Maurice Trask stared at the report on his desk and absently flipped a finger on his lip. Luane's death had been attributed to a failed home invasion, a tale amazingly concocted by all involved... even Bishop Gravestone who went along to avoid extradition back to Italy. Because of CONGA's reputation and that of the individual board members, the police accepted the tale, checked Luane's background, concurred that she was indeed a documented villain and called the case closed.

Maurice noted that Bishop retained his old lawyer again but this time there was no loophole for him to wiggle through and he was charged with enough to keep him in jail for the rest of his days. That would happen after he was released from hospital where his shattered arm had to be amputated.

He picked up the report and turned the page to read Gretta Lawrence's statement that included a chronological history of the entire episode. He read the board's decision on the matter and wondered if he would ever be able to fit into the mold established by the infamous Chester Stilton.

Rose entered the office with his tray of tea and was surprised to see him still at his desk.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Trask?"

"To be honest, Rose I don't think I'll ever know." He took out his pen and signed the report then placed in the basket for filing and inhaled hugely. "would you care to join me in a cup, Rose?"

"Sir?"

"Just a short tea break; I could use a bit of company."

Rose adjusted her glasses and clasped her hands together. "I think I could enjoy a cup of tea, thank you sir."

"You want to be mother and pour?"

They sat together in silence, sipping their tea and in those few moments Rose came to know a completely different Maurice Trask; someone she thought she might well be able to work with comfortably. She gave a mental nod to Chester and leaned back, enjoying the moment.

***

Jeffrey took Helen's hand and guided her into the limo, sliding carefully in after her. When they settled he opened the small cupboard and removed the chilled bottle of champagne and pour two flutes then raised his to his wife.

"To the loveliest woman I know and to our long awaited vacation together."

"I think I'm going to like the hotel this time, dear, No bad men, no kidnappings and definitely no pen." They clinked glasses and drank as the limo eased out into traffic and rolled out of the city to the airport.

"Gretta returned the pen to the bank for me. They are holding it in their safe until I get in next time."

"I spoke with Gretta you know."

"You did? When?"

"Before we left, I wanted to tell her how much I- we appreciated what she did for us and how putting herself in harm's way while Arnold spirited you and I out of the penthouse. She thanked me for heaven's sake because I married such a grand man who never flinched from her wild plans and trusted her judgement."

"She is quite a piece of work, there's no denying that. Arny must have quite an exciting life living with Gretta Lawrence."

"No more exciting than mine living with you." Helen slipped her arm through his and they leaned back to watch the city slide by as they sped onto the throughway.

***

"What's so funny?" Arny asked as Gretta returned from the kitchen and flopped onto the sofa beside him.

"That was Rose, she had tea with Maurice in his office."

"Get out!"

"True. She said he finished reading the report, signed it and asked her to join him in his normally private morning ritual."

"So ends another chapter in the wild and wooley life of Gretta, Wonder Woman."

"Don't forget Arny, the dour sidekick."

"Touché." He scratched his head and grabbed the TV remote. "Wanna watch a movie?"

"I was thinking, lover, maybe we should petition for a special pen for CONGA to celebrate the final episode of Bishop Gravestone."

"I don't want to hear about either of those things ever again, okay?"

"He lost his arm you know."

"Gretta, what did I just say."

"And I actually think I'm going to miss Luane."

"GRETTA".

"The board wants me to look into a missing glass sculpture of The St. Lucia Jacquot parrot." She sat through his rising temperature and tirade against CONGA and the promise of their vacation and his empty threat to just leave and holiday by himself then she rested a hand on his leg and added, "They want me to go to St. Lucia and spend whatever time I need to gather any information." Arny looked over at her, his mouth working silently. "And according to Rose, Maurice has approved travel for you as well. It's our company paid vacation, Arny, in a pretty spectacular spot."

Gretta slid over and took his hands. "Lover, we leave in three days and I promise most of the work I will have to do will be scheduled around what we want to do."

"You promise."

"I do."

"We choose our own accommodation?"

"We do."

"And what abou–"

"Shut up, lover and just say thank you." She toppled him over and pressed her lips to his, silencing any more remarks.

THE END