Page 31 of Is Anyone Listening?
"Yes, but her husband passed a long time ago. I think she was maybe forty at the time."
"Does she have any kids?"
"She has a son, but I haven't seen him since he was a teenager. There was some sort of falling out."
"About what?"
"I'm not sure. You're very interested in people, aren't you?" Dorothy asked. "Is that because you're a writer?"
"Probably." I realized I'd probably pushed a little too hard for information. "I guess I love a good story."
"So do I. Especially a love story. I was married to the love of my life, and I am so happy when other people find their perfect match. That's why I like to talk to some of the young women who come here. They often seem to be at a crossroads, and I like to encourage them to see that good things are waiting for them. Being positive is the only way to live."
"It's definitely better than being negative," I murmured.
"You seem at a bit of a crossroads yourself, dear."
"I suppose I am. I lost my job a few months ago. And I've been trying to figure out my next path. I always wanted to be a journalist, a writer," I amended, quickly remembering my cover story. "And this feels like the right time to pursue it."
"It sounds perfect to me." She paused. "You slipped a stitch. Let me show you how to fix that."
"Thanks." For the next ten minutes, I concentrated on the knitting, as Dorothy chatted about random things in town or at the inn. I probably should be doing something more proactive, but it did feel good to focus on the needles and the yarn while my mind swirled with unanswered questions. But when I heard Ellen's voice at the desk, it was time to get back to business.
"I need to take care of a few other things," I said to Dorothy. "Thank you for the lesson."
"Anytime. Bring your friend if you want. I love to teach." Dorothy paused. "If you want to keep the needles and yarn to work on while you're here, you can do that. I won't be going home until Thursday."
I hesitated. "Maybe I'll just leave them with you, and if I have time to get back to it, I'll find you."
"I'm here most days."
I got up and moved into the reception area. Ellen was standing at the desk, looking at the computer. She lifted her gaze and gave me an inquiring look that was completely devoid of any emotion. "Cassidy, how can I help you?"
"Someone was in my room yesterday, while I was in town. And not just my room, but also Tessa's room."
"Was something taken?"
"No. But things were moved around."
"Sometimes my housekeepers tidy up when they change the towels. I'm sure that's all it was."
The casual dismissal made my blood boil. I pulled the threatening note from my pocket and placed it on the desk between us. "This was slipped under my door last night. Was that also one of your housekeepers?"
Ellen picked up the note and read it without any change in her expression, but when she set it down on the counter, she seemed to force an empathetic smile. "I'm sorry about this. We had some teenagers staying here last night, and I think they were playing a terrible joke on you. I don't know if you saw them, but they left with their family this morning. I don't think you'll have any more trouble."
It was a neat explanation. Too neat. I didn't believe it for a second.
We stared at each other for a long minute. I wondered if this was the whole point of the room search, the note. Ellen wanted us to leave, but she didn't want it to look like she was kicking us out.
But she wasn't going to get rid of me that easily. I not only wanted to find out what happened to Natalie, but I also wanted more information about my grandfather, my dad, and about why the family fell apart. I couldn't do any of that if I left.
"If you're concerned and would prefer to check out early, that's fine, too," Ellen said. "In fact, I'll be happy to comp you a night."
Ellen wanted us gone, and that made me want to stay. "I guess if you're not worried, then I'm not worried. Tessa and I will stay as we planned."
"Until Thursday, correct?"
That was the date we'd given on our reservation, so I just nodded and said, "Yes."
