Debra''s heart sank. What happened the previous night was still vivid in her memories.


    She had gone to the attic and smashed the locked door with a hammer. The bed, toys, and stacks of old newspapers had felt so familiar. It couldn''t be just a dream.


    "The kidnapping case dealt a severe blow to the Potter family. They must have collected and burned those newspapers. Given my understanding of them, if they want something erased, it stays erased."


    "I suppose so." Debra nodded, but her doubt remained. "I need to see the attic to confirm it."


    "Alright. I''ll go with you." Marion helped her out of bed.


    As they opened the door, they found Barton waiting outside, holding a key.


    "Mrs. Houston," he said, "I''ve found the attic key. Let me take you there."


    The room exhaled a musty, dustden breath when opened. Debra, still sick, coughed at the stale air.


    Inside stood only aged clocks and furniture, relics from bygone decades. Nothing matched what she''d seen the night before.


    "Why the sudden interest in the attic, Mrs. Houston?" Barton lingered nearby. "These are just old furnishings from the former head. Mr. Andrew Potter kept them stored here-never used or discarded. It''s best not to linger; the dust isn''t good for you."


    "So, it was just a dream," Debra muttered. "Thank you, Barton."


    "No worries. Any parts of the house," Barton replied, closing the door.


    Marion steadied her arm. "Anything else you''d like to do?"


    "I''m tired. I need to rest."


    "Alright. I''ll take you back."


    Barton relocked the attic, hoping this would end her suspicions.


    On the second floor, Erica and Randy hovered anxiously in the corridor.


    "Debra." Erica rushed forward. "Wee heard about your fever. How ar


    feeling?"


    "Much better." Debra studied them. "Last night, did either of you..."


    "We were dead asleep," Erica blurted.


    Randy nodded vigorously. "Drake


    said you were shouting, but we slept


    right through it. You''ve probably


    been stressedtely."


    "Exactly." Erica forced a smile.


    Watching their clumsy act, Marion


    interjected, "Let''s get you back to


    bed. Pll reheat some oatmear


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!