Page 24 of Midnight Rebel

He hesitates, and I see him weighing how much to tell me.

Finally, he says, “The Manor’s been a point of contention in Midnight Falls. Some people think it’s a historical treasure. Others see it as a reminder of old money and privilege. There’s been talk over the years of turning it into a museum, hotel, or even tearing it down to build something new.”

“And where do you stand in all this?” I ask softly.

Colt’s eyes meet mine, filled with determination and weariness. “I want to preserve it. Not because it’s my family’s legacy but because I believe it’s important to the town’s history. But sometimes—” He trails off, looking away.

“Sometimes, what?” I prompt gently.

He sighs. “Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth all the trouble.”

I reach out, taking his hand in mine. “You don’t have to shoulder it alone, you know.”

Colt looks at me, his expression softening. “I’m starting to realize that,” he says quietly.

We sit there for a moment, hands clasped, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us.

Colt’s phone lights up with a message. He glances at his watch and curses under his breath.

Although I shouldn’t look, my eyes are drawn to the screen:

Security - front gate: The contractor has arrived. Shall I escort him to the tunnels?

Colt pushes to his feet and picks up the phone. “I’ve got to go,” he says after reading the message.

I nod, trying to ignore the disappointment that wells up in me. “Of course. Go, do what you need to do.”

He comes around the island, cupping my face in his hands. “We’ll talk more later, okay?”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Colt leans in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone, Firefly,” he murmurs against my skin.

I smile. “No promises.”

He pulls back, shaking his head with a rueful grin. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” With one last lingering look, he grabs his jacket and heads out.

As the door closes behind him, I let out a long breath. The house suddenly feels too big, too quiet. I glance around the kitchen, taking in the remnants of our breakfast—the dirty dishes, the half-empty coffee pot, the lingering scent of bacon in the air.

It all feels so ordinary, so domestic. For a moment, I let myself imagine a future where this is my everyday reality—waking up with Colt, sharing meals, building a life together. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying.

But I can’t let myself get lost in those daydreams. I have a job to do, a mystery to solve. And time is running out.

With renewed determination, I clean up the kitchen, then head to my room to grab my laptop and notebook. It’s time to start piecing together the scattered threads of this investigation.

I clean up quickly, then head to Margaret’s office, having Colt’s permission to use the facilities. I boot up my laptop and spread out my notes.

It’s time to start piecing together the scattered threads of this investigation.

Something big is happening here. It could change everything—for The Manor, for Margaret, and for my relationship with Colt.

I only hope I’m ready for whatever I find.

Chapter 8

Autumn

I’m sittingat Margaret’s ornate desk in The Manor’s study, surrounded by stacks of financial documents, when I hear footsteps approaching.

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