Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Tyler pulled into the inn's parking lot just after seven.
The building was lit up, and through the windows, I could see a lot of people milling about.
Happy hour was just about to end, but the inn encouraged guests to enjoy the downstairs with its selection of books and games and the roaring fire in the fireplace.
"You're sure about this?” Tyler asked, as he kept the engine running.
"I am. I appreciate your concern. But there are some things I still need to do here.
I'll lock myself in my room until morning, and then I'll figure out what's next.
" I could see frustration and doubt in his eyes, and it was nice that he cared about my well-being, but I needed to talk to Ellen before I made any other decisions.
I certainly couldn't leave town before I did that.
And I also needed to do the podcast that I'd promised to handle tonight.
If I was on my way out of town soon, I might as well record what had happened to date. And then tomorrow, I'd speak to Ellen.
"Call me if you have any concerns whatsoever," Tyler said. "And I will come right over."
"Thanks—for everything." I unbuckled my seat belt and got out before I could second-guess my decision.
When I entered the inn, I was assailed by a reassuring warmth and the sound of conversation and laughter. There were a couple of people at the reception desk talking to Moira, and behind them, I saw Ellen and Sheriff Holloway walking into her office.
That was rather alarming. I was about to head upstairs when I heard my name called from the living room.
When I turned my head, I saw Dorothy beckoning to me.
She was sitting at her usual table, but she wasn't alone.
She was with the sheriff's brother, Jeff Holloway.
There was also an older couple playing backgammon at the table next to them, and in the dining room beyond I could see Sophie clearing tables while Cole hovered nearby.
It was definitely a full house tonight. I didn't really want to talk to Dorothy, but she was motioning me to come over, and I couldn't just ignore her, so I moved into the room, very aware of my disheveled appearance.
There was dirt on my jeans and my sweater and probably in my hair, and I had cuts on my hands and on my face.
But everyone would hear soon enough what had happened to me if they hadn't already.
"Cassidy!" Dorothy stood up, nearly dropping her knitting, her face filled with concern when I got closer. "Oh, my dear, we just heard what happened. Are you okay? You look terrible."
"I'm okay," I managed. "Just a little shaken up. I guess you all heard what happened."
"You had an accident on the Upper Coast Road," Jeff said. "My brother filled us in. Sorry to hear about that."
"Sit for a moment," Dorothy said, pulling over another chair.
"I was going to go upstairs."
"Oh, you don't want to be alone, do you? Sit."
I reluctantly sat because I didn't actually want to be alone, and I didn't want to draw more attention to myself.
"This is my godson, Jeff Holloway."
"We met at Kelly's Pub," Jeff said with a smile. "You were with your friend, a very pretty blonde."
"Yes, Tessa," I said.
"It's terrible what happened to her, and now you. It's like you're living under a dark cloud."
"It does seem that way."
"That road is treacherous in the dark, especially if you've never driven it before," Jeff said. "I've come close to running off the road myself."
"I didn't run off the road because of my driving. There was another car behind me. It bumped me from behind, and that's when I went through the barrier and down the hill."
"Oh, my goodness," Dorothy said, putting a hand to her chest. "That sounds terrifying. What happened to the other driver?"
"Nothing. They didn't stop. And it wasn't an accident. They deliberately ran me off the road."
Jeff's smile faded while shock filled Dorothy's eyes.
"Why on earth would someone do that?" Dorothy asked.
"I don't know. But that's what happened."
"My brother said you just lost control of the car," Jeff put in, giving me a speculative look.
"Well, that's not what I told him, but he seems to have his own unique narrative about anything bad that happens in Stonecross."
"Are you saying he's lying?" Jeff asked. "Why would he do that?"
"I have no idea. But I told him about the other car, and that's not the story he shared with you. If you don't believe my version, you can ask Finn. He witnessed the whole thing. Anyway, I should go. I'm exhausted, and I need to change my clothes."
"Is there anything I can do for you, Cassidy?" Dorothy asked with a kind and worried smile. "I feel like you haven't been having much fun lately, with Tessa getting hurt and now your accident… We need to change your vacation around."
"It definitely hasn't been much of a vacation," I muttered.
"You should take Cassidy out on your boat, Jeff," Dorothy said. Turning to me, she added, "He has a beautiful boat. And he's a great sailor. You would be in good hands."
"I would be happy to take you out, show you a different side of Stonecross," Jeff said. "We could ask Sophie and Cole to come along. Cole told me you and your friend have been giving Sophie tips about living in New York. Those two can't wait to get out of this town."
"They don't appreciate how nice it is to live in a place where everyone knows you," Dorothy interjected. "My husband and I lived in Chicago for a couple of years, and I was so lonely in that big city. There was a lot to do, but it never felt like home."
"Anyway, the invitation is open," Jeff said, giving me a smile. "I don't have a lot of charters this week, so I have some free days. Just let me know. I'm usually in my office at the harbor during the day."
"I'll think about it. Thanks."
As I got to my feet, Ellen and the sheriff entered the living room, heading straight in my direction.
Ellen's eyes locked on me immediately, and I saw a myriad of emotions move through her expression—surprise, suspicion, anger...
"Good," Ellen said, her voice sharp. "You're back. Now it's time for you to pack your things and leave, Ms. Bennett."
The room went silent at her strident tone. Through the archway, I saw Sophie and Cole move toward the living room at Ellen's harsh words. Dorothy muttered concern behind me.
"Excuse me?" I asked, my tone as sharp as hers. "I was just almost killed—"
"Yes. I heard you nearly drove yourself into the ocean."
"That's not what happened," I said, unable to hide my frustration and anger.
"It doesn't matter," Ellen continued. "You haven't been honest with me.
I told you and your friend when you first arrived that I don't allow the use of cameras inside the inn, that I protect the privacy of my guests, but you disregarded my wishes.
You recorded a podcast in your room, a podcast about this inn, about the nasty lies that have been circulating for the past year.
" Her face was tight with barely controlled fury.
"You have been spreading vicious lies about this inn, and my staff, and this town, all the people here. "
My stomach dropped. I'd known the podcast would eventually come out, but I hadn't expected it to be so public, so dramatic. My gaze moved around the room, seeing the mix of expressions around me. They couldn't look away from the crash happening right in front of them.
"Is that true, dear?" Dorothy asked softly. "You have a podcast about the inn?"
"It's true," the sheriff interrupted. "Cole gave me the link, and Ellen and I just listened to it."
My gaze flew to Cole, who now looked uncomfortable. And Sophie looked angry, sending an annoyed look in his direction.
"It wasn't just about the inn," Ellen added. "It was about the rumors we've had to deal with this past year."
"I haven't lied about anything." I tried to keep my voice steady, despite my racing heart.
"Everything we said on the podcast is based on facts.
Natalie Warren disappeared from this inn.
Jessica Trent disappeared while staying here.
Anna Franklin left before dawn a few days ago.
Those are facts, not rumors. And no one seems to care about these missing women. "
"Those facts have been twisted to make this inn look dangerous," Ellen said. "Facts presented to make me look negligent, to make this town look sinister. You came here under false pretenses, pretending to be an ordinary guest when really you were here to exploit a tragedy for entertainment."
"It's not entertainment; it's also an investigation. It's trying to find answers for families who deserve them."
"You abused my hospitality," Ellen continued. "You painted this inn as some sort of death trap when the truth is that one woman disappeared after she left here, likely because she chose to leave. And you've built a conspiracy theory around that."
"Jessica Trent disappeared while she was staying here."
"Because she took a boat out on her own."
"And then there's Anna."
"Anna Franklin left of her own free will," Ellen snapped. "A friend picked her up."
"Then why was there blood on the carpet in her room?" I challenged. "Why did Ray carry it out to the garage and then move it again in his truck?"
Ellen's face went pale, then flushed with anger. "You've been spying on my staff? You've been sneaking around—"
"I've been investigating," I interrupted. "Because women keep disappearing from this inn and no one is looking for them."
"That's enough," the sheriff said, taking a step toward me. "You need to leave. Ms. Clarke has every right to refuse you service."
"She might have the right, but I'm not going anywhere."
"Yes, you are," Ellen said, her voice edged with anger. "I've booked you a room at the hotel near the hospital where your friend is. I'll have Ray drive you there as soon as you get your things together."
"I'm not going anywhere with Ray, the man who moved a bloody carpet out of the inn."