Chapter 74

Unearthed Secrets

"Is this Miss Charlotte?"

A voice rang over the phone, crisp and professional, yet unfamiliar.

Charlotte hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. The night was eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside Elaine’s apartment.

"Yes..." she answered, though a little scared. "Who’s this?"

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a deep inhale. "My name is Detective Alan Foster. I’m with the Winter City Police Department."

Charlotte sat up straight. Her fingers trembled slightly as she pushed strands of hair from her face. A detective? Why was a detective calling her?

"Police?" she repeated cautiously. "Did something happen?"

Detective Foster's...