Spoiler Alert: This short story follows the events of The Secrets of Harrington Manor and keeps you immersed in my world as we count down to the release of A Season of Change.
PART TWO: Andy and Tayla Reflect in New Camden
Historic Mansion Fire:
Mystery Surrounds Missing Doctor
The Amber Valley Gazette
by Tucker Adler
In a shocking turn of events, a fire broke out at the historic Harrington Manor in the mountains last weekend, leaving the community in shock and authorities with more questions than answers. Although far from our coastal town, the story has gripped the attention of Amber Valley residents due to its bizarre and unsettling nature.
The mansion, rented by a group of friends for a weekend getaway, became the scene of a harrowing ordeal. According to the survivors, the owner of the mansion, Dr. Ethan Harrington, was involved in sinister activities that culminated in their captivity. However, despite their detailed accounts, Dr. Harrington remains unaccounted for.
The group had booked their stay directly through a website Dr. Harrington had set up. As a local doctor in the area, Dr. Harrington had access to extensive medical records and used his resources to pull medical information on his captors. The survivors described him as meticulous and unsettling, with a calculated plan that went awry when the fire broke out.
The fire department's investigation revealed that the blaze started in the mansion's basement, a place where the group had encountered some of Dr. Harrington's disturbing setups. While the authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the fire, the absence of Dr. Harrington only adds to the mystery. His office at the local hospital has been sealed off, and a thorough search is underway to locate him.
This incident has sent ripples of fear and intrigue through both the mountain community and Amber Valley, a town known for its peaceful charm. Residents are left questioning how such malevolence could be hiding in plain sight.
As the investigation continues, the survivors are receiving support and care, but the scars of their ordeal are evident. The community is rallying together, hoping for answers and closure in the face of this unprecedented tragedy.
Stay tuned to the Amber Valley Gazette with Tucker Adler, for updates on this developing story.
Lingering Shadows
Andy and Tayla Reflect in New Camden
Andy closed out yet another job application and tossed her phone onto the couch with a groan. She couldn’t remember which was more draining—the job hunt itself or the constant rejection emails. Either way, she needed a break.
Her phone buzzed.
Tayla: Hey, wanna grab a coffee? I’m sure you could use one.
Andy grinned. Andy: Please. Meet you at New Camden Brew?
New Camden Brew was a staple in the city—a coffee chain with a steady stream of customers at all hours. The smell of espresso filled the air, mixing with the hum of milk frothers and quiet conversation. Baristas called out orders, people stood in line scrolling through their phones, and laptops littered the tables along the windows.
When Andy arrived, Tayla was already waiting by the pickup counter, tapping her fingers on a to-go cup with Andy’s name scribbled in messy marker.
“Got yours,” Tayla said, handing it over as Andy approached.
“You’re the best,” Andy said, wrapping her hands around the warm cup. “Job hunting might actually be harder than any job I’ve ever had.”
Tayla smirked. “That actually may be a fact.”
“Let’s get out of here,” Andy suggested, glancing around the crowded café. “It’s way too busy.”
They left the café and walked a few blocks to a nearby park. It was small but charming, with a playground in the center and wooden benches scattered along winding paths. The afternoon breeze rustled the orange and red leaves that clung stubbornly to the trees, making the air feel crisp and fresh.
They found a bench under a large maple tree and sat down, sipping their drinks as they watched the world go by. A couple jogged past, and a group of kids kicked a soccer ball around the playground.
“So,” Tayla said, leaning back on the bench, “Any jobs catch your interest?”
Andy shook her head. “Not really. I think I’ve applied to every job that exists at this point.”
She stretched out her legs. “It’s weird—since our trip, everything looks normal, but it doesn’t feel that way.”
Tayla nodded, stirring her coffee. “I know what you mean. Like something shifted, and now nothing fits quite right.”
“Exactly.” Andy sighed.
They sat in thoughtful silence for a moment, listening to the sounds of birds arriving back to their nests for the evening and the chatter of children playing nearby.
“At least Tucker Adler’s article was solid,” Tayla said, breaking the quiet. “He told the story straight, no wild twists.”
Andy grinned. “Yeah. And somehow, he still made us sound way cooler than we were.”
Tayla shrugged. “People love a good story. Tucker seems to know how to tell one.”
Andy sipped her coffee. “I mean, I’m just glad the truth’s out there. That’s the important part.”
Tayla smiled. “And now we just pretend it’s all behind us.”
“I guess,” Andy murmured, her smile softening.
Their conversation shifted to lighter topics—plans for the weekend, the best taco trucks in the area, and whether the barista with the nose ring had been flirting or just being friendly. Tayla mentioned that her gallery was wrapping up a show, and she was considering starting a new project—one she’d been putting off since they returned to New Camden.
“You should start it,” Andy encouraged. “Might help you get out of your head for a bit.”
Tayla tapped her cup thoughtfully. “Yeah, maybe. Doom scrolling isn’t exactly helping.”
Andy grinned. “Yeah, that’s a one-way ticket to nowhere.”
Tayla laughed. “No kidding.”
They sat quietly for a while longer, watching the last rays of sunlight stretch across the park.
Andy stood, stretching her arms above her head. “Thanks, Tay. I really needed this.”
Tayla stood and bumped Andy’s shoulder gently. “That’s what I’m here for.”
The cool autumn temperature seemed to drop quick as they walked back toward the streetlights flickering on overhead. Andy tugged her jacket closer, breathing in the crisp air.
With every step, the weight of Harrington Manor felt a little lighter. But even as they strolled through the park, a nagging thought lingered—what if he did survive?
Andy tilted her head back, gazing up at the night sky. The stars flickered faintly, distant and serene, wrapping her in a rare moment of calm. For a brief second, everything felt still—like the world was finally quiet.
Then something stirred at the edge of her awareness. She glanced over her shoulder, and a lone streetlamp sputtered behind her, casting flickering shadows that stretched and shifted along the empty street. A chill crept up her spine, the peaceful moment dissolving as the darkness around her seemed to press in.
Would they ever truly leave it all behind?
Maybe. Maybe not.
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