“Your great-uncle had his childhood home declared a historical landmark about twenty years ago. He also set up an endowment that provides funds to maintain the home and manage a small staff that keeps the house open for tours and private events.
“The house is over a hundred years old, so getting the historical designation wasn’t that big a deal, apparently. The Bauers built the house and lived there until Bill’s parents died. By then, Bill was living here. Your grandfather had also passed by that time, Jacqui, and your father had already moved to Wisconsin.
“The executor for the family noted that Alex Bauer didn’t want to keep the house, so it was put up for sale. Bill set up a trust, bought the house, and had it declared a protected landmark. He then left the trust to run it.”
Jacqui looked over James’ notes. “Can we get into the house?”
James nodded. “It’s all mapped out for you. The house is closed for tours right now; apparently they’re doing some standard maintenance.”
Khizar read over Jacqui’s shoulder.
“Any idea where we should start looking?”
“No. But I will note that Bill left instructions on exactly how the house’s interior and exterior were to be maintained. All the furniture is original, and the landscaping is exactly the same as when he lived there. Apparently, both Bill’s mother and grandmother were expert gardeners, so his requirements for the house indicate that the garden should have the same plants and structure as when he was a child.”
Khizar and Jacqui exchanged a look, thinking about Bill’s use of Jacqui’s middle name.
James continued, “The house looks exactly as it has since he bought it, and as best I can tell, most of it is original to his childhood.”
Khizar thought about that.
“So, hopefully, the clues we have will be clearer when we get there.”
James nodded again. “I think that’s likely the case. But if you run into anything questionable, let me know and I’ll see what I can find out.”
Khizar stood, James following him. Jacqui laid the folder on the table and also stood, reaching for James’ hand.
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to learn all this about my great-uncle.”
James shook her hand.
“I wish I knew more, but Bill Bauer focused on his work. He didn’t have a lot of personal connections.”
“It’s enough to know what I do.”
James gave her a small smile and then nodded at Khizar. “Good luck.”
Khizar closed the door behind him and held out his arms to Jacqui.
“We’ll figure it out, my love.”
She laid her cheek on his chest and looped her arms around his waist.
“I know. And I’m glad you’re with me to figure it out.”
Khizar felt a last knot of tension ease inside him. The woman in his arms felt so right, and he finally let go of all the past hurt and fear. He trusted her with his heart, and together, they could make anything work.
The doorbell rang, and Khizar left Jacqui to open the door again. His parents were there, and once again, they greeted Jacqui with hugs.
This time, though, there was a sense of family in the room that Khizar hadn’t felt before. His opening up to Jacqui was causing him to open up to his parents, too. He rather liked that feeling.
No one said anything about Jacqui’s abrupt departure from the restaurant, but Sonja said something quiet to Jacqui that Khizar didn’t quite catch. He didn’t think he was supposed to, and since it made Jacqui smile, he didn’t worry about it.
Khizar had offered to take them all out for dinner, a sort of do-over, but his mother insisted on cooking instead.
“It’s a good thing I brought over groceries,” she teased him lightly, as she started to prepare food.
“I’ve been out of town,” Khizar protested, more out of principle than anything.
Sonja handed him a knife and pointed at the pile of vegetables, which Khizar obediently began to clean and cut up.
Adil and Jacqui sat at the kitchen bar and watched the two of them work together. Khizar’s father leaned over and patted Jacqui’s hand.
“Would you like to hear some stories about your great-uncle?” he asked.