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Epilogue

Two days later, they were all having tea in Mr. Watson's parlour.

The local police chief shook his head. "I know you outrank me Captain, but I'm going to have to ask you to explain this to me again. What a tale this is going to make!"

Captain Neufeld nodded. "That it will – but I'm not much of a storyteller, and I've hardly touched my tea. Tintin, would you like to take it from here?"

Tintin smiled at the police chief. "I've almost finished my story – Mr. Lucas Hannigan, the twice-foiled diamond thief. He broke out of jail weeks ago, long enough to recruit Mr. Watson's butler and Officer Marshall, and get them set up. Officer Marshall leaked a coded notice that the Amber Diamond was in danger, and his job was to draw me in. The message served a double purpose – it kept the police trained on the docks as well, unsuspecting of anyone leaving by car."

Eva noded. "The fakes were made, one for Mr. Watson, and one more to trick Marshall. The butler handled both of them, so the glassmaker thought it was all entirely above board. The plan was always to draw away Tintin and kidnap me along with taking the diamond. So they took me to Mr. Watson's summer home, and waited for the ship to arrive to ensure their getaway – or to wait and see if Tintin would come. Maybe both."

The chief nodded. "Yes, that makes sense. But the bit about the floor …. You lost me there."

Mr. Watson chuckled. "That stage was made for my grandchildren – for them to play on, and for performers to entertain the house. One group that I hired required a removeable floor – they had a massive set piece that rose from the deeps. But I was concerned about one of the children falling through, so I had thick padding installed on the floor below. It was a long shot, but that's the main room of the house, and thieves do usually enjoy a bit of drama. I played the odds, and Eva, Tintin and the diamond all ended up on the stage at once. I pulled the lever and the floor gave out, and we have a small tunnel that goes out – another thing my grandchildren had discovered in their explorations. I had called Captain Neufeld before we left, and asked him for backup. He delivered, and in an incredibly timely way." Mr. Watson smiled and sipped his tea, sharing a meaningful look with his old friend.

The chief smiled. "And now Hannigan and his accomplices are set to return to jail, and the real Amber Diamond has returned. I suppose it's not really cursed after all, only incredibly unlucky!"

On the train home later that day, Eva leaned her head on Tintin's shoulder and sighed. "What a whirlwind."

Tintin pulled her closer to him. "Eva –" he stared, then paused. "Eva, I was so worried about you. Are you okay?"

Eva shrugged. "Honestly, I was quite terrified when those thieves captured me – not that I didn't put up a fight, mind you. But I was so convinced – I had this unshakeable feeling, a feeling that you would come find me."

Tintin kissed her forehead. "Eva, I will always be here to help you." His voice was soft.

"And I'll always be here to help you." Eva looked into his eyes. "I'm behind you, no matter what. Whether it's gun toting, sneaking into a building, fake identities or capturing criminals. Although hopefully no more kidnapping, and no more concussions." She gave Tintin a wry smile and kissed his forehead. "I love you."

Tintin paused, and laughed. "I love you too – you took the words right out of my mouth!"