Chapter 459
Chapter 459:
Kailey stepped closer and gave her shoulder a light pat. “We don’t have much choice. Let’s put up with it for a couple of days. Once we figure out why Caleigh won’t cooperate and find a way to persuade her, we’ll leave.” There really wasn’t another option — just as the owner had claimed, this was already the best place the town had to offer.
Zaria let out a long breath. “Fine. I’m taking a shower first p>
After they straightened up the room and finished a simple meal, they decided to walk around. In a town this small, news traveled fast. It didn’t take long before they uncovered the reason behind Caleigh’s harsh attitude.
“Her husband died some time ago,” a local woman said, her voice heavy with sympathy. “They never had children, so now she’s by herself p>
Kailey felt her chest tighten. “Do you know how he passed away p>
і𝘯𝘴𝘁a𝗇t 𝖺𝗰𝗰eѕ𝘀 𝗈𝗇
“What else could it be?” The woman shook her head. “He worked at a construction site in Aslesall. That’s where it happened. I heard it was a major company. They send people here often with condolences and money. But she’s stubborn — she won’t take a cent. She keeps saying it wasn’t an accident. They investigated it. There was an autopsy. He’s already buried. What more can anyone do? Construction work is dangerous. Accidents happen whether people like it or not.” Her final words carried a strange tone, almost as if she didn’t want to be overheard.
Kailey didn’t argue. She simply thanked her.
By then, darkness had settled over the town. The few streetlights along the cobblestone road stretched thin shadows across the pavement, and the quiet felt heavier than before.
Zaria nudged her arm. “Can you say something? This silence is starting to creep me out p>
Kailey looked at her. “What do you want me to say p>
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” Zaria’s voice carried clearly through the quiet street. “Her husband’s gone. She refuses compensation and won’t work with us. Should we try to convince her? The dead are gone, but the living still have to move forward p>
“That won’t work on her.” If it were that simple, it wouldn’t have dragged on this long.
Kailey let out a slow breath. “There’s something she’s holding on to. If we don’t understand what that is, we won’t get anywhere p>
Neither of them expected answers to come so quickly.
The next morning, just after breakfast, they heard the innkeeper muttering, “Here they are again. Who knows when this will finally stop p>
Kailey looked up. “Who are you talking about p>
He gave a short laugh and pointed down the street. “To people who know, they’re here to offer condolences. To people who don’t, they’re really intimidating p>
Kailey immediately set her fork down and headed for the door. By the time she stepped outside, the group had already walked ahead — she could only see their polished suits from behind.
Zaria hurried over. “What’s happening p>
“It’s about Caleigh,” Kailey said, already moving. She followed the group without another word.
“Wait for me.” Zaria grabbed her bag and quickly paid for breakfast before catching up.
Caleigh’s home stood at the far end of the alley. Before they reached it, the sound of something shattering echoed from inside. Villagers had gathered near the entrance, whispering among themselves, but no one dared to intervene.