Page 45 of Sunrise

"Okay, save those links with notes. It's worth bringing up when we have more to go with it," I say.

A few more hours go by, and Ken brings us lunch. This time, Kade finds something.

"So many towns are registering their Main Streets as historical landmarks with the state. If we can find enough history to go with the street, then the mayor won't be able to touch it, and it will be a historical landmark. The building owners can apply for grants to help repair them, and the town even gets funds to set up a museum in town to showcase the history." Kade sends us a few links of other towns that have done this.

"Then let's shift gears and dig up some history," Brynn says.

"So, did you know there used to be a lighthouse at the end of the pier?" Kade asks.

"Yeah, a storm knocked it down when we were what, six or seven? The town didn't have the money to rebuild, so they took it down. The base is still there. The guys say it's what makes the fishing so good," I tell him.

"Well, that lighthouse was built in 1710 and directed ships into Bath, North Carolina, the state's first port," Kade says.

We check out the photos up on his screen. "Wow, I barely remember it," I whisper.

"I think we should find more. This is the pier, not the Main Street itself, though," Kade says, and we agree.

"Did you know Blackbeard the pirate was killed right out here in Ocracoke Inlet in 1718? He was killed by Robert Maynard of The Royal Navy. Robert stayed several times with the light housekeeper, who was an old friend. The lighthouse keeper's house was right above the now pharmacy." I tell them the tidbit I just found.

"Perfect! One building saved, but I think we need a few more," Brynn says.

We find evidence of a hotel in the building that now holds Jasper's family's seafood place that Kade and I went to on our fake date. That hotel had several presidents stay at it, along with two princes, Elvis, and Marilyn Monroe before it was closed.

There are reports of a speakeasy running from another building, and if we can find some of the hidden compartments from that day, it qualifies to be registered.

We also find that a few buildings, if we can date the bricks used, have been handmade by slaves and qualify for the National register.

"I think we have enough to save Main Street or at least enough of it to ruin the developer deal," I say and notice it's almost dinnertime.

"I'll order, then let's figure out the process to submit these buildings and what we need to do next," Brynn says.

"Well, it says we have to submit photos and the history to put a hold on the building while it's confirmed and looked into. It would keep the mayor from going any further," Kade says.

"So, we could submit this tonight?" I ask.

"Yes." He nods.

"Okay, you two work on the paperwork. I will go get photos." I jump up, making sure my phone is charged as I head out.

Getting photos of the pier and the lighthouse base is easy. So are the photos of the outside of the buildings. It's the inside that will be a bit harder. I decide to start with the pharmacy and send up a little prayer of thanks when I find Martha at the counter.

"Martha, I need a favor, but I can't tell you much right now. I need you to trust that I am working to stop the mayor's development plans," I say in a hushed voice so no one in the store can hear.

"I'd do anything to stop that! What do you need?" she asks.

"Well, when you moved into the apartment upstairs, you said there were a lot of historical elements. Did you keep them when you remodeled?" I ask.

"Sure did!" She smiles, all proud.

"Any way you can show them to me now and let me get some photos?" I ask.

The look she gives me tells me she wants more info but doesn't ask. She just asks Joe to come take over at the counter. Half an hour later, I have been given the full tour and some great facts to add to the paperwork.

I send Brynn an email with what Martha told me and another with the photos, then head over to Jasper's. Luck seems to be on my side when Jasper's mom is there instead of him.

I greet Mrs. Adams and give her the same spiel I told Martha, and she is more than happy to show me the upstairs. The place is still one long hallway with rooms on either side. It looks like a hotel and was used for offices at one point but hasn't been touched in years.

Jasper has plans to live there, but I ask her not to touch anything because if my plan works, everything will need to be as original as possible. She promises not to let him redo anything and guilt him into living at home.

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