We headed to a nearby table by the cafe, and I had a tan cup in my hand. Anya headed over to the table and sat down, and I followed. I took a sip from the coffee, and then our eyes met.
"So," I said, breaking the ice.
"This is crazy," Anya said.
"I know," I continued. "I've known about this for less than forty-eight hours."
"What is your name?"
"Arielle Lancaster."
"Makes sense."
"Why?"
"It's nothing."
"No, what?"
"Your mom's favorite movie was 'The Little Mermaid.'"
"Oh,"
"When were you born?"
"July 24, two thousand two."
"Cool, cool."
"How did you know my mom?"
"Leah and Kolby dated for years." Anya continued. "She disappeared for a year and came back not explaining anything."
"Oh shit."
"Where were you?"
"Evergreen."
"That's not too far from here."
"Yep."
"How did you find out about Mount Haven?"
"A letter was saying my mom left me everything."
The two of us fell silent.
"What's your plan?"
"I want to find out what happened to my mom."
"I'll help you."
"What?"
"There's something weird happening here...It also sounds fun."
"How old are you?"
"Twenty; why?"
"Just wondering."
"Okay,"
"So you're in?"
"Yep."
"Okay, cool."
PING! Anya grabbed her phone. She looked up at me.
"I've got to go." She continued. "What is your number?"
She handed me her phone, and there was a new contact profile. When I gave it back, she wrapped her arms around me again.
"Thank you," I said.
"Of course." She responded.
I got back into my car and headed to my mom's house. Everything seemed fine. I parked my car and headed inside. I walked in to see the house was ransacked. Numerous crumpled papers were scattered around the living room, and I hesitantly picked one up and unraveled it.
"You're next slut!"
The note left me breathless. I fell to the ground.
"Think Arielle!Think!" I thought to myself.
I grabbed my phone.
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?" The operator asked.
"Someone broke into my house."
"Are they still there?"
"No."
I gave the operator my information.
"The police are on their way."
"Thank you."
"Wait outside."
"Okay,"
I called Steven.
"Hey," I said. "Someone broke into my mom's house."
"Jesus Christ, Arielle!" He continued. "I'm on my way."
"Okay."
YOU ARE READING
Mount Haven
Mystery / ThrillerPrologue: The Letter That day went like any other. I parked my mom's old Ford Escape in the driveway. I had just gotten off work, and it was my last day. Before I walked into the house, I grabbed the mail. A cool breeze whipped past me. I began...
