A. Renee Art

During dinner, seeing Sofia’s chest and the combination buttons, Lydia used the numbers on the locket found at Scott’s cabin on it. It worked and the group went through the contents.

Inside was a sewing kit, some blue yarn, a pair of scissors, and some letters from Father Matthew, who was in Indonesia on missionary work during the year spanning Sofia’s pregnancy and death. He wrote to her about his experiences there and hoped that things were working out for her at her job at the mansion. On the day he was writing the letter, he said that he decided to extend his stay for another six months.

He congratulated Sofia on being well liked by Charles and Vivian, saying that she got the job on her own merit, though he felt bad about lying to them about he and Sofia being cousins. He hoped to tell them the truth later. As a last addition, he said he had prepared a special present for her birthday on March 18^th and to wait for a special telegram explaining it.

After reacting to the news about Sofia and Matthew’s non-familial connection, they returned to their meal while Lydia read the next letter. That letter wished Sofia a happy birthday. Matthew lamented not being there with her to celebrate, but that he set up a surprise using a clue on the church wall near the entrance outside and describing a hidden stump near a birdhouse next to the playground. He said he’d be waiting for an answer from her via a telegram.

“An answer from Sofia,” Merc asked. “About what?”

“We’ll find out tomorrow,” Lydia said. “Right Janet?”

“I honestly doubt there’s anything there now,” Janet said. “But why not?”

Madeline later approached Janet, who was outside alone getting some air, and privately brought her concerns to her with a Polaroid Lydia took of Sofia’s grave earlier.

“Please don’t tell the others,” she said. “It means a lot to Liddie most of all. In a way, it’s like playing a computer adventure game, but with real-life excitement…and repercussions. I’m showing you this because it’s still your case and story and you need to see and understand all the information.”

“Thank you, Maddie. I won’t say anything since we’ve come so far but considering you telling me that there may be someone else here, I want to keep you all safe.” She returned the photo to her.

“We know. There is something else though. At Scott’s cabin…I found something near the well there.”

“What?”

Maddie’s hand rustled in her jeans pocket. “To tell you the truth, the others were right. There is a ghost in Painscreek. “

Janet regarded her. “You’re…serious.”

“Except for Caylix, we’ve all seen it. Across the creek outside Andrew Reed’s house, through the gated area behind the Roberts’ mansion, on the hospital roof, and in Dorothy’s bedroom.”

“Sofia?”

Maddie nodded.

“Maddie, are any of you psychic or something?”

“Just me. You could say that I have a special sixth sense. Are you surprised that I have friends?”

“I don’t…want to assume anything negative. They know?”

“They see me as a more outgoing Wednesday Addams in more colorful clothing. I take it as a complement. Christina Ricci’s my favorite actress and I look forward to seeing her in Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow later this year.”

“Oh. Wait, you mentioned Scott’s cabin. Did Sofia appear there too? Is it because of her being his mother?”

“I never said she was there, although it is surprising that she wasn’t.”

“What are you saying?”

“I think…there might be something…in that well at the cabin.”

“We’ll check it out tomorrow then, first thing. Along with the tree stump near the playground.”

“Not us, Janet. You will solve the case alone. The rest of us will discover something at the cabin. Tomorrow under no circumstances must you come with us to the cabin until after you solve the case. If you do, you won’t find the evidence you need.”

Janet leaned against the wall sighing. “I never thought I’d be working with a psychic on my first real investigation. It’s like something out of Unsolved Mysteries. And you’re a high-schooler besides, no offense.”

“Please, Janet. If you want this thing solved, listen to me. Of course you don’t have to mention me in your story, but…”

Janet placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not the first investigative journalist to rely on a psychic and chances are, I won’t be the last. I promise to stay away from the cabin until I solve it.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you. All of you, for helping me get this far.”

As they returned inside, Maddie eyed Steve’s car.