When one asks about Point Piper, one would say that it is an exclusive suburb located in the eastern part of Sydney, Australia. Situated on the eastern shore of Sydney Harbour, it is one of the most affluent and prestigious areas in the city, known for its stunning waterfront views, luxurious homes, and high-end lifestyle.

The suburb's name comes from the Piper family, who were early settlers in the area. Point Piper was originally known as Piper's Point until it was renamed in the 1850s. The Piper family's estate was later subdivided into smaller lots, and the area became a popular destination for wealthy families looking to build grand mansions.

Today, Point Piper is home to some of the most expensive properties in Australia, with many of the waterfront homes commanding breathtaking views of the Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. The suburb is also known for its exclusive clubs and yacht clubs, including the Royal Motor Yacht Club and the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, which have been a part of Point Piper's maritime culture for over a century.

Aside from its stunning natural beauty and luxurious lifestyle, Point Piper is also well-connected to the rest of Sydney, with easy access to the city centre and other nearby suburbs. The area is served by several bus routes, and the nearby train stations at Edgecliff and Bondi Junction provide easy access to other parts of the city.

Although home to several elegant mansions that are among the most expensive and sought-after properties in Australia, among all of them, one of the most notable is the "La Mer" estate, a magnificent French-inspired residence that stands out for its elegant architecture and stunning waterfront location.

One of the most famous and elegant mansions in Point Piper is the luxurious residence known as 'La Mer'. It is a magnificent property that was built in the 1920s and is situated in a prime location with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

The mansion is designed in the French Provincial style, which is known for its grandeur and elegance. The exterior of the house features a limestone façade, intricately wrought iron balconies, and a classic Mansard roof. The interiors of the mansion are equally impressive, with high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and opulent furnishings.

With its spectacular waterfront location, which provides unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour, the property is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and has direct access to a private jetty and boathouse.

In addition to its grandeur and elegance, 'La Mer' is also known for its privacy. The property is situated on a large block of land, and the house is set back from the road, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy. The mansion is also surrounded by high hedges and security gates, which add an extra layer of privacy and security.

'La Mer' is a prime example of the luxurious and exclusive lifestyle that is synonymous with Point Piper. It is a magnificent property that offers the ultimate luxury living, with its grand design, stunning views, and unmatched privacy. It remains one of the most desirable properties in the area, attracting the attention of high-profile buyers and celebrities alike.

And that is why Mitchell Simpson bought this place years ago when he not only fell in love with the view but also the privacy it offers. Not to mention, no one will ever question his past.

Mitchell was a private person who rarely shared much about himself. He was an elderly man who lived as a successful businessman and respected member of the community, but few knew about his past as a former criminal.

Having grown up in a rough part of Sydney, he had become involved in petty crime at a young age. As he got older, his criminal activities became more serious, and he eventually ended up serving time in prison. Although Mitchell's beloved wife had died from heart failure six years ago, he still felt her presence in the mansion. They had met through a pen pal program while he was in prison, and they had fallen in love through their letters. When he was released, they married and started a new life together.

His children had grown up and longed to move out of the French manor to start their own families years ago. They were aware of their father's criminal past but had never judged him for it. They loved and respected him for who he was, and would pay him a visit whenever they were free with the grandkids.

They often encouraged him to move out and come live with them. But Mitchel always refused, not when his late wife had died here peacefully. He missed his wife dearly, but he found solace in the memories they had shared. He would often sit in their favourite spot in the mansion, looking out at the stunning view of Sydney Harbour, and remember the times they had spent together.

Mitchel knew that his former criminal friends might have made fun of him for being a hopeless romantic, but he didn't care. He was proud of the love he had shared with his late wife, and he cherished the memories they had created together. Sure, he had made mistakes in his past, and he had paid for them. But he had also worked hard to turn his life around and to make amends for the things he had done. He knew that his past might have tarnished his reputation, but he was determined to live his life with honour and dignity.

Mitchel's children admired their father's strength and resilience. Despite the challenges he had faced, he had always remained true to himself and his values. He had taught them the importance of love, loyalty, and forgiveness, and they would always be grateful for the life lessons he had imparted to them.

As was his ritual, the rich businessman carried his morning newspaper into his study, placed it on his vast mahogany desk, and crossed to the long French windows. Pushing them open, he stepped onto the sandstone terrace and savoured the panorama of уachts rounding nearby Shark Island, their white sails puffed by a steady breeze beneath a cloudless blue sky.

As he stood on the sandstone terrace, he breathed in the fresh ocean air and basked in the warm morning sun. Standing while watching the yachts sail by, the rich businessman felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He knew that he was living the life he had always dreamed of, and he was grateful for every moment of it.

The rich retired businessman was momentarily startled by the ringing of his computer. He had been lost in thought, enjoying the view from his terrace, and the sound of the video call had disrupted his peaceful reverie. He quickly made his way back into his study, where his computer was located, and answered the call.

To his surprise, it was one of his adult children who had moved to London.

Mitchel's adult son, the youngest named Nate, had recently relocated his family to London for work, and he missed his family back home in Sydney. One morning, he decided to video call his father who retired after his wife's death.

As soon as the call connected, Mitchel's son appeared on the screen. He looked tired but happy to see his father. Since it is 9:30 am here, that meant it is 10:30 pm where his son is. "Hey, Dad," he said, waving at the camera.

"Hey, son," Mitchel replied with a smile. "How's everything going over there? Are the kids alright?"

"It's going well," his son replied. "I'm settling in, but I miss home."

Mitchel nodded sympathetically. "I know it's tough, especially in a new city. But I'm glad to hear that you're doing well."

"How is Eloise doing?"

Nate's face lit up at the mention of his wife, and he began to tell his father about their recent adventures. "Eloise is doing great," he said, grinning. "She's been working hard on her own career, but we've also been exploring the city together. We went to a Broadway show last week, and we've been trying out all the different restaurants in our neighbourhood."

Mitchel smiled, happy to hear that his son and daughter-in-law were enjoying their time in London. "That sounds like a lot of fun," he said. "And what about the grandchildren? How are they doing?"

His son's face softened at the mention of his children. "They're doing great," he said. "They're growing up so fast. I can't believe how much they've changed since we left Sydney."

Mitchel nodded, feeling a pang of longing for his grandchildren. "I miss them too," he said. "But I'm glad to hear that they're doing well. Maybe we can plan a visit soon?"

The younger man's face brightened at the suggestion. "That would be great," he said. "We'd love to have you come to visit us in London. The children talked about you a lot."

Mitchel smiled, feeling grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with his family, no matter the distance. Despite the challenges of living in different parts of the world, their love for each other remained strong, and that was something to be cherished.

As the conversation continued, Mitchel's son suddenly looked serious and said, "Dad, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Mitchel's heart skipped a beat. He had a feeling he knew what was coming. His son had been trying to persuade him to move to London for a while now, but he had always been hesitant to leave his life and business in Point Piper behind.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice tight with anxiety.

His son took a deep breath before continuing. "Dad, I really think you should consider moving to London. You've worked so hard all your life, and you deserve to enjoy your retirement in a new place, with new experiences."

Mitchel sighed, knowing that his son was right. He had been thinking about it for a while now, but the thought of leaving his home and business behind was daunting.

"I know you're worried about leaving mother behind, but think about what mother would've wanted you to live your life. She would've wanted you to enjoy rather than live all alone in that huge mansion," his son continued. "You could spend more time with us, with the grandkids. We could travel together, and explore Europe together. It would be amazing."

Mitchel couldn't deny the appeal of his son's words.

But then he couldn't help but come up with excuses. "But what about Eloise? I don't want to impose on her, she might not want me around all the time," he said, a hint of worry in his voice.

His son looked surprised. "What are you talking about, Dad? Eloise loves having you around. She practically grew up dropping by our place as a child, remember? And now that she has kids of her own, she would be thrilled to have her father-in-law around more often." As soon as the words left Mitchel's mouth, they both heard a sound coming from the other office in the mansion. "What was that sound?" his son asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Mitchel paused for a moment, listening intently. It sounded like something had fallen over.

"I'm not sure," he said slowly, making his way towards the door of his study. "Let me go check it out."

He opened the door and walked down the hallway towards the other office. As he got closer, he could hear a faint murmur of voices. His heart began to race as he realized that there might be intruders in his mansion.

He sighed and turned back to his room.

And froze. The door to his wall safe hung open. His chest tightening, he hurried across to it. His eyes took in the empty shelves. Everything was gone.

He felt a knot form in his stomach as he thought about what could have been taken. There were important documents, valuable jewellery, and sensitive information stored in the safe. If any of it had fallen into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous.

Mitchel's heart was racing as he ran back to his office. When he reached his computer, his son was still there, waiting for him to return.

"What's wrong, Dad? You look like you've seen a ghost," Nate noticed the panic in his father's eyes.

Mitchel took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "There might be intruders in the mansion," he said, his voice shaking with fear.

"What do you mean?" Nate grew concerned.

"The wall safe in my office has been emptied," Mitchel replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nate's eyes widened in shock. "You mean someone broke into the mansion? Are you okay?"

"I don't know," Mitchel replied, his voice trembling. "I need to call the police."

"Yes, call the police right away," his son urged him. "Stay calm, Dad. I'm sure everything will be okay." As Mitchel explained the situation to his son over the computer, his voice shook with fear and anxiety.

Mitchel took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves. He knew his son was right. He needed to stay calm and focused and take the necessary steps to protect himself.

He snatched up the phone on his desk and punched in the police emergency number: He gave a brief description of the crime, then killed the call. He set down the phone, his mind calculating a dozen possibilities. His fingers drummed on the desktop.

"Dad, I'm gonna need you to get over here ASAP." Mitchel paused for a second, unsure if he heard his son correctly.

"What do you mean, son?" he asked, confusion clouding his mind.

"I mean that you need to move out of that place, it ain't safe," Nate replied, his voice filled with urgency.

Mitchel tried to gather his thoughts, but his son's words only added to his growing sense of panic. "Son, I'm dealing with the police right now. Everything will be okay," he said, trying to reassure his son.

But Nate was not convinced. "Dad, I need you to listen to me. I'm sending Eloise over and booking the earliest flight to Australia. After this robbery, you need to stay with us until everything is over," he said firmly.

Mitchel was taken aback by his son's forcefulness. "Son, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. I don't want to trouble Eloise," he said, trying to deflect his son's offer.

Lost in thought, the elderly man did not hear the first indication of danger. He was considering his son's words, that he should move with him.

Only later did he become aware of the rhythmic sounds of someone approaching along the polished timber floor toward his study. He listened in disbelief to the slow, limping footsteps, to the sound of someone dragging one foot after the other

The businessman tasted the extreme fear that rose from his gut. Only one man walked like that. The man who was known as... The Boot.

........

As Eloise listened to her children's bedtime stories, she couldn't help but smile at their excitement. She tucked them in, kissed them goodnight, and turned off the light. As she was about to leave the room, her daughter Emma piped up.

"Mummy, did you know about 'The Fox' at Edgewood Acadamy?" Emma asked.

Eloise raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "No, what's that?"

Emma leaned in conspiratorially. "It's a legend," she whispered. "There's a little girl who wears a Fox mask, and she helps kids who are having a hard time at school or at home."

Eloise felt a shiver run down her spine. "Really?" she asked.

"Yeah," her son Ethan chimed in. "She's like a superhero, but nobody knows who she is."

Eloise couldn't help but feel sceptical. "That sounds like a made-up story, sweetie," she said gently. "But it's nice to have something to believe in, isn't it?"

The children nodded, and Eloise kissed them both again before leaving the room. As she walked down the hall, she couldn't shake the feeling about 'The Fox'.

Then again, she can't help it.

Who would share such a tale, if The Fox truly exists....she would've protected me and my brother years ago.

Eloise had always been wary of people growing up, since her father was a former criminal. Although a doting father to her and her then younger brother, even now he still is, it was evident that other kids were quick to pick up on rumours that her dad is a criminal.

And in a way, she never once denied it.

The first time she met and her brother met their dad, she was around 7, the brother at that time 4. But it wasn't in the best of circumstances. 

They were brought to visit him in prison one day, and Eloise remembers the stark white walls, the metallic clang of the doors, and the uneasy feeling in her stomach. But as her dad held her close and promised he would always be there for them, she knew she would always love him.

In a way, that came true under unusual circumstances.

Eloise and her younger brother was raised by a single mother, the relationship between her mother and father never remain, but they remain cordial for the sake of the children. In a way, their mother turned her life around and became a cop. It was something worth celebrating about, even their biological dad who was in jail at that time was proud of the mother of his children.

But then things went haywire, when their mother died during a family finance dispute among her own family.

It was a devastating blow for Eloise and her brother. They were both young and had no idea how to cope with the loss. Their father, who was still in jail, did everything he could to help them, but he was limited by his situation.

Eloise remembers feeling lost and alone. Her brother, who was only 5 at the time, was too young to understand what was going on. Taken in by the mother's brother, he was kind to them, but not his wife and their children. To them, it felt like Eloise and her brother were freeloaders. To make matters worse, the family lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone else's business. Eloise would often hear whispers and see people pointing fingers at her and her brother whenever they went out. It was a constant reminder of their situation.

Eloise tried her best to ignore the gossip, but it was hard. She didn't have any friends growing up and spent most of her time with her brother or reading books at the library.

Then things just became worst than it already is, when the uncle died in a elevator accident. That was when the physical and mental abuse again. It didn't help that the aunt herself was a respectable police officer, there was no way people are going to trust a criminal's daughter that the law enforcement relative of their are hurting her and the brother.

It was a living nightmare after her uncle's death. Her aunt and her cousins made sure that Eloise and her brother were treated like outcasts in their own home. They were given the bare minimum when it came to food and clothing, and were made to do all the housework.

The abuse was physical and mental. Eloise's aunt would often hit her and her brother with whatever she could find, and the cousins would taunt them and make fun of their father.

Eloise tried to endure it all for her brother's sake, but it was too much. She started to develop anxiety and depression, and her grades started to suffer at school. She felt like she had nowhere to turn to.

It wasn't until their father was released from jail when Eloise turn 10, and her brother 7, that things started to look up for them. He took them both in and promised to take care of them. Eloise was hesitant at first, but she knew that she couldn't go on living like she was.

Moving in with their father wasn't easy, but it was better than what they had been through. Eloise started to come out of her shell and made friends at school. She was still wary of people, but she was learning to trust again. As for the auntie and cousins, initially, the used to harass them over the phone after moving in with their dad, but then a day later, they no longer made such calls after that.

She had a nagging suspicion her dad was behind it, but she didn't care. She and her brother no longer wanted to see them anymore. Also, the aunt is supposed to protect them, not do the other way round. The fact that her dad is a criminal and defended her? Screw it, she didn't care. She only goes to those who looked after her and her brothe well, and if anyone points that she is a daughter of a criminal, so be it. She ain't asahamed of that.

During the period of moving to the new neighbourhood in Australia, still not used to being around people, she used to seek refuge at the family friend's house, which is Nate's place. Surprisingly, their dad too was a former criminal, which she bonded well with the rest of Nate's siblings. Long story shot, the rest is history.

And now, with her own children, Eloise was determined to give them a different life than the one she had. She knew the importance of a loving and supportive family, and she was willing to do anything to give that to her children. 

I should tell Nate about The Fox, we need to give them a benefit of a doubt. Stories like that don't exist.

Eloise pushed the thought out of her mind and went to bed, hoping for a good night's sleep.

But that itself is about to change.

......

Suddenly, a strange figure popped up on the screen, its face masked by shadows and its voice distorted. "Who the hell are you? What are you doing at our house?!" the son exclaimed.

The figure ignored the young man's question and continued, "You see, Mitchel, I have been following you for quite some time. I know all of your little family."

The son was getting more and more freaked out by the second. "Dad, get out of there now!"

But Mitchel was frozen in fear, "What do you want?" he managed to stammer out.

The figure chuckled. "I want you to suffer, Mitchel, after what you all did to me. And what better way to do that than to kill you in front of your own son?"

Before Mitchel or his son could even react, the figure reached through the computer screen and grabbed hold of Mitchel's throat. The son watched in horror as his dad struggled and gasped for air, his face turning blue.

"Dad! No!" the son yelled, but it was too late. The figure let go of Mitchel's lifeless body and disappeared back into the shadows of the computer screen.

Suddenly, a scream pierced through the speakers, causing Nate to jump out of his seat.

Eloise had heard her husband's shouting and had rushed to the office to see what was going on. She was now staring at the computer screen in shock, her eyes widening as she saw the figure on the other side of the screen. "Oh my God, what is happening?!" she cried out.

Nate quickly turned to his wife and tried to calm her down. "Stay calm, Eloise. We need to call the police. Someone just broke into my dad's house through the computer!"

Eloise could feel his heart racing as he tried to make sense of the situation. 

"It's okay, Nate, just stay calm. We need to figure out what's going on and how we can help him." She tried to sound reassuring, but her voice was shaking. She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed the emergency number of Australia.

Meanwhile, Nate stared at the computer screen in horror, trying to process what had just happened. He couldn't believe that his father had been killed right in front of him, and he had been completely powerless to stop it.

As Eloise spoke to the police, Nate pulled out his phone and started scrolling through his contacts. He needed to call someone, anyone, who could help him figure out what was going on.

After a few minutes of frantic searching, he found the number he was looking for and dialed it quickly.

"Hello?" a voice answered on the other end.

"Hey, it's Nate," he said, his voice shaking. "Something just happened. Someone broke into our house through the computer and killed my dad."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line before the voice spoke again. "Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can. Stay put and don't do anything until I get there."

Nate nodded, even though he knew the person on the other end of the line couldn't see him. He was relieved that he had someone to turn to, someone who could help him make sense of all of this.

As he waited for his friend to arrive, Nate couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong. He didn't know who the figure on the computer screen was or what they wanted, but he knew that they were dangerous, and they weren't going to stop until they got what they wanted.

By the time the police arrived twenty minutes later, the businessman was dead, his body sprawled in a pool of blood.

....

The atmosphere was somber as friends and family of Mitchel came to pay their respects. Eloise stood by Nate's side, holding his hand tightly as they watched the coffin being lowered into the ground.

Nate's mind was still reeling from the trauma of what had happened, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach. He had barely slept since the incident, and his mind kept replaying the horrifying image of his father's lifeless body.

As the funeral service ended, Eloise's hand tightened around Nate's, and she whispered, "We'll get through this together. I'm here for you."

Nate nodded, grateful for Eloise's support. He knew he couldn't let this incident consume him.

.........

"I just can't believe it. How can the police just conclude that Dad died in a robbery gone wrong?!"

Nate and his siblings had gathered on a Zoom call to discuss the latest updates on their father's case upon returning home. It had been the 2nd week since their father's funeral, but the questions still lingered in their minds.

"Is that what the cops actually said?" asked Nate, his voice heavy with emotion.

"They concluded that it was just a robbery gone wrong," answered his older sister, Sarah. "They couldn't find any evidence of foul play."

"That's just not possible," exclaimed Nate. "Dad was always careful. He would never let himself get robbed like that."

"I know," said their eldest brother, Tyler. "I can't shake the feeling that there was something more to it."

"I agree," added Sarah. "But the police have already done their investigation. What else can we do?"

"We can't just give up," said Nate. "We need to find out what really happened to dad."

"I've been doing some research," said Tyler. "And I found out that dad had some enemies from his criminal days. Maybe one of them went after him."

"That's a possibility," said Sarah. "But how do we find out who it was? All of us have children to look after, and we can't just simply quit our jobs to look into this."

Nate nodded in agreement. "I've been trying to think of ways we can investigate without risking our safety or disrupting our lives too much. Maybe we can hire a private investigator?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," interjected Tyler, "If we go public with this, it could attract unwanted attention. We need to keep a low profile."

"What about contacting some of dad's old associates?" suggested Sarah. "They might have some insight into who could have done this."

Nate frowned. "I don't know, that could be risky. We don't know who we can trust."

"What about Eloise? Why don't we send her to Australia to figure it out?" Tyle figures.

"I don't think it's a good idea to send Eloise to Australia," Nate said firmly. "It's too dangerous, and she's the mother of our children. We can't afford to lose her."

"But she's the daughter of a former criminal. She should know where to look," Sarah argued.

"And we need to find out what really happened to dad," said Tyler, "The police can't do anything, and we can't just sit here and do nothing."

"I understand that, but sending Eloise to Australia is not the solution," Nate replied firmly.

"But she works from home, and she has experience dealing with the criminal underworld. She could help us find out what really happened. And did you remember the time she defended us from those idiot school bullies when we first met in school?" said Sarah.

Nate paused for a moment, considering their options. "I know Eloise is capable, but it's just too risky. What if something happens to her? What would happen to our children?"

"But Nate, we can't just give up on finding out the truth," Emily insisted. "We owe it to dad to get to the bottom of this."

"I know, I know," Nate said, running a hand through his hair. "But we need to come up with a different plan. We can't risk losing Eloise."

The group fell silent, each lost in thought. They knew Nate was right, but they couldn't just give up on finding out what really happened to their father. They needed to come up with a plan that would work for everyone.

...................

"I understand your concern, Nate," said Eloise. "But I want to help find out the truth about what happened to your father. I can handle myself, and I won't take any unnecessary risks."

Nate sighed, he really did not want to have this conversation with his wife.

But he knew he didn't have a choice, since she overheard their conversation at her husband's home office. The kids were sent to Edgewood Academy, so it just leaves the two to talk it out. The children didn't take it well when they learn their grandfather had passed away, as soon as they returned to London after attending the funeral, every day without fail they kept looking for 'The Fox' in the stories. Not like the parents think they would be able to locate her.

"I know you want to help, but it's too dangerous. We don't know who we're dealing with here." Nathan said.

Eloise countered, "But we can't just sit back and accept the police's conclusion without trying to find out what really happened. Your father deserves justice, and we owe it to him to try."

"Another way is to hire a professional private investigator to look into it. Someone who knows how to navigate the criminal underworld and can find out if there's any truth to this revenge theory."

"But honey, so many of them are incapable. Some of them I know of would accept our pay, only to vanish with the money. Who are we to look for?"

As the husband opened his mouth to speak, their two children, Ethan and Emma, burst into the room with excitement. "We found her! We found The Fox!" they exclaimed.

Nate and Eloise exchanged a bewildered look. "Who's The Fox?" asked Nate.

"She's from the Legend, Dad," Emma explained. "We've been searching for her since grandpa passed away, and we finally found her."

Eloise couldn't help but smile at her children's innocence. "That's great, but this is not a fairy tale. We have to be careful and take things seriously. We need to find out what really happened to grandpa and do it carefully and safely."

Nate voiced his concerns, "I still don't want you to go, Eloise. Let's take things slow and not make any rash decisions."

Eloise understood that her husband was trying to protect her and their family. "Okay, we'll figure this out together, one step at a time."

The kids eagerly spoke up, "Her name is Kudo Foxe Ranran, and she used to be a student at our school! She moved away to Japan a couple of years ago and started a detective club run by children called Tantei Association. They solved major cases like murder and kidnapping!"

Eloise raised an eyebrow in surprise, "So Ted told you that he knew 'The Fox' and that she runs a detective club that solves cases like murder and kidnapping?"

"Yes, Mom, that's right," Ethan confirmed. "But he wouldn't tell us anything else. We know he knows something, though. We could tell from the way he was acting."

Eloise made a decision, "I'll talk to Ted and see if I can get anything out of him. But you two stay out of it, okay? This is not something for kids to be involved in."

The children nodded, "We'll be careful, Mom," Ethan promised.

Eloise found Ted playing basketball in the local park and asked him, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Ted was hesitant, "What do you want?"

"I want to know what you know about The Fox," Eloise said.

Ted looked at her suspiciously, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I know you're lying, Ted. My children told me that you know something about The Fox, and I want to know what it is," Eloise said, trying to keep her voice calm.

Ted shifted uncomfortably. "The Fox is a private person, and she doesn't like to get involved in other people's problems."

Eloise pleaded with Ted, "Listen, Ted, we understand that you might be scared or have your own reasons for not wanting to tell us about The Fox. But we need to find out who she is. We're at a dead end over who is going to look into my father-in-law's death."

Ted hesitated before finally speaking up, "Alright, I'll tell you. But you have to promise to keep it to yourself. The Fox, the girl who used to help the kids around here, she's gone."

"I know," Eloise replied. "My children told me she moved to Japan and started her own detective agency, Tantei Association. Do you happen to know where we can find her and what her office hours are?"

"She usually opens up on weekdays," Ted said. "But..."

"But what?" Eloise asked.

"I don't think she'll be open for business starting today," Ted replied.

"Why not?" Eloise inquired.

"Well," Ted hesitated before continuing. "They're about to go on a holiday."