CHAPTER THIRTY NINE – RETURNING THE JOURNAL

"Scarlett! Thank goodness you picked up," Clara's voice crackled with urgency. "There's been a development, and it's not good." Scarlett's heart hammered in her chest. "What happened? Are you alright?" "I'm fine, but…" Clara hesitated, her voice strained. "I went back to the park, like we planned, and I found something… disturbing." Scarlett's breath caught in her throat. "Disturbing? What do you mean?" "I can't tell you over the phone," Clara whispered. "It's too risky. You need to come back here, now." A frantic worry seized Scarlett. Ava and the date, the mystery – they all faded into the background. Clara's safety was paramount. Hurrying back into the restaurant, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach, Scarlett announced, "I'm so sorry, everyone, but something urgent has come up. I have to leave right now." Ava arched an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Urgent? Is everything alright?" Scarlett shook her head, unable to meet Ava's gaze. "I can't exp