Moonlit Magic: An Osprey Cove Mystery by Trapp Adrienne

Author:Trapp, Adrienne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-10-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter twelve

Echoes of the Midnight Star

The folding chairs in the town hall were crowded, some already worn from years of community gatherings, the vinyl seats creaking slightly as people shifted their weight. The fluorescent lights flickered sporadically, casting the room in a harsh glow that did little to alleviate the palpable tension. Around the long wooden table at the front of the room, Mayor Whittle shifted his papers nervously, the thick envelope bearing Clyde’s name and the artifact sketches unmistakably resting before him.

Maddie sat toward the center of the room, her heart racing with unease. She looked around to see familiar faces, some marked with the lines of concern, and others hardened with skepticism. Beside her, Hank Davies leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, an unmistakable air of arrogance surrounding him. His dismissal of the townsfolk's worries felt as heavy as the air itself, and she found herself growing increasingly unsettled by his indifference.

“Hank, you were friends with Clyde. Don’t you think we should at least take these rumors seriously?” Maddie leaned closer, her whisper barely audible above the muffled conversations filling the room.

“I think it’s all nonsense, Maddie,” he replied, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. “Clyde was a smart guy, but he got too absorbed in those old tales. Legends aren’t truths; they’re just stories.”

Maddie clenched her fists, biting her tongue to hold back her retort. “And yet he’s dead. There has to be a connection.”

Before Hank could respond, the mayor cleared his throat, commanding quietude. With a nod of gratitude, he began, “Thank you all for coming. I know many of you have concerns surrounding the circumstances of Clyde’s death and the matters related to his research. This town has a rich history, filled with legends, but it’s important that we examine the facts.”

A murmur of agreement echoed through the crowd, punctuated by skeptical glances toward Hank, who shifted uncomfortable in his seat.

“Maddie is right,” came a voice from the back. It was Mrs. Abernathy, holding her large handbag tightly against her chest. “Clyde was looking into things that could be dangerous—things tied to our past.”

“Surely, you can’t believe there’s an actual curse involved?” Hank countered, his voice dripping with disbelief.

“Some things are better left untouched,” she said sharply, her voice rising with each word.

“And what about the old mine outside of town?” Maddie interjected, feeling the spark of courage. “Clyde believed there were artifacts with historical significance—possibly even evidence that our ancestors weren’t just miners, but… explorers.”

That remark caught the attention of the hall, a collective shifting in seats, glances exchanged, intrigue dancing upon tense brows.

“Well, there’s certainly no evidence of that,” Hank reiterated, though more hesitantly this time, as the crowd reacted with mutters of dissent.

“Evidence?” the mayor said, his hands up in a placating gesture. “What we have are stories, and I think it’s essential we understand them. Some of you may remember the old mining accidents—the disappearances, the rumors of a hidden cavern deep within those mines. The truth is, Clyde was looking into something that might pull together so many of our town’s mysteries.

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