Ambition Falls

by Aimee Sharp

journalists, talking about Maeve Sparks.

  “Yesterday, we discovered evidence that Maeve Sparks was a co-conspirator in the murder of her husband, Edward Sparks and the killer of her lover, John Willis. When confronted with the evidence, she committed suicide by jumping from the observation deck of Ambition Falls. Her body has now been recovered. We would not have been able to solve this crime without the tireless dedication of the Ambition Falls police department… and we would also like to commend Miss Harriet Smotes, for her invaluable help throughout the investigation.

  The TV switched onto another news story and the pair of detectives turned to each other. They were quiet for a while until Palmer began to speak. “Harriet. I’m sorry for driving you out of the force; what I did was unacceptable. In that case, all those years ago, you were right. I was so blinded by the simple answer I didn’t even think about other suspects. Having someone like you on the force should have been more important than a promotion.”

  Harriet shifted in her seat, a little uncomfortable at Palmer’s awkward apology. “It’s okay, forget about it,” she said.

  “You were always good at seeing the truth. I regret that I turned you away from the job. I had too much ambition and not enough intelligence to see what was best for the city.”

  She smiled. “I forgive you. I realised I worked better without others and I think that worked out better for both of us. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. I’m over it.” She shrugged. “I’ve moved on.”

  He lifted his drink. “A toast,” he declared and she lifted hers too. “To moving on.”

  They clinked their glasses together, “To moving on.”