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"That's the question."

Sheriff Tate slowly descended the narrow stairs carrying an old wooden box.

"I found something in my attic."

Everyone gathered around.

The box was worn smooth with age.

The hinges creaked when he opened it.

Inside...

Old photographs.

Letters.

Fishing lures.

A faded leather notebook.

Sheriff Tate picked it up carefully.

"This belonged to Daniel Ross."

Nobody moved.

"How did you get it?" Judy asked.

"When Daniel disappeared, his sister cleaned out his house."

He turned the notebook over.

"She gave me a few things to keep."

"I forgot I still had them."

Judy gently took the notebook.

The first page held only one sentence.

If Emily was right... never let anyone know about the room.

My eyes met Judy's.

She slowly turned the page.

Daniel's handwriting filled every line.

Emily found it while we were repairing the old tavern.

She laughed and said every town needed one good hiding place.

Judy smiled sadly.

"That sounds like something she would say."

Sheriff Tate nodded.