Chapter 3 Secrets in the Town Square

The warm aroma of coffee and cinnamon filled the air as Charlie stepped into Hawthorne's Café. The sound of chatter and the occasional clink of mugs created an almost soothing atmosphere.

Charlie couldn't shake the sense that every glance from the patrons lingered on her just a second longer than usual, as though they recognized her-and not in a good way.

The café did not change much since she was a kid. The same wooden tables, the same mismatched chairs, even the old chalkboard menu remained the same. It was like stepping into a time capsule.

"Charlie Davis," a voice called her name from behind her.

She turned toward the counter, and there he was-Ethan Hawthorne. He looked older, sure, but the warmth in his hazel eyes was no longer as they used to be when he was a lot younger.

"Ethan," she said, obviously so excited. This was her playful partner years ago. It's so good to see you, she said

Before she could say another word, he rounded the counter and pulled her into a bear hug that took her by surprise. "Fifteen years!?," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You've been gone way too long. What's going on? Are you just passing through?"

Charlie hesitated. She wasn't here for a casual reunion. "I'm working on a story," she said. "The disappearances of the people".

Ethan's smile disappeared for a few seconds while everyone simultaneously turned their heads toward her, it was enough to confirm her suspicion-everyone in Evermore was not comfortable about the subject. "We should talk," he said, motioning her toward the back room.

The storage area smelled of roasted coffee beans and something earthy, like old wood. Ethan leaned against a shelf, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Look, Charlie," he began in a more serious tone, "I'm glad to see you, but this story you're chasing? It's not worth it. People around here don't like questions, especially from someone who left town a long time ago."

Her defenses shot up at his words. "I'm not just someone, Ethan. This is my hometown too, and people are disappearing. If no one talks, how will it stop?"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that simple. This town..." He paused, searching for the right words. "It has a way of keeping things a secret. Just... promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

Before she could respond, the sound of the café bell jingling interrupted them. Ethan straightened. "That'll be the mayor's announcement. You should hear this."

The town square was crowded with familiar faces. Some looked weary, others just gloomy, but all turned their attention to the courthouse steps, where Mayor Gregory Thorne stood with confidence. His voice rang out clearly through the speakers, reassuring the townsfolk that the disappearances were being handled.

"We are a strong and resilient community," he said, his tone smooth and authoritative. "We will get through this together."

Charlie scanned the crowd and observed how people nodded along, comforted by his words. But she saw something else in the mayor's eyes-undeniabl tension, barely visible but obviously there.

"He's good at this," Charlie murmured to Ethan, who had beside her.

"He's good at lying," Ethan muttered under his breath.

Just as the crowd began to disperse, a woman brushed past Charlie, slipping something into her hand so quickly that Charlie almost didn't notice. Startled, she looked down to find an old, faded photograph.

The image showed a group of children standing in front of what looked like an abandoned house. She recognized one of them instantly-a younger version of Mayor Thorne. Turning it over, her breath seized as she read the words at the back in uneven handwriting: "They're watching."

Her heart pounded as she scanned the dispersing crowd, searching for the woman who had handed her the photo. But she was no where to be found.

"What is the problem?" Ethan asked, noticing her pale expression.

Charlie held up the photograph. "It's a warning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan frowned, his was getting really concerned . "Who gave that to you?"

Charlie didn't answer. She knew there was a problem. One that she could definitely not hide from. One that she needed to confront.

As the streetlights went up and the town square emptied, Charlie felt the undeniable sensation of being watched. Whatever secrets this town was hiding, someone didn't want her to find them. But now, she was more determined than ever. She would go all the way now.