She pulled the drawer open.Inside was a single item, a leather-bound journal withCelia Ann Strattonembossed in gold on the cover.
Cadie lifted it out carefully.The leather was soft with age and the binding worn from use.She could see bookmark ribbons in different colors sticking out from various sections.Her aunt had returned to certain pages multiple times.
She sat in the desk chair and cradled the journal in her lap.It was her aunt's personal journal, not meant to be read by another.
But Celia Ann had left instructions for an investigation.Maybe she had hidden the journal in a locked drawer to protect it, knowing that someday it might matter.
Cadie took a deep breath."Forgive me, Aunt Celia Ann," she whispered, "but I need to understand."
She opened the journal.The entries spanned years.Cadie flipped through slowly, seeing glimpses of her aunt's daily life.She spotted notes about students, thoughts about music, even reflections on her husband after his death.There were mentions of Cadie and her father.
The entries from the past year were different.Most seemed routine, like notes about the conservatory's maintenance or concerns about funding for scholarships.Her aunt had scribbled reflections on aging and slowing down.
Then Cadie found notes that caught her attention.The date was three months before her aunt's death.The handwriting was Celia Ann's, slightly shakier than in earlier entries but still legible.Riveted, she read the entry, then read it again.
She flipped forward through the pages, scanning for more entries.There were others, but she needed time to read them properly.This one showed that her aunt had been lucid enough to write clearly and articulate what she was feeling.
Cadie pressed the journal to her chest.Barrett needed to see it.
She'd mentioned dinner but hadn't set a time or place.She had Barrett's number from the business card, so she texted:Pick me up at 6 pm for dinner.
His response came within a minute:I'll be there.
Cadie stood and placed the journal in her bag.She took one more look around the office, at the photographs and papers that told the story of her aunt's life.Then she locked up the house and drove back to her hotel.
*****
In her hotel room, Cadie showered then tried to decide what to wear.She should wear something practical and professional to discuss the investigation.Yet she chose the dress she'd packed.It was deep blue, simple but flattering, with a modest neckline and a hem that fell just above her knees.She'd thrown it in her suitcase thinking she might need something nice if she had to meet with the attorney or other officials.
She held it up, considering her image in the mirror.She wanted to look good for Barrett, a thought that gave her pause.
This wasn't the time for attraction.Her aunt had just died, and Cadie was helping uncover the truth about what had happened.Romance had no place in the situation.
But her body warmed when she thought about seeing Barrett again.She couldn't forget the way he'd looked at her in the coffee shop, and how he'd steadied her at Stratton House.Her feelings couldn't be ignored.
Cadie slipped into the dress and checked her reflection.She looked nice, yet professional enough for a dinner meeting.She applied light makeup and left her hair down, the dark waves falling past her shoulders.A pair of simple silver earrings and a slim watch completed the look.
She put the journal, the one tangible piece of evidence she'd uncovered, in a book bag on the bed.She sat on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath.She would show Barrett the journal, then tomorrow they would talk to Olivia Stewart.Eventually, they would find out what had happened to Aunt Celia Ann.
The knock on her door came at exactly six o'clock.
Cadie grabbed her book bag and opened the door.Barrett stood in the hallway, looking drop-dead gorgeous.He'd changed into dark jeans and a charcoal button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms.His dark hair was slightly damp, like he'd showered recently.He looked casual but put together, and when his eyes met hers, she held her breath.
Barrett gazed at her, and she felt admiration."You look beautiful."
"That's kind of you to say."Her voice came out softer than she intended."You look nice too."
The chemistry between them was strong, but Cadie stepped back and grabbed her room key."I have something to show you."
Barrett's attention sharpened immediately.He noticed the book bag."What did you find?"
"Let's eat in the hotel restaurant.I'll explain it there."She pulled the door closed behind her.
Walking down the hallway, Cadie was acutely aware of his presence and the scent of his cologne.She clutched the book bag strap, using it to ground herself.
The hotel restaurant was cozy, with only a handful of tables occupied.The hostess led them to a corner table that offered privacy.Soft lighting cast everything in a warm glow, and instrumental music played at a volume that allowed for easy conversation.
Barrett held her chair, and Cadie slid into it, setting her book bag on the floor beside her feet.The hostess handed them menus and promised their server would be right with them.
