Page 63 of Is Anyone Listening?
"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?"
