Lizzy’s presence offered a sense of hope that we might find a solution to this mystery together. After all, we’d already solved a murder. But that one was recent, whereas this one was years old now.
Lizzy stared at the list on my laptop. “It’s the best lead we have.”
I leaned back and nodded. “Most of the Council members have already arrived for the festival and are staying at the Hearthside House Inn. The last of the representatives and their families should arrive tomorrow.”
Her hands curled into fists, and a determined set came to her jaw. “Then we start with Clara Ashcombe. It's too late tonight to try to talk to her, so I’ll meet you tomorrow morning at the Hearthside House Inn.”
The festival started the day after tomorrow and ran for six days, finishing on Valentine’s Day. That gave us only a week to find the killer and solve the mystery of Moonrot. For the sake of Lizzy’s father, there was no room for failure.
Chapter 3
Thenextmorning,wewalked into the small front room at Hearthside House Inn that served as a foyer. Heart-shaped garlands with multi-colored florals and magical flickering candles that threw smokey cherubs up into the air decorated the mantel over the fireplace. Plush throws and velvet scarlet pillows dotting the soft chairs and love seats created an inviting lounge area.
A woman wearing a sweater that read “You must be a Wi-Fi signal—because I’m feeling a strong connection,” stood at the counter, and Lizzy smiled. “Hey Sarah, how’s it going?”
“Oh, good, Lizzy, how are you?” Sarah asked.
Lizzy leaned against the counter and glanced up at the floating lanterns that hovered in the air searching for love. “Not too bad. Hey, we were wondering if you had a Clara Ashcombe here and if she’s left yet this morning?”
Sarah looked around and leaned a little closer. “I’m not supposed to give away that information. But I can tell you that she hasn’t left today.”
“I don’t suppose you could point us to her room number?” Lizzy inquired.
Sarah sighed. “Sorry, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“No worries,” Lizzy turned to me with a frown. “I guess we’re waiting.”
I glanced around the reception area, and my gaze landed on the chess set not far from us. Each piece had a tiny heart carved in the center that glowed. I opened my mouth to suggest we play.
A scream sounded from upstairs.
Sarah straightened, her eyes widening in fright.
I went into protective mode. “I’ll check it out.” And I dashed up the stairs.
I came to a room where the maid was standing in the doorway trembling, her hands over her mouth. When I reached her side, she turned her devastated gaze on me. “She’s dead.”
A chill washed over me, and I hastened inside the bedroom, wishing maybe she was wrong, and that I’d be able to use my fae magic to rescue the poor soul.
I stopped in my tracks as I rounded the bed. The unmoving figure on the mattress was none other than Clara Ashcombe. Her gray hair framed her face, and her wrinkled skin marked her as the oldest fae on the council.
A small gasp caused me to whirl around. Lizzy had followed me and stared at Clara’s still form with horror.
The sour taste of disappointment covered my tongue. Why her? Why now? I swallowed back my devastation and forced out what I needed to say. “We need to call the police.”
Officer Herrera was the first one on the scene. He used to serve as one of Pemberley’s security guards before he became a police officer. He was one of the few who knew my true identity.
“So you were the second ones to see her after the maid that found her,” Officer Herrera asked. He brushed sparkles off his uniform and muttered, “Sorry, my daughter is into all this Valentine’s Day stuff and keeps throwing glitter everywhere in our house.”
“Yes, the maid’s scream alerted us that something was wrong, and I thought if Clara was alive that I could help her,” I said.
Glitter twinkled in the officer’s hair. “And why were you two here?”
“We were coming to meet with Mrs. Ashcombe,” Lizzy replied. “Darcy organized a meeting with her for tomorrow, but we hoped to speak with her early.”
“And why were you meeting?”
“She wanted to talk about my parents,” I said.
