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Ariel's shoulders slumped in disappointment, but she refused to let go of her determination. "Thank you for trying, Mr. Trevante. I appreciate your help."
"Of course, Miss Hawthorne," he replied, his eyes filled with empathy. "And if there's anything else I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."
She nodded, grateful for his offer but uncertain of where to turn next. As she left the Clerk’s Office, Ariel couldn't help but feel like she was chasing shadows – echoes of a past that seemed destined to remain shrouded in mystery. The plan she had hatched with Miles—interrogate the locals to start finding out the nature of those old rumors—was revealing that the rumors had all but been forgotten. But even as the cold winds of winter whipped around her, she knew that her search was far from over; the truth, however elusive, was still waiting to be found.
"Town hall," she murmured. Stanton still had his office there, at least for the next couple of weeks, until Mabel took over officially. And speaking with him—no matter how much she despised him—might provide some insight into her father's situation. Even if the conversation yielded no new information, she would at least leave no stone unturned.
Upon reaching the town hall, Ariel hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering above the large wooden door. She took a deep breath, inhaling the wood smoke from nearby chimneys. This was it – another chance to unearth long-buried secrets and bring closure to her family's story.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside, the warmth of the building enveloping her like a welcome embrace. She made her way to the reception desk. There, she requested an audience with the mayor, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for his response.
"Please, have a seat," said the secretary, gesturing toward a row of chairs lining the wall. "The mayor will see you shortly."
As she took her seat, she allowed herself a brief moment to imagine the conversation with Richard Stanton. What would she say? How would she confront him about her father's scandal? And most importantly, what truths would be revealed?
The door creaked open, and there he stood: Mayor Stanton, his hair perfectly coiffed and his eyes wide with surprise. "Ariel Hawthorne," he said, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity. "I wasn't expecting you. Please, come into my office."
"Thank you, Mayor Stanton," Ariel replied, mustering all the confidence she could. As they walked through the dimly lit corridor, she couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the mayor's polished appearance and the worn, familiar walls that surrounded them. It felt as if the building itself was a reflection of the town's collective memory, just waiting to spill its secrets. She needed them to clear her father's name.
Once inside the mayor's office, Ariel took a moment to absorb the surroundings – the mahogany desk, the shelves lined with leather-bound books, and the scent of pipe tobacco lingering in the air. It felt like stepping into another era.
"Please, have a seat," Mayor Stanton offered, gesturing to a plush armchair facing his desk. His curious gaze bore into her as she sat down, and Ariel found herself struggling to find the words she had rehearsed as she’d waited.
"Mayor Stanton," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm here because I need answers about my father, Lee Briggs. There were rumors of financial impropriety surrounding him, and I want to know if you had any part in spreading them."
She held her breath, watching as the mayor's expression shifted from surprise to something she couldn't quite place. Was it guilt? Regret? Or simply the weight of years gone by?
"Miss Hawthorne," he said slowly, his voice heavy with emotion. "I assure you, I had no part in spreading those rumors. What happened with your father was a family tragedy, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you and your family. In a small town like Endless Harbor, gossip runs rampant. Oftentimes, it takes on a life of its own."
Ariel studied the lines etched deep into the corners of the mayor's eyes, searching for any hint of deception.
"Are you absolutely certain?" she asked cautiously, tightening her grip on her scarf.
"Absolutely," he replied firmly. "I've seen how these rumors can tear families apart. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, let alone someone from this community. Even you."
Ariel's thoughts churned like the icy waves crashing against the harbor walls. She wanted to believe him, but something niggled at the back of her mind. There was a flicker of guilt in Mayor Stanton's eyes.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice even. "Thank you for speaking with me, Mayor Stanton."
He nodded solemnly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before she stood and retreated into the warmth of the town hall. As the heavy door clicked shut behind her, Ariel was left standing in the hall, still confused. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this story than what she'd been told. As much as she wanted to let it go, to focus on her upcoming wedding and the new life she was building with Miles, the whispers of her father's past clung to her like stubborn frost upon the ground.
"Let it go, Ariel," she muttered to herself through chattering teeth, forcing her feet to carry her away from the town hall. "You've got bigger things to worry about."
Ariel stepped out into the crisp winter air, her breath forming clouds of white. The world was a symphony of white and gray, with the snow-covered ground blending seamlessly into the concrete buildings lining the streets. As she started to walk away from the town hall, she noticed a group of locals gathered outside, their laughter echoing through the frigid air like ice crystals.
"Hey, isn't that Ariel? Mabel's former campaign manager?" one of them called out, pointing in her direction. Their voices carried on the wind, drawing her attention like the call of a siren.
"Sure is!" another chimed in. "Good riddance to Stanton, am I right?"
Ariel couldn't help but smile as she approached the group, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that had nothing to do with her woolen coat. Mabel, the new mayor, had been a breath of fresh air in Endless Harbor – a stark contrast to Mayor Stanton's questionable leadership.
"Hello," she greeted the group, her voice light and friendly. "You're talking about Mabel, I take it?"
"Absolutely," a woman wearing a knitted hat replied enthusiastically. "She's done more for this town’s morale in a few short months than Stanton did in years."
"Stanton's fall from power was long overdue," added a man bundled up in layers of clothing, his cheeks flushed pink from the cold. "He was never really in touch with the people here. Mabel, though... she's one of us."
As the conversation flowed around her, Ariel found herself caught up in the tide of shared frustration and hope. These were her people, the ones who had known her father and had seen firsthand the damage the rumors had caused. And now, they were rallying behind Mabel – the woman who had helped expose Stanton's true colors.
