The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 19

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees surrounding the cabin, Annie stirred from sleep, her mind still heavy with the events of the past few days. The arrests of Davis, Benji, and the corrupt council members had shifted the tide, but the battle for Liberty Rose—and her family's legacy—was far from over.

Kane, already awake and sitting at the small kitchen table, glanced up from his laptop. He offered her a small, reassuring smile. "Morning. Coffee's ready."

Annie rubbed her eyes, shuffling toward the counter. "Thanks. Any updates?"

Kane nodded toward the screen. "Derek just sent over the latest. The questioning sessions last night uncovered more about the missing individuals. They're following up on leads now, and they think they've located two more of the victims."

Annie paused, the coffee mug halfway to her lips. "Two more? Are they okay?"

"They're alive," Kane said, his expression somber. "But it's clear the council wasn't working alone. Whoever's pulling the strings is bigger than we thought."

Annie sat across from him, the weight of his words sinking in. "So, this isn't over."

"Not by a long shot," he replied, reaching across the table to take her hand. "But we've made a hell of a start."

Later that morning, Annie and Kane returned to the tea bar, where the familiar buzz of conversation and clinking cups greeted them. The events of the prior days had left their mark on the small town, but the Sit-N-Spill remained a sanctuary—a place where the community could gather, heal, and regroup.

Mae and Carol were seated in their usual corner, their voices low but animated as they discussed the latest developments. Aubrey stood behind the counter, her sharp eyes scanning the room while she served customers with her trademark wit.

When Annie stepped inside, a ripple of quiet admiration swept through the patrons. She felt their eyes on her, a mix of gratitude and respect, but she focused on the familiar warmth of her surroundings.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Liberty Rose, Kane and Annie prepared for the walk home from the tea bar. The quiet of the streets was a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed their lives, and for a moment, they allowed themselves to simply exist in the stillness.

Kane hesitated before speaking. "I owe you something," he said, his voice soft but steady.

Annie tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What's that?"

"That date I promised you," he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "How about tomorrow night? Just you and me. Somewhere quiet."

Annie's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her tone light. "Are you sure you can tear yourself away from all the excitement?"

Kane chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "For you? Absolutely."

Annie's smile widened, and she nodded. "Alright. Tomorrow night it is."

Curious, Aubrey crept closer, peering through the window. Aubrey sat at the table near the window the couple was standing in front of, her grin wide as she eavesdropped then turned her attention to poking fun at Kane.

"Tomorrow night, huh?" Aubrey teased, her voice carrying just enough volume for Annie to catch. "Took you long enough. I was beginning to think I'd have to play matchmaker."

Kane, to his credit, seemed unfazed. "I like to take my time," he replied, a hint of humor in his tone.

"Time?" Aubrey snorted. "It's been weeks of you two eyeing each other like lovesick teenagers. Half the town's been taking bets on when you'd finally get it together."