The days in Ashborne began to blend into one another for Ethan Blackwood. Each morning, he would rise early and delve into the library’s archives, piecing together information about Julian Thornwood. Each evening, he would walk the streets, observing the town and its people, trying to uncover any leads that might reveal more about Thornwood’s elusive nature.

It was on the third day of his investigation when Ethan’s path crossed with something unexpected. He was sitting in the library, poring over a collection of old newspapers, when the doorbell rang. Lila Rosewood, who had been working at her desk, looked up with a start. She went to the door and greeted a young woman who had just entered. Ethan could not help but notice the woman’s elegant attire—a striking contrast to the usual attire of Ashborne’s residents. Her demeanor was poised, almost regal.

Lila ushered the woman into the library. “Mr. Blackwood, may I introduce you to Miss Fiona Caldwell. She’s a friend of Julian Thornwood’s.”

Ethan stood up, intrigued. “Miss Caldwell, it’s a pleasure.”

Fiona Caldwell offered him a courteous smile. “Mr. Blackwood. I’ve heard a little about you. Julian speaks highly of you.”

“Does he now?” Ethan said, a touch of amusement in his voice. “I’m afraid I don’t know Julian Thornwood well yet.”

Fiona’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly composed herself. “Julian is a complicated man, Mr. Blackwood. But I’m sure you’ll find that out soon enough.”

“I’m sure I will,” Ethan said, studying her closely. “What brings you to the library?”

“I’m here on business,” Fiona said, her tone becoming more formal. “I’m helping Julian with some estate matters. And I understand you’re researching him?”

Ethan nodded. “That’s right. I’m trying to get a clearer picture of him and his dealings. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Fiona said, though her eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort. “I’ll be in the town for a few more days. If you need anything, feel free to ask. And please, don't bother yourself with the rumors, they come from the mouths of the jealous people. Success is something that attracts a lot of bad mouthing.”

With that, Fiona excused herself, leaving see of her business. Ethan watched her back, his mind already turning over the encounter. There was something about Fiona that felt… off. Her polished exterior seemed at odds with the slight unease he’d glimpsed in her eyes.

Lila returned to her desk, her face a mask of curiosity. “Fiona is an interesting person. She’s been a close confidant of Julian for years,” she whispered.

“Is she?” Ethan replied, his voice noncommittal. “I couldn’t help but notice a certain tension.”

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Lila raised an eyebrow. “Fiona is known for her discretion. She tends to keep her own counsel. If she was uneasy, it might be worth looking into.”

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

For the rest of the day, Ethan’s mind was preoccupied with Fiona Caldwell’s visit. Her connection to Thornwood and the subtle hints of discomfort she’d displayed made her an important figure in his investigation. If Fiona was involved, it meant there were more layers to Thornwood’s story than he had anticipated.

Later that evening, Ethan decided to take a different approach. He had gathered a substantial amount of information from the library, but he needed a different perspective. The local tavern, The Raven’s Nest, was known to be a hotspot for gossip and local chatter. It was worth a visit, so Ethan took his gun and left.

The tavern was a warm, dimly lit place with wooden beams and a large fireplace. The air was thick with the smell of ale and the sound of low, murmured conversations. Ethan took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink, observing the patrons. Most were local farmers or tradesmen, but there were a few others whose attire suggested they were visitors or, perhaps, people of some standing in the town.

Ethan’s attention was drawn to a middle-aged man sitting alone at a corner table. He was nursing a half-empty glass of whiskey and glancing around the room with an air of caution. Ethan decided to strike up a conversation.

“Evening,” Ethan said as he approached the man, a drink in his hand. “Mind if I join you?”

The man looked up, his eyes friendly. “Sure, why not? I’m Tom Sullivan.”

“Ethan Blackwood,” he said, taking a seat. “I’m new in town, just passing through. I’ve been trying to get to know the place a bit better. Care to share any local stories?”

Tom eyed him skeptically but shrugged. “Depends on what kind of stories you’re interested in. Ashborne’s a quiet town, but it’s got its share of secrets.”

“Secrets, you say?” Ethan leaned in slightly, his tone casual. “What kind of secrets?”

Tom took a sip of his drink, clearly he enjoyed talking together with drinking. “Well, there’s Julian Thornwood, for one. He's the center of rumors these days. People say he’s not as clean as he appears. A lot of strange things have happened around him—disappearances, shady dealings. Not everyone in town trusts him.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Disappearing people? That’s quite a claim.” He took a sip.

Tom nodded. “Yeah. There was a fellow named Henry Black. He was working on something with Thornwood before he vanished. Some say he found out too much and paid the price. Others think he just ran away.”

“Do you believe it?” Ethan asked, genuinely curious.

“I don’t know what to believe,” Tom admitted. “But I do know that Thornwood’s name comes up a lot in hushed conversations. And when people get nervous and quiet, I take note.”

Ethan’s interest was piqued. “Do you know anything about Fiona Caldwell?”

Tom’s face darkened slightly. “Fiona? She’s close with Thornwood, but she’s not the type to get her hands dirty. Or at least, that’s what people say. She’s got a reputation for being very careful about what she says and does.”

Ethan finished his drink in one go, nodding thoughtfully. “Thanks for the insight, Tom. You’ve been helpful.”

Back at the Ashborne Inn, Ethan reviewed his notes. The town’s unease with Thornwood, the rumors of disappearances, and Fiona’s cautious demeanor all pointed towards something much more sinister than mere business dealings. As he prepared for bed, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. His investigation was far from over, and he was determined to uncover the truth, no matter how deep it was buried.

The stakes were high, and the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But Ethan Blackwood was ready for whatever lay in wait.