Page 62 of Is Anyone Listening?
"I thought that Tessa's public fall down the stairs last night would create a protective bubble around me, that no one would want to take a chance on hurting me and bringing more scrutiny, but I was wrong. I wasn't safe."
"You also weren't at the inn, so no one can blame Ellen or Ray," he said. "Maybe it's time for you and Tessa to go home, or for you to leave Stonecross. Go to Seabrook, stay there."
"Without telling Jessica or Natalie's story? I can't quit now. And I'm not sure Seabrook would be any safer. It might be even easier to get to me there."
"If you don't quit, you might not survive. Is being a journalist, making money off a podcast, worth your life?"
I gave him a pained look as I said, "No, but I also want to live a life of courage and meaning, and sometimes that means taking a risk."
"You're not a quitter. That's an admirable trait."
I smiled at the irony of his words. "And a trait that has not been attributed to me in the past. My father would tell you that one of his biggest disappointments in me is how easily I give up, change my mind, and take the easy way out."
"Is that why you can't quit now, because you're trying to prove something to your father?" he asked curiously.
"It's more about proving something to myself." I got to my feet. "Will you take me back now?"
"I don't want to, but I will. And just for the record, if you change your mind, if you decide to quit on all this, I won't think any less of you. You'd be choosing the wisest possible course, and I don't really want to see you end up like Natalie or Jessica."
"I just wish we knew how they actually ended up," I murmured. "Because right now, we have no idea if they're dead or alive. I very much want them to be alive. I know that's not probable, but it is possible, and that makes me want to keep going."
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.
