Page 85 of Secrets (Lost and Found 2)

“How did you manage that?”

“I have the secret touch.” Luna started blushing, realizing what she said could have gone in a different direction.

“Oh, do you now?” Cullen gave her a one-eyed look.

And there it is. She thought. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

“You don’t have to. You’re not the only one who can read auras,” he teased.

“Just zip it, please. Tell me more about this trunk. It’s looking good, by the way.”

“Not much to tell. Most of the smoke odor is gone. I’m wondering if we should have the blanket cleaned?” Cullen asked.

“I am sure the owner would appreciate that if we ever find out who it is.” Luna thought for a minute. “Did you deposit the money order yet?”

“No. I’m not really comfortable about it. Can’t say why, but it can keep until the rightful owner resurfaces. I have an e-mail address, so I will contact him/her/them when it’s done.”

“Yeah, but not until I’ve put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. We don’t want to send it back without my reaching my objective.” Luna was sitting on a bench and swinging her legs. “Ellie and I are going to the library tomorrow to check out the newspaper archives. See if we can find out anything about a fire.”

“What makes you think the fire took place anywhere around here?”

“Because of the carnival stubs.”

“But you said the guy told you they covered several states.”

“Yes, and he narrowed it down based on the flyer.”

“Are you sure you’re not working undercover?”

Cullen chuckled.

“Very funny. Let’s not forget, I was a government employee at one time.”

“You got me there.” Cullen stepped back and looked at the final coat of sealant he had applied. “Check these out.” He showed her the brand-new-looking hinges and the lock.

“Impressive. It’s going to look great when you’re finished. But do not e-mail the person until I get either a confirmation or rejection on the handwriting.”

“You got it.” He wiped his hands. “Now scram. I’m busy.” Cullen had used that phrase with her ever since they were kids.

Luna shimmied off the bench and went back to her café. She opened her appointment book and jotted down her meeting with Tori for Saturday. Normally, she didn’t read clients over the weekend, but she was making an exception. She knew Tori was connected to the trunk somehow and was more than anxious to find out how.

* * *

The next day, Ellie and Luna went to the county library. Much to their surprise, there were over sixty local newspapers in North Carolina. There were also dozens of weekly papers with special Sunday editions, and a number of dailies. But over the past twenty years, many of them had gone out of business, and the number of print editions had dwindled to around forty.

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us. Good thing we’re only looking at three summers’ worth,” Ellie announced.

After three hours of coming up with nothing, they decided to take a lunch break. As they were leaving the library, Luna got a flash. More like a hunch. She stepped up to the information counter where the librarian was sitting. “Excuse me. My friend and I are doing some research. Are you familiar with the Stillwell Art Center?”

“I am indeed.” She pulled off her reading glasses and let them hang from their chain. “It is so nice to have a place filled with so many talented artists.”

Luna motioned for Ellie to come over. “This is Ellie Stillwell, the force behind the art center.”

The librarian stood immediately. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Stillwell. You have done an absolutely marvelous job.”

“Thank you.” Ellie shook the woman’s hand.

Luna leaned in. “As I mentioned, we are doing some research, but it occurred to me that you might be able to lend a hand.”

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