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2:00pm

Mandy cast a surreptitious glance toward John, who occupied the adjacent space on Mrs. Keller's plush couch. His gentle smile belied a pensive mood that mirrored her own. Mrs. Keller was an enigma, unfolding before them like an intricate portrait of Shiloh with each passing moment.

Earlier, when Jasper had tasked her with joining John to delve into a mystery, bewilderment had clouded her thoughts. They were to snoop into the affairs of Shiloh—an unexpected subject, given Jasper's cryptic nature, which Mandy usually deciphered with ease. Yet, why fixate on the actress?

Nonetheless, she heeded Jasper's command and sought out John. She found him in conversation with the very woman in question, just as she entered.

"Here, how are you feeling?" John inquired compassionately, offering Shiloh a refreshing glass of water which she received with thankful ease.

"Much better now, thank you."

"Not a problem," he reassured with a congenial grin. At this interchange, Mandy cleared her throat to draw attention. Both individuals turned towards her as she offered a subtle smile and interjected,

"John, may I have a word?" With understanding, John excused himself and followed Mandy to a quieter spot away from watchful eyes.

"Jasper has given us an assignment to conduct some discreet inquiry," she divulged, her gaze unconsciously drifting back to Shiloh who remained still on the couch.

"Inquiry?" queried John.

She confirmed with a nod, "Indeed. About her."

John looked perplexed,

"Shiloh? Any idea as to why?"

Mandy shook her head in bemusement, "None whatsoever. He desires that we probe discreetly and unravel what truths lie hidden."

John acknowledged the task at hand,

"I'll return shortly," and he went back to rejoin the lounge.

Polite as always, the young priest left Shiloh's company after exchanging pleasantries and accompanied Mandy towards the grand entrance of the theater. Halting for a moment, Mandy concentrated deeply in an effort to recapture—or sense—a spiritual presence similar to what she and Ariel had encountered before. Nevertheless, frustration took hold; not even the faintest wisp of spectral energy could be felt. Her eyes fluttered open only to meet John's concerned look.

"Are you alright?"

Straightening herself up,

"Yes," Mandy insisted firmly, disappointment threaded through her words, "I fully expected to attribute my earlier experience within these walls to a spirit presence but...there’s nothing here."

John’s expression clouded with concern,

"Perhaps we should find an alternate exit. Surely there is another doorway at our disposal?"

Mandy's head movement was firm, a silent symphony of refusal.

"No, I'm giving this another shot."

John's response came through a nod of respect, trailing just a step behind her. Mandy reached out for the doorknob, her breath catching unexpectedly.

"Mandy?"

Her gaze intensified, sharpening as she fought the discomfort and waved her hand, feeling an eager tingling surge over her skin. By her side, John echoed the gesture, his deep blue eyes reflecting his pensive mood. Nausea began to grip Mandy; without hesitation, she flung the door open and escaped outside. At the theater stairs, she paused to regain composure.

"This sensation is odd," John commented quietly as he caught up to her, "It feels eerily familiar..."

A silent agreement passed through Mandy's nod.

Time slipped by. Eventually, the medium felt steady enough to carry on. They started down the stairs together, absorbing their environment with cautious eyes.

"Where do we even start?" A hint of overwhelm tinted John's voice as he observed the bustle of townspeople at the festival.

Mandy considered splitting up but changed her mind upon looking at John.

"Would separating help us?"

John gave a noncommittal smile and shrugged.

"It might—unless you think otherwise?"

Looking back at the crowd's constant motion, Mandy hesitated.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Maybe it's not such a good idea after all."

Still unsure of their next move, they meandered across the festival field. John made several attempts at conversation only to be met with rushed gestures and apologies from busy passersby. With a resigned sigh and an apologetic glance to Mandy after another person hurried past, he acknowledged their lack of progress.

Mandy watched intently as people scurried by before finally spotting what they were searching for: nestled in a shaded corner sat a circle of elderly women. Their faces bore as many lines as the voluminous folds of fabric surrounding them while they worked tirelessly on costumes; nimble fingers punctuating brightly colored material with rhythmic precision. With purpose in her stride and hope flickering in her eyes, Mandy gestured towards them.

"Let's head that direction," she suggested. A trifle puzzled but ever willing to follow her lead, John gave up his fruitless inquiries and joined her approach.

With warm welcomes received from crinkled smiles that mirrored water disturbed by pebbles, they greeted the elderly seamstresses with deep bows shared by both explorers.

"Excuse us, may we inquire about a few matters?" Mandy asked, flashing her distinctive smile usually reserved for Jasper. The group of elderly ladies found themselves taken by her charm. "Certainly, dear," one replied with a gentle nod, "but we're curious about what you could possibly want to know from us old folks?" Their companions chuckled heartily. One leaned towards the others, loudly whispering with a mischievous wink towards John, "Oh, to experience youth once more!" causing John's cheeks to burn with embarrassment. Mandy felt the conversation drifting and subtly steered it back, "Does anyone here know the actress named Shiloh?"

"Shiloh..." mused one of the women with recognition in her eyes, "a sharp young woman, always collaborating brilliantly with Daniel." Soft murmurs of agreement circled amongst them.

"Don't just stand there and cook in the sun," interjected another elder sharply while beckoning John closer. A wave of subdued laughter followed as John hesitantly took a seat nearby. Mandy knelt down to plead their case further, "There has to be more you could share about her. Was this place her birth town?"

The question seemed to strike a nerve as they began to grumble among themselves. "Naturally! No soul from Magnolia Midlands ever departs— unless..." Her voice trailed off mid-sentence as another woman interrupted sharply, "Enough! Spare our ears that tale!" The group now worked their needles with renewed vigor through their handiwork. Acknowledging her mistake and wanting to show respect, Mandy dipped her head slightly and rose to leave, expressing gratitude for their time.

"What? Departing so soon?" protested the woman who had earlier teased John, eyeing him like prey. "Hold on," chimed in another with a gummy grin directed at the flustered man.

"Let him linger; we elderly need some cheer. We promise to be good company while you continue your search," offered the woman who had pulled John beside her, gripping his arm tightly.

John cast a pleading look towards Mandy as the old ladies pressed on, requesting his company. Seeing his discomfort and feeling an urge to conclude these antics kindly, Mandy quickly stepped forward to liberate John from their grasping hands. "Apologies ladies, but his assistance is essential," she firmly stated.

The women responded with varied expressions—from wide-eyed shock to narrowed glances of disapproval—murmuring their discontent among themselves. As Mandy began guiding John away from the insistent crowd, breaking through their pleas was the voice of the first woman once again,

"If it's Shiloh you're so eager to learn about, best go speak with her mother! You'll find her merely five houses down."

At this revelation, Mandy offered a gracious smile and thankful wave before departing,

"That's incredibly helpful; thank you profoundly."

As soon as they were out of sight, Mandy released John's arm.

"Thank you for that," he expressed, brimming with gratitude. A rare, amused smile curled on Mandy's lips.

"And what would your fate be if I hadn't been here?" she teased.

John arched an eyebrow in mock offense, his eyes twinkling knowingly.

"So, do you have any inkling where this house might be?" he asked, adeptly steering the conversation elsewhere. Stopping in her tracks, Mandy gestured to a house a short distance away.

"Right there. It's the fifth one," she declared.

The residence was ancient yet meticulously maintained. The front boasted a sun-drenched garden lavishly adorned with blooms.

"Marvel at those Magnolias," observed John as they drew closer to the entrance.

"They might just be indigenous to the Magnolia Midlands," Mandy proposed absentmindedly. The puzzle was how to probe without arousing suspicion.

"Just follow my lead," whispered Mandy, sharing a conspiratorial glance with John. The clergyman nodded in assent, and with that, Mandy rapped on the door. Moments later, it creaked open to reveal a diminutive lady with features unmistakably similar to Shiloh’s.

"May I assist you?" she inquired.

Greeting her with a wave, Mandy and John introduced themselves,

"Greetings! Would this happen to be the dwelling of the illustrious actress Shiloh?"

The woman recoiled slightly,

"Why yes! I'm her mother, Priestess Keller. Is there any problem I can assist with?"

Mandy unleashed her most engaging charm — beyond the small woman she glimpsed walls adorned with photos of Shiloh, awards emblazoned with her name, theatrical scripts and costumes...

"We're hoping so! I am Mandy Hanes and beside me is John Brown—we hail from Atlanta. Your daughter's performances have left us thoroughly captivated; truly, she's extraordinary..." Mandy let her words linger tantalizingly; meanwhile, she could feel John's puzzled gaze upon her. Amazement flickered through Mrs. Keller’s eyes followed swiftly by a beaming smile,

"Oh my! Mackenzie! What an absolute pleasure! Do come inside! While Shiloh isn't presently home, she should return shortly—and yes indeed, she’s quite remarkable!"

Before they knew it, they were whisked inside,

"Please find solace on the sofa—I shall fetch some coffee shortly," offered Mrs. Keller kindly. With that settled notion Mandy took a seat while John shuffled to her side still wrestling skepticism in his eyes which eventually prompted Mandy to meet his stare,

"Yes, John?"

Next to her perched John coquettishly grinning at an angle.

"That was quite the display."

Mandy backed away quickly, caught off guard and to her surprise, a blush crept over her cheeks. She averted her gaze, her sleeve swiftly coming to her aid as she demurred,

"Oh, it was nothing really."

John chuckled warmly,

"Hardly nothing! Does Jasper even realize the extent of your ingenuity...?"

At that, Mandy whirled around to face John, her blush deepening,

"I beg your pardon?"

At that moment, Mrs. Keller entered, balancing a tray of rice cakes,

"Coffee will be ready shortly. Care for a rice cake?"

John's face lit up with appreciation as he accepted one,

"Much obliged."

A flustered Mandy declined with a wave of her hand while her cheeks slowly recovered their normal hue. Mrs. Keller seated herself and crossed her legs; with a nervous motion, she smoothed out her worn skirt.

"Forgive me for not inquiring earlier, but what brought you here today?" she asked with a tentative smile, her eyes darting between them, filled with worry.

"We're here to gain a deeper understanding about your daughter."