CHAPTER 5
“Hollow House has been heresince 1779,” Maggie Goodley said as she led Kori to a bedroom on the first floor. “George Washington himself stayed here. Some folks say it’s haunted. I like to say these walls simply remember things.”
Kori wasn’t sure which option was more unsettling.
She was already uneasy about the hidden laptop and the fact someone had been on the fire escape. She’d considered calling the police about it. Or should she call the park rangers?
She wasn’t sure. Probably the police, though she already had a connection with Wyatt.
She hadn’t done either. Not yet.
As an attorney, she knew everything she had was circumstantial—no sign of forced entry, no clear crime, just a growing sense that something wasn’t right. Not enough to hand over and expect immediate action. And if the laptop mattered, she didn’t want it getting lost in a system before she even understood what she was looking at.
But she had taken the laptop with her.
Something had told her not to leave it behind.
“I’ll let you get settled.” Maggie offered a warm smile. “Just let me know if you need anything.”
Kori thanked her and watched as the woman closed the door, leaving her in silence.
Maggie was younger than Kori had envisioned after hearing Wyatt talk about tea parties and crocheting. She’d expected someone with gray hair. But Maggie appeared to be in her mid-thirties, and she seemed friendly, with her oversized sweater, curly blonde hair, and quick smile.
Kori glanced around. Her room overlooked Main Street, with its brick storefronts and cozy white lights strung between lampposts. Snow still fell in soft, hesitant flurries.
Under different circumstances, the town was charming.
But Kori had too much history here and too much on her mind to enjoy it.
An unwelcome memory hit her.
She’d been to Blue Ridge Hollow on multiple occasions before, though circumstances back then had been different.
The last time she’d left, she’d vowed to never come back. But with her sister missing, Kori had forgotten that resolve. She’d had no choice but to put all those hard feelings behind her.
Blood was more important than pride.
Drawing in a shaky breath, Kori glanced around the room again. If she was going to search for her sister, she’d need some proper attire.
That meant that staying in for the night wasn’t an option. She had too much to do, too much to get ready for.
Besides, she’d never been the type to sit around and do nothing.
She picked up her coat and walked back into the living room.
Maggie looked up from her chair near the fire where she crocheted a pink blanket. “Everything all right?”
“The room is perfect.” Kori slipped her arms into her coat. “I need to grab a few things in town, however. I didn’t pack for this weather. Is there an outfitter nearby?”
“Blue Ridge Outfitters. Two blocks east. They close at eight, so you still have a little time.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
Kori would buy some clothes. She’d be prepared.
And nothing would stand in her way of finding her sister.
Back at Hollow House after her quick shopping excursion, Kori changed into some jeans and a sweatshirt she’d purchased—as well as new boots.
