It was just two friends catching up while working on a case—although she didn't quite believe that.She was looking forward to dinner more than was wise.
*****
After Barrett drove away, Cadie got her car from the lot and drove to Stratton House.She parked, unlocked the front door, then stepped inside.Her footsteps echoed in the empty halls, the sound lonely and slightly eerie.
Cadie walked through the main corridor, past the performance hall and the teaching studios.She assumed her aunt must have had an office that she used to run the business.After some searching, she found a room that she hadn't explored before.
The office was smaller than the other rooms, clearly used for administration rather than music.Papers and files covered the desk against the wall.Bookshelves lined another wall, filled with music theory books and ledgers.A filing cabinet stood in the corner.
Among the papers, she spotted an academic year planner.The dates were for the current year, covering the months before her aunt's death.
Celia Ann's handwriting filled the pages.There were appointments for doctor visits, piano tuning, student lessons, and such.The entries seemed routine for running a music conservatory.But as Cadie flipped through the pages, she noticed handwritten notes in the margins.
The entries predated the notes that she'd read in her aunt's journal.The timeline became clearer and a pattern emerged.The entries were disturbing, but she didn't want to jump to conclusions.Yet the new data combined with the journal notes painted a troubling picture.
She carefully placed the calendar book in her bag.There were also some loose papers with additional information tucked inside the planner.She kept those as well, making a mental note to review everything.And she wanted Barrett's professional perspective on what she had found.
The room suddenly felt stuffy.She needed air and remembered the courtyard, so decided to sit outside for a few minutes.
Cadie walked through the building to the back door.The outdoor space was larger than she had realized on her first visit.There was an overgrown garden that still had traces of its former beauty, an old fountain in the center.Oak trees bordered the property, their branches creating dappled shade.Wrought-iron fencing enclosed the space.
The flower beds had been weeded, and a few late-blooming plants added color to the space.It appeared that a gardener tended the area.
She found an old bench near the fountain.The paint was peeling, but the structure was sturdy.Cadie sat with her bag beside her, then took a deep breath of autumn air.Birds sang in the oak trees.The fountain no longer worked, but the courtyard was peaceful.Cadie closed her eyes briefly and thought about restoration possibilities for the building.
When her phone rang, Genevieve's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey…it's good to hear from you," Cadie answered.
"How are you?"Genevieve said."We miss you already."
Cadie gave her an overview of what had happened in the last couple of days.She covered the highlights of the investigation and even what she'd just found in her aunt's planner.
"That's a lot," Genevieve said."I had no idea.And you knew Barrett in high school?"
Cadie's heart skipped a beat."I did, but it didn't last."
"Is he married?"
Cadie smiled at her friend's interest in her love life."No, he isn't."
"Hmm, that's kinda good, huh?"
"I admit that I've thought of that," Cadie said."But the investigation comes first."
"Do you have confidence in him?"
"He's very thorough and professional," Cadie said."He was a Navy SEAL, so he knows what he's doing."
"Good, I'm glad you're not alone."Genevieve paused."I'm going to tell Abe about this.He can connect you with resources if you need them.And Weston at Guardian Investigations can help too.I'm sure they'll provide whatever you need."
"Barrett might take you up on that offer," Cadie said."His partners are handling his business in California while he's away.And besides, Abe and Weston know me better."
They talked for a few more minutes, then Genevieve said, "Well, I must run.Remember that we all care about you.Let me know if you needanything."
After ending the call, Cadie smiled to herself.It was good to connect and not feel alone.She'd be home as soon as she could wrap things up in Charleston.
A shadow darkened Cadie's view and movement caught her eye.Then a man appeared just beyond the garden wall.
