Nothing Town by Cherie Mitchell

Author:Cherie Mitchell [Mitchell, Cherie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2019-05-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

My newly introduced friend Belle White, along with her adorable toddler son Jamie, suggests that we go to the park across the street so we can have some privacy. We leave Miss Oxley alone in the library and wander over to the playground, where Belle straps her son into a baby swing and gently pushes him as we talk.

“I saw you and Jamie at the library the other day while I was there with my brother.”

“That was your brother? He seemed so serious and intense. I almost wanted to go over and ask if he wanted to sit with Jamie while I read them both a story.” She blushes and drops her eyes in apology. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, I know exactly what you mean. Reece gives off this aura of needing to be mothered. It seems strange to say it, but he’s about to turn 21 – that’s the reason he’s here in Euthanasia. The family have gathered together for his birthday celebration.”

“He is? I would’ve put him at around 15 or 16.”

“Most people do. He’s always looked young for his age.” I think that’s because what he went through when we were young did something to his ageing process, as if he’s already been through the worst and nothing else can affect him. I think this, but I don’t say it aloud. I don’t know yet if I can trust Belle with our family secrets.

“I’m glad you’re both here in Euthanasia. It’s nice to see some new faces around town.”

“There’s more of us, as I said. Mom and my sister are here, too. We’ll be celebrating Reece’s birthday in a few days, plus I’m working on an assignment for my job as a TV reporter.”

She grimaces. “I saw that article in today’s paper.”

I grimace back at her. “That was a shock. I’m not sure why anyone would think I’m here to scam people. I’ve been honest with the men I meet and none of them have opted to cut the date short.”

“Awww, that’s lovely. Where are you staying?”

“The TV station has put me up at a really nice place. It’s like a hotel. I’m surprised my boss splurged on it as it’s well-known to everyone that he’s a cheapskate.”

“Wonderful!” Belle appears to be one of those perpetually happy types. Her demeanor seems genuine and doesn’t seem fake or put on in any way. “We don’t have too many nice places for visitors to stay in Euthanasia. What’s the name of your hotel?”

“It’s not really a hotel but it feels like one. Apparently it’s called Windfell.”

It’s as if I’ve dropped the Titanic’s iceberg into the middle of the conversation. Belle freezes up, her expression blanks down, and she turns away from me to fuss over Jamie even though he doesn’t look as if he needs any attention.

“Belle? What’s wrong? Do you know something about Windfell that I don’t?” I drop my hand down onto her shoulder and I feel her flinch beneath my palm. I hastily remove my hand, anxious not to worry her or send her screaming for the hills.

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