For a moment, she didn't move.She just stared at him across the space of the performance hall.
Barrett's heart hammered in his chest.Every tactical instinct told him to move, to speak or do something.But he was caught in her gaze like he was eighteen again and meeting her for the first time.
She looked just like he remembered her, older…but still Cadie.He looked into those green eyes that had haunted him more than he wanted to admit.So many times, he'd wondered what might have happened if he'd stayed, if he had reached out.
Cadie's lips parted slightly.Then, without looking away, she said, "Barrett…"
Chapter 4
Barrett stood in the doorway, caught in Cadie's gaze.She spoke his name and broke the spell.
He stepped into the performance hall, his footsteps echoing on the old wooden floor."I didn't expect to see you here."
She rose from the piano bench with the same grace he remembered.She moved toward the edge of the stage."I just found out you were the investigator," she said."Mr.Hartwell gave me your card this morning."
Barrett reached the stage as she descended the steps.She was taller than he remembered, or maybe he had forgotten the details over so many years.Her dark hair was longer, falling past her shoulders in waves.She wore jeans and a simple sweater, nothing fancy, but she looked beautiful.
He cleared his throat."I had no idea you were the heir—not until I saw you sitting at that piano."
"I got the letter about Aunt Celia Ann's passing two days ago."Cadie reached the floor and stood a few feet away from him."I flew in yesterday."
Barrett looked at her."I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you."She seemed composed."I didn't know her well in recent years."
An awkward silence stretched between them.Barrett searched for something to say that wouldn't sound ridiculous.
Cadie saved him by gesturing toward the hallway."I haven't really looked around much since I got the keys this morning.Would you mind walking through with me?I'd like to see what she left me."
"Of course."Barrett was grateful for something concrete to focus on."I've done a brief walk-through already, but I can show you the layout."
They moved toward the hallway side by side.Barrett was hyperaware of her presence beside him.
He led the way through the main corridor, pointing out architectural details as they went.Slipping into investigator mode felt safer than trying to navigate the personal minefield between them.
"The building dates back to the mid-1800s," he said."Your aunt and her husband maintained it for decades.The structure is sound, but it needs restoration work."
Cadie ran her hand along the wall as they walked, her fingers tracing the ornate molding."I remember it being more vibrant, when it was filled with students and music."
"It's been closed this past year," Barrett said, "after your aunt's health declined."
They passed several rooms that had once been music studios.Cadie paused at the doorway of one, looking at the old instruments stored inside.A cello leaned against the wall, and a music stand was folded in the corner.She stepped inside and ran her fingers over the dusty surface of an upright piano.
Barrett watched her hands, remembering her graceful fingers moving over the keys with such skill moments ago.He recalled watching her play at a school assembly once, and how she had seemed transported by the music.
"There's so much potential here," she said, "despite the neglect."
They continued through the teaching rooms, smaller spaces with chairs and music stands scattered about.Cadie paused in one that had sheet music still stacked on shelves.
"My father used to bring me here sometimes," she said.Her voice was softer, tinged with emotion."He was so proud of Aunt Celia Ann and what she'd built.The way she contributed to the community."
Barrett saw grief flicker across her face.He wanted to say something comforting but couldn't find the right words."I remember that she was well respected in Charleston.People loved what she did for the music culture."
Cadie had tears in her eyes.Then she turned away and moved back into the hallway.Barrett followed, giving her space to compose herself.
There was a door that led to a courtyard behind the building.The outdoor space was larger than Barrett had realized from his earlier walk-through.An overgrown garden sprawled across the area, and an old fountain sat in the center, no longer working.Vines had claimed most of the wrought-iron fencing.
Cadie stepped outside and paused, taking in the beauty.Sunlight filtered through the old oak trees that bordered the property, dappling the ground with shadows."She loved this place."
