Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 102280 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102280 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Have other people asked about the Aldriches recently?”
“I couldn’t share that information even if I wanted to. Patron privacy is very important to us.” Mrs. Warren’s voice carried new formality. “Is there something specific you’re looking for? Perhaps I could suggest alternative sources.”
“No, that’s okay. Just curious.”
But as Lily gathered her books, she caught Mrs. Warren making a note on a slip of paper. The librarian was documenting her questions, creating a record of her research interests. How many other people were doing the same thing?
Walking home after school, the weight of being watched pressing down on her. Cars seemed to slow as they passed. People on the sidewalk held her gaze longer than normal. The familiar streets of her neighborhood had transformed into something foreign, threatening.
At home, she found her parents in the kitchen, their conversation stopping abruptly when she entered.
“How was school?” her mother asked, her brightness artificial.
“Fine. Dad, did you ever work with any of the Aldrich family when you did lighthouse maintenance?”
Robert and Martha exchanged a look that lasted a fraction too long. “Gerald Aldrich is the current lighthouse keeper,” Robert said carefully. “I work under his supervision now. His son Winston is the mayor—he handles the family’s political interests.”
“What kind of political interests?”
“Real estate development, mostly. Historical preservation projects. The family has a significant influence in maintaining the lighthouse’s operational status.” Another pause. “Why do you ask?”
“Just trying to understand the full picture for my project. The human element behind the history.”
“Lily,” her mother said gently, “your father and I have been talking about your research. We’re wondering if you might want to consider a different approach.”
“What different kind of approach?”
“Well, you’ve been focusing on the more dramatic aspects of lighthouse history. The accidents, the mysteries, the unusual incidents. But there’s so much positive history you could explore. The lives saved, the families who found stability and purpose in the keeper’s role, the technological innovations.”
“You want me to write a puff piece.”
“We want you to write something that showcases your research skills without . . .” Robert struggled for words. “Without potentially stirring up old grievances or family sensitivities.”
“What family sensitivities?”
“The Aldriches are prominent members of this community. They’ve contributed significantly to local development. If your project implied criticism of their family’s role in lighthouse history, it could be seen as unfair or biased.”
Lily stared at her parents. “Someone talked to you.”
“No one talked to us,” Martha said quickly. “We just think—”
“Someone from the Aldrich family called you. Or visited. Or had someone else contact you.” Her voice rose. “They’re trying to shut down my research, and they’re using you to do it.”
“Lily, calm down,” Robert said. “No one is trying to shut down anything. We’re just suggesting—”
“I got a note today. In my locker. Someone wants to meet with me about my ‘research interests.’ They know what I’ve been studying. They know my schedule. They know enough to get past school security.”
Her parents’ faces went pale. “What kind of note?” Martha asked.
Lily showed them the paper. Robert read it twice, his expression growing more troubled with each word.
“You’re not going to this meeting,” he said finally.
“I have to. I need to know what they want.”
“What they want is to intimidate you into dropping your research. And you should drop it.”
“Why?” Lily’s voice sharpened. “What are you afraid they’ll do?”
“Lily,” her mother said quietly, “there are things about this town’s history that are better left alone. Not because they’re dangerous, but because they involve people who are still alive, still have reputations to protect.”
“What things?”
“Old business relationships. Financial arrangements that weren’t entirely proper. Political connections that might have influenced decisions about lighthouse operations.” Robert’s voice carried new weight. “The kinds of things that could embarrass people if brought to light now.”
“You’re talking about corruption.”
“I’m talking about the way small towns functioned fifty years ago. Informal agreements, personal favors, the kind of networking that kept things running smoothly but wouldn’t look good in an academic paper.”
Lily watched the pieces click together. “You know something specific. About the Aldriches. About what really happened at the lighthouse.”
“I know enough to understand that some questions are better left unasked,” Robert replied. “And I know enough to want to protect my daughter from the consequences of asking them.”
“What consequences?”
“The kind that could affect your college applications, your father’s employment, our family’s standing in this community.” Martha’s voice carried a sadness that made Lily’s chest tighten. “We’ve built a good life here, sweetheart. A safe life. Some secrets aren’t worth risking that.”
That night, Lily sat in her room staring at the anonymous note. Her parents’ warnings echoed in her mind, but so did Sarah’s words about people who operated “off the books.” If the Aldriches were simply concerned about family embarrassment, they would have contacted her parents directly or spoken to her teacher. Anonymous notes and secret meetings suggested something much more serious.