Reclaimed Hearts: A second chance, forced proximity romance

A New Tide

Epilogue

2

Local girl sent on scavenger hunt by the late Eleanor Covington.

The shock on Marlowe Mitchell’s, 17, face when she opened a text from an unknown number earlier this summer would be the same as anyone’s. Especially if that text had a video attachment from the late Eleanor Covington. Little did Marlowe know, it was the start of a scavenger hunt of sorts that would eventually lead her all around the island.

Marlowe quickly learned…

Word spread all across the island fast after Sandra’s article came out five days later. She and I sat down for a formal interview the day after Reid’s staying here party, and she sent me the final file to review before she published it.

It had barely been out a full twenty-four hours, but I had turned into a town celebrity instantly. Even though no one knew what the prizes were, because I kept those out of the article, it still seemed like everyone was interested for their own reasons.

Seeing my face staring back at me from the paper on the dining table took some getting used to. So did the stares and the questions everyone had that I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, answer.

I was just about ready to leave to meet Reid and the group at the beach when my phone buzzed. It rang a lot lately, so I kept it on silent to save my sanity. And Grandmum’s.

Unknown:A scavenger hunt from Eleanor? Where did your first clue lead?

I stared at the screen. It wasn’t an unusual question. I didn’t say the locations in the article on purpose. I just said each place had a special meaning and a specific reason behind it. And it was spread out in various locations.

Unknown:Sorry, this seems a bit stalker-ish. I promise, I’m not some crazy person. I just need to know where the first location was.

I frowned. It really wouldn’t hurt to tell. No one could go up there on their own anyway, as it was within the mansion. And a closed off location.

I decided to be vague at first. I had no idea who this person was, or why they wanted to know. While I believed the best in people and hoped they had no bad intentions, I couldn’t be too sure.

Me:The Covington Mansion.

Unknown:Specifically?

Me:Charlotte’s playroom.

Stating the playroom would turn most people off, considering they weren’t allowed inside. I didn’t mention the dollhouse, though. That part didn’t need to be shared, especially with someone who hadn’t even told me who they were yet.

Unknown:Well, that’s interesting…

Me:Why? Who is this, by the way? Why do you need to know where the clue was?

Unknown:Because that’s not where mine was.