Duskwood: And Beyond

32. New Information II

ANABELLE

I dropped the girls off at the bus station and went to our office. I agreed to stay at home, and do my research about our flower guy and Ashton. I quickly went through all the articles we were going to publish this week, and none of them were actually newsworthy. I decided to take this opportunity to write a community post type of article. It would have been a good cover-up and I would ask questions without raising suspicion.

I grabbed my notepad, locked the office, and decided to grab a coffee at the Rainbow Cafe. I knew Mrs. Sully would be there around this time. And I was correct. She was sitting in the corner, slowly sipping her coffee. I grabbed some donuts and a cup of coffee for myself before approaching her. I offered her the donuts and asked if she would be interested in an interview. I told her that I was writing a piece for the police force as a thank you for all their hard work.

In my short time here, I learned that Mrs. Sully liked being in the spotlight. If you provided enough attention she would tell you everything. She agreed. I started slowly, asking a few unrelated questions about their services and their effectiveness. After an hour, I closed my notepad and turned off my recorder.

"Off the record, have you heard about the newcomers?"

She contemplated first but couldn't hold herself.

"Yes, dear. There are two new officers I think. I assume you are familiar with one of them." she winked. Of course, she heard about Jake.

"What about the other one?"

She didn't answer, instead, she brought the topic back to Jake. She informed me about the Donfort drama and Oryn. She knew that I was aware of all that. She was just trying to get something out of me. I nodded until she was done and re-asked my question.

"Oh yes, the other one, Ashton something, was it? He is new to town, he came from Colville. He rented an apartment from Mr. Evert. But I heard he is rarely home. I heard he is single, but I assume he is too old for you." She burst into laughter.

That was unnecessary. I fake laughed along with her.

"Do you think I should include him in my article?"

I was trying to cover my interest. Mrs. Sully told me that I should. I thanked her for the 'lovely' conversation. She hadn't touched a single donut so I picked them up and went to Aurora. I told him what I discovered.

"I also started my research. I am still trying to find people who sold such flowers but so far, nothing."

He poured me a drink. I downed it immediately. He giggled and poured again. I was about to down it again but he stopped me.

"First one was on me, from now on you are paying. I suggest you slow down."

I put the glass back. Phil turned back to wash some glasses.

"I just needed some for what I am about to do next."

Phil turned to me immediately.

"And what will you do?"

I downed the drink, keeping eye contact. He filled it again.

"It's a secret." I winked, he approached me and placed his elbows on the bar. I leaned forward as well. We were close now.

"I can keep a secret," he whispered.

"I am going to break into his house," I exclaimed. I didn't give him enough time to process, instead, I kissed him.

It was not a long or romantic kiss. It was more like a peck. I didn't give him any chance to respond or take any action. I quickly left Aurora and started walking. I was not going to drive, we all learned that lesson from Dan. Under normal circumstances, he could have caught up to me. But the bar was open and there were already patrons. I got ahold of a taxi.