid.” “Let surgeon hospital stitch.”

“Why so principled?” Nicholas Parker smiled. “Your mother-in-law seeks who sent plush bear.” “Haven’t found yet, if anything.”

“Yeah, I’d like know too,” Christina replied thoughtfully. “Son won’t let toy go.” “Ah, don’t be careless,” detective sighed told all knew, added.

“Honestly, thinking drop your mother-in-law’s case.” “Too murky client.” “Hm, yes.”

“But thanks telling.” “Much clear now,” Christina replied thoughtfully. “But want say.”

“Don’t start own investigation,” detective asked. “Don’t like this old story surfaced.” “By way, exchange contacts.”

“If important, I’ll call.” “Good,” Christina smiled. “From me, prescription.”

“Don’t forget change bandage.” “Buy postoperative pharmacy.” “I’ll come remove stitches myself.”

They exchanged understanding glances. Christina grabbed case returned car. Dan slept, mouth open.

Woke only when ambulance moved. Christina smiled. “End shift always good.”

“So, what injury?” lazy nurse asked. “Man scratched rebar,” she brushed. “Shortcut through construction.”

“Okay, okay.” “Don’t want, keep secrets,” Sanders smirked. “You stuck long for scratch.”

“Well how? Washed, bandaged.” “You men such panickers.” “Feared bleed out,” Christina explained.

“Well all, boys, done seems.” “You’re cheerful,” Sanders smirked. “Won lottery?” “Yeah.”

“Now get prize sleep,” Christina smiled. “Son at friend’s, husband trip.” “No one disturb.”

“By way, your Alex trips too often,” Sanders noted. “Not afraid cheat?” Christina silent, suddenly no want sleep. After shift went mother-in-law.

Wanted catch before salon. Veronica Davis opened door nightgown sleepy. “What, Christina?” mother-in-law amazed.

“Max with who? Alex back?” “At friend’s,” daughter-in-law replied. “Veronica Davis, when plan tell all about toy?” “Not sent just like.”

“Well how, what you…” mother-in-law faked amazement.

“Please don’t lie, know all.” “Just don’t know pity you or Elena, lost son?” “Where…” mother-in-law jerked, tears flowed face. “Detective dug, yes?” “I’ll jail him disclosure!” “Maybe enough secrets?” Christina suddenly disgusted even stand apartment.

Mother-in-law caught mood sniffled. “Judging me, yes? You have son, I wouldn’t.” “First marriage year miscarriage, such…” “Ah, removed all female, sentenced 25.”

“Husband distanced immediately.” “Kept decency, times such…” “How Elena enter home?” Christina asked. “Not from sky?”

“Now understand Gerald not just brought…” Veronica Davis cried harder…

“Maybe connection earlier.” “Surfaced late.” “Came from mom, girl heavy pregnant.”

“Walks proud, like achieved feat…” “You wanted take child?” Christina looked probing. “At first nothing…” mother-in-law shook head. “When saw Alex, mind gone, loved first second like own.”

“Elena saw manipulated me skillfully.” “Lived then she felt house mistress, I fussed child understood one second could street…” “How managed twist?” Christina surprised. “I just waited.”

“Gerald business problems time.” “Convinced Elena leaks competitors, he threw out.” “Don’t know who how paid, documents I became Alex’s birth mom.”

“Sure story won’t surface.” “Even moved, son three then.” “Elena just left, no justify, take child.”

Christina looked mother-in-law disbelieving. “Why? Ambushed me walk once,” Veronica Davis sighed. “Seems bear disappeared then.”

“Son didn’t remember her, cried, clung me.” “How live this years?” Christina didn’t understand. “Not afraid Alex learns?” “Now not important.”

Mother-in-law waved. “Bear surely she sent.” “Means find son easy if wants.”

“All secrets out.” Christina left mother-in-law’s heavy heart. Understood Veronica Davis revealed far not all secrets.

But no alternatives. Mother-in-law hardly dreamed such situation. Eventually Christina went sleep, former cheer gone trace.

Understood bear just start something unpleasant. Veronica Davis went not office, detective. Determined.

Nicholas Parker there. Looked bad, pale, didn’t rise meet. “Want quit your services, seek license revocation, know,” Veronica Davis declared.

“No right disclose my case info.” “You deceived, involved criminal story,” detective cold. “Show true face, not benign hairdresser owner, bandit’s wife.”

“Remembered your husband.” “So what?” Veronica Davis’s face distorted anger grimace. “Not involved his affairs.”

“Depends how look,” Nicholas Parker smirked. “God judge.” “We’re even, find another detective.”

“All reports your folder.” “Take go.” Veronica Davis grabbed papers, then thoughtfully strolled nearby park.

Already found another detective through acquaintances, now respectable, once like husband held power city. New detective arrive half hour. “Andrew,” tall young man approached.

“We agreed.” “Freed earlier.” “Yes, listen, need find woman sent thing.”

Veronica Davis briefly outlined case, handed folder. “Money transfer hour.” “No problem.”

“Give couple days,” detective smirked. “No case can’t solve.” “Your predecessor failed,” mother-in-law cold.

“Ah, old guard,” he laughed, scanning folder papers. “No wonder.” “But nothing, I have modern methods.”

“So sender known soon.” Veronica Davis went salon. New detective looked confident, no doubt succeed.

Andrew called four days. Said sender found. But not from abroad, local, female.

Woman worker same postal service handled package. Easy relabel, fake from elsewhere. But go meeting alone Veronica Davis didn’t want.

So suggested Christina go together. “You want solve mystery too?” persuaded daughter-in-law. “Go together.”

“Seems scared,” Christina guessed. “Of course,” Veronica Davis nodded. “Would you calm my place.”

“Yes, argument,” Christina nodded thoughtfully. “Can’t figure what say her.” “Learn now,” Veronica Davis sighed opened gate old house city outskirts.

Dog barked. Door opened, female figure appeared. “To me?” Looked girl about twenty-three, couldn’t be Elena.

“If sent package with bear, yes,” Christina replied. “About that?” girl embarrassed. “Mom’s last wish.”..

“Wanted see son taken.” “Mom dying cancer, suffered much.” “When clear son won’t come, found him, went office, tried talk.”

“Anyway, instructed send bear.” “So Alex knew?” Veronica Davis paled clutched heart. “Ah, you that, his mom?” girl examined curiously.

“I’m Ashley, Elena’s daughter.” “Know, your son said doesn’t care, no need other mom.” “Just remind person blood ties don’t vanish, he’s my brother.”

“You sent bear? Saw threat,” Veronica Davis staggered fell knees. “Forgive me, girl, everything.” “Ah, what’s sense now?” Ashley sighed.

“Can’t return mom.” “Died thinking son with idiotic bear hands, like I didn’t exist.” Christina looked Veronica Davis horror.

“Because mother-in-law her Max slept bear clutched dying woman’s hands last breath.” “Fired me work because package.” “Imagine?” Ashley sighed.

“Winter coming, need buy firewood, left no money.” “Spent all mom’s treatment, then funeral.” “Won’t leave you,” Veronica Davis promised, rising ground.

“Help money work.” “Consider old debts paid.” “My salon admin maternity leave.”

“What do?” Ashley perked. “Probably better sorting packages.” “Know harmful people?” Then Christina’s phone message from Ethan’s dad.

“Meeting mother-in-law from Anchorage.” “Landed our airport.” “Your Alex hugging some lady.”

She shuddered realizing husband trips not for promotion salary. Then told mother-in-law hurries. Veronica Davis stayed Ashley.

Christina called taxi rushed airport. Arrived just time. Husband secretary just got luggage, hugging at drink kiosk.

Their poses, embraces no doubts. “Urgent trips, huh?” Christina charged them, furiously sweeping path. “Of course.”

“Look, my horns very branched.” “You? What doing here?” Alex’s jaw dropped. Secretary’s eyes bulged.

She looked like lemur. “Meeting you, dear,” Christina smirked. “What, beloved husband back? Missed?” “How knew?” Alex kept probing.

“Followed? Spied? Bug phone?” “Crazy?” Christina asked, calming bit. “Good people told how hugging.” “By way, with living legal wife.”

“You don’t understand.” “Just looks like.” Alex slithered tried justify.

“Yeah.” “Think didn’t see you paw her? What else misunderstand?” Christina roared. “Know what, continue fun.”

“Filing divorce property division.” “Don’t dare claim child.” “Crush you for Max.”

“He’s not guilty father such scum.” She turned walked exit. Returned taxi left, leaving husband secretary.

Home mother-in-law waited. Alex reported incident. So Veronica Davis looked guilty.

“Christina, maybe no rush?” she murmured. “Men sometimes cheat.” “If suits you, not me,” daughter-in-law replied.

“Enough your family secrets.” “Know, Veronica Davis, son truly yours.” “If not blood, then upbringing sure.”

“Also love keep secrets.” “Christina, unfair,” mother-in-law outraged. But didn’t listen.

Just left house went Max school. Still had tell son moving. Christina sighed.

After parents’ death rarely at childhood home. But no choice now. She son adapt new life.

Evening already moving things. Morning went son school. Now new route.

Had take bus. But unexpectedly neighboring yard called. “Christina Smith, what meeting!” “Discharged already?” she amazed.

“What doing here?” “Office here,” man explained. “Where you? Let drive.” “Got talk.”

Max happily climbed huge SUV, resembling ship. Dropped him school. Then Christina back Victor’s car…

He hesitated bit, finally said. “Know, poisoning spot on.” “Wife involved.”

“You right everything, know sure now.” “How found?” Christina turned Victor. “Simple.”

“Installed cameras.” “Home, office.” “Learned partner romancing Julia.” “Poisoned me together.” “As said, gave wife alibi enter inheritance later.”

“My father-in-law bankrupt.” “Decided fix affairs my expense.” “What horror!” Christina pressed hands cheeks.

“But I’m divorcing too.” “Caught cheating.” “Oh, such beauty won’t stay single long,” Victor smiled.

“Note, inviting you date first.” “Case other candidates.” “By way, what wife partner?” Christina kept amazed.

“Threw both, half company too.” “Now seeking good security chief.” “Just interviewing,” Victor sighed.

“Want change job? I’d take you personal assistant.” “Oh no, thanks.” “Love my job,” Christina smiled.

“Know, can help security chief.” “And good person.” “Former cop, now private detective.”

“Great, call him,” Victor commanded. “By way, let’s breakfast.” “Hungry.”

“What doing area?” “Returned parents’ apartment,” she sighed. “Still property division.” “If need pay lawyer, ready.”

“As thanks,” Victor offered. “Anyway, maybe faucet leaks repair needed? All do.” “Started that.”

“Then built suburban homes.” Sat cafe till lunch. Nicholas Parker arrived interview there.

Former detective, license revoked Veronica Davis complaint, businessman quickly bonded. Nicholas Parker smiled. Christina no longer felt obligated him.

With Victor saw often since. He didn’t push advice, invited. Lunches, dinners often with Max.

Even befriended their cat, namesake. Generally, quickly entered close circle. At ambulance station whispered Smith quickly replaced husband.

But didn’t care. Alex didn’t try reconcile. His head that secretary.

From son Christina knew Vicky moved their home. Two months later divorce court. Christina awaited light panic.

Knowing husband pull stunt. Entered courtroom alone, head down. Victor conducting meeting then.

Ashamed ask cancel for support. But Alex shamelessly brought lover. Stood smirking almost ex-wife’s face.

Christina burned shame situation. So didn’t hear judge question immediately. “You have lawyer?” “No, alone.”

Woman mumbled suddenly heard noise behind. “Will be lawyer,” Victor stated authoritatively, sitting her side. Nearby Nicholas Parker Veronica Davis, looking guilty today.

“Best, Swanson.” “Excellent,” judge nodded, “begin.” Next Christina middle-aged man expensive suit appeared.

He smiled fleetingly, handed secretary papers. Alex wilted eyes, girl fidgeted uneasy. “Honorable court,” lawyer Swanson began, “client married ten years.”

“All years impeccably kept home, raised child.” “Husband meanwhile cheated spent family money other women.” “Last two months withdrew huge sum joint accounts.”

“Evidence?” judge looked interested. “Of course.” “All submitted documents,” Swanson nodded.

“Insist half joint apartment, return half withdrawn funds, division account remnants.” “My money!” Alex exploded. “Pulled mother their side.”

“Shame raised such son!” Veronica Davis replied dignity. Hour later court decided. Christina got all lawyer requested, plus full child custody.

Father could see, but weekends only. Left courtroom smiling. Veronica Davis followed, together went Max.

Boy stared dazed adult crowd, then grandma pulled new plush bear from bag. “This from me Uncle Nick!” she said embarrassed blushed. “Now I have grandpa too?” boy amazed, looking her former detective.

“Possibly,” Veronica Davis blushed. “Well, celebrate?” Half year later mother-in-law married new security chief – Victor, same detective she revoked license. He forgave woman fell for her.

And Christina Victor quietly married almost right after divorce. Now with husband, son, new bear cat lived same cottage fate once brought her.