Moonlit Secrets

Chapter 6: Threads Of Evidence

The bell above the door of Willow Creek’s small library chimed softly as Emily and Sophie stepped inside. The familiar scent of old books and polished wood immediately washed over Emily, bringing with it memories of her childhood spent here. It was quieter than usual, with only a few patrons scattered around, flipping through books or typing on the ancient desktop computers.

Mrs. Thompson, the librarian, was seated behind the main desk, her wire-rimmed glasses perched on the end of her nose. She looked up as they approached, her warm smile fading slightly as she saw the serious expressions on their faces.

"Emily, Sophie," she greeted, her voice low and calm as always. "Back again, I see. How can I help you today?"

Emily exchanged a glance with Sophie before stepping forward. "Mrs. Thompson, we need to ask about the girl in the woods."

The librarian’s expression shifted, concern flickering in her eyes. She set down the book she’d been reading. "I’ve heard the rumors, of course," she said quietly. "But the police haven’t shared many details. Do you know who she was?"

"That’s what we’re hoping to find out," Sophie replied. "We think maybe she’s someone local. Someone who went missing recently?"

Mrs. Thompson hesitated for a moment, then slowly stood. "There have been no official reports of missing persons that I’m aware of," she said cautiously, "but that doesn’t mean no one is missing."

She gestured for them to follow her toward the back of the library, where a small research room held files and records that the town kept for public access. "You’re thinking she might’ve been reported missing, but no one’s putting the pieces together?"

Emily nodded, stepping forward as they entered the research room. The walls were lined with old filing cabinets, each one meticulously labeled. Mrs. Thompson pulled open one of the drawers and began sifting through a small stack of folders.

"The local paper usually keeps track of things like this," Mrs. Thompson explained as she thumbed through a few more files. "Obituaries, accident reports, even missing person notices."

She handed over a thin folder marked "Unsolved Cases – Missing Persons." Sophie took it carefully, flipping it open as they all peered down at the contents. Most of the papers were yellowed with age, notes, and clippings from the town’s past.

"There’s only been a handful of disappearances over the years," Mrs. Thompson continued with a touch of sadness in her voice. "But none in the last couple of months. At least, nothing formally reported."

Sophie furrowed her brow, her eyes scanning the documents. "What about unofficially? Could there be someone who wasn’t reported missing but was still known to be gone?"

Mrs. Thompson tapped her chin thoughtfully. "It’s possible," she said after a pause. "In a small town like this, people talk, but not everyone trusts the authorities to help. I’ve heard rumors—especially recently—that some families are keeping things quiet. Worried about bringing more attention to whatever’s out there."

Sophie and Emily exchanged a glance, their suspicion deepening. Emily turned to Mrs. Thompson. "Do you know of any families that have been acting strange lately? Anyone who might have lost someone but isn’t saying anything?"

Mrs. Thompson hesitated again as if weighing her words. "I can’t say for certain, but there’s been talk about the Larkins family," she said slowly. "They live on the outskirts of town, near the forest. Old Mr. Larkins mentioned something to me a while back about his granddaughter spending too much time in the woods. He seemed worried, but I haven’t seen him around lately."

"Larkins?" Sophie’s eyes widened. "That makes sense. They’ve always been a bit… private."

Emily felt a cold knot form in her stomach. "Do you think the girl could’ve been his granddaughter?"

"It’s possible," Mrs. Thompson said, her voice low. "But if it is, they haven’t reported her missing. Not officially, at least. They’re the type to handle things on their own."

Emily bit her lip, her mind racing. It seemed likely that whoever the girl was, her family might be too afraid—or too stubborn—to get help. But why? And what was it that had led her into the woods?

Mrs. Thompson continued. "You might want to talk to Mr. Larkins. He doesn’t come into town much, but he stops by occasionally to pick up supplies. If you can find him, he might know something."

Emily nodded, the sense of urgency growing in her chest. "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson," she said, closing the file. "We’ll look into it."

As they turned to leave, Mrs. Thompson’s voice stopped them. "Be careful," she warned, her eyes dark with concern. "Whatever’s happening out there… it’s not something to take lightly. People around here have long memories, and the woods… they’ve always been a dangerous place."

Emily and Sophie both nodded solemnly, the weight of her words pressing down on them. They knew they were venturing into something far more complicated—and possibly far more dangerous—than they had first imagined.

---

Outside the library, the bright sunlight felt at odds with the grim reality of what they’d just uncovered. Emily and Sophie walked in silence for a few minutes, their minds processing the new information.

Finally, Sophie spoke up. "So, the Larkins family. They’ve always been a bit… odd, haven’t they?"

"Yeah," Emily agreed. "They’ve kept to themselves for as long as I can remember. But if the girl in the woods was their granddaughter, why wouldn’t they say anything? Why wouldn’t they report her missing?"

Sophie sighed, shaking her head. "Maybe they’re scared. Or maybe they know more than they’re letting on. Either way, we need to talk to them."

Emily nodded, glancing around the town square as they walked. It was strange to think that just a short distance away, the Larkins family might be hiding the key to the mystery that had been haunting her since she found that body. And yet, even as they moved closer to the truth, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling that something much darker was at play.

"So, what’s the plan?" Sophie asked, breaking the silence again. "Do we just show up at their place and ask about their granddaughter?"

Emily shrugged, her mind racing. "I guess so. But we should be careful. If they haven’t reported her missing, there’s probably a reason. We need to approach this delicately."

Sophie agreed, her expression serious. "And we need to be prepared for whatever we find out."

As they made their way back toward Emily’s grandmother’s house, both girls were lost in thought, their minds filled with rumors of the woods, whispers of dangerous creatures, and the unanswered questions that now loomed even larger.

But one thing was certain—they weren’t turning back now. They were closer to the truth than they’d ever been, and they would see this through, no matter where the path led them. Even if it meant facing the darkness that lurked in the woods themselves.