Revelations

Chapter 1

It was June in 2016 when Bridget Holt took a cab from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and told the driver as she got in, "Standby Bar, please."

As she relaxed in the back seat she checked her phone and seeing the numerous messages from her parents, proceeded to delete each one without listening to a single one!

Shaking her head she thought, Knowing what I know now, why should it make a difference what either of them had to say?

She then thought back to two months before, when their dear family friend Mildred Krebs had died.

She was a godsend to her parents detective agency, aptly named Remington Steele Investigations.

She was also Bridget's all around pal and considered her a favorite aunt next to Laura's sister Frances Holt Piper, of course.

A few days after the funeral Mildred's nephew had called Bridget to have lunch, saying there was something important he had to give her among Mildred's things.

Remington and Laura had already been given some things by the lawyer, but this wasn't among them so they weren't privy to it.

Turns out Mildred had sent him the letter asking him to keep it in a safe place until it was time for her to receive it, no questions asked.

They met in New York in Greenwich Village that weekend as Bridget had secured a job with the NY Times as an editorial writer and had certain deadlines to meet so lunch was the only option given her schedule these days.

They went to a pizza place and Bernard treated.

After getting their order and exchanging pleasantries Bernard asked,"How are your folks?"

Bridget taking a bite of pizza chewed and swallowed replying with a shrug, "Okay, I guess. They're busy with cases as usual, although Dad wants them to start thinking about retirement soon..."

Bernard chuckled and commented, "Are you kidding?! From what Aunt Mildred used to tell me about them I don't see that happening any time soon."

Bridget nodded and answered, "I know! That's why I've been telling them to at least take one weekend a month and come see a Broadway show, go to a museum or check out a ball game. I mean there's so much to do here it's insane, but I know they'd love it!"

After a comfortable silence as they concentrated on their food Bernard took an envelope out of his jacket pocket responding softly, "I guess now is as good a time as any to give you this... Aunt Mildred loved you as much as your parents do and asked me to give you this letter. I don't know what's in it, but she made me promise to give it to you and said to tell you when you read it to not judge them too harshly. She said that things just happen for a reason and she hopes someday you'll forgive them. That it was all for love and your protection, that much she knew."

Bridget quizzically looked at the envelope and then back at Bernard asking, "So, wait. Do Mom and Dad even know what's in this?"

Bernard shrugged slowly and remarked, "I-I really don't know. From the way Aunt Mildred explained when she sent me the letter, all she said was that it was time you knew."

Bridget pensively nodded and was about to open the letter when Bernard stopped her and shook his head answering, "N-No! She also asked that you read it when you got home..."

Bridget taking a sip of her water responded with a nod, "All right. Let me ask you one final thing. Do my Aunt Frances and Uncle Donald know about this?"

Bernard half smiled and putting up a hand stated, "Again, I have no clue..."

So after lunch they took the subway to Central Park and walked around a bit until it was time for Bernard to leave.

Bridget queried, "So, you can't stay another day?"

Bernard smiled shaking his head, "Wish I could, but my budget was stretched just coming here. Anyway, it was good to see you again."

Getting back to the subway they hugged and Bernard responded, "Call me later if you wanna talk or anything, okay?"

Bridget nodded and commented, "Sure. So long..."

She watched as the subway left and she realized she was still holding the envelope.

Putting it in her purse she headed in the opposite direction as she was on her way to meet friends for dinner later...

TBC