The Witch in the Woods

“We need a podcast!” The main editor of the Lake Laura Daily declared loudly, abruptly breaking the silence and capturing the attention of the few employees scattered around the quiet newsroom.

Brett startled awake from the unapologetic nap he’d been taking at his cluttered desk, still exhausted from spending the entire previous night gathering material about the dean’s murder and Gael’s arrest. Rubbing his eyes groggily, he glanced across the room, disinterested but forced to listen as a coworker questioned the editor skeptically. “What are you talking about? Why a podcast?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” The elderly editor shot back, raising her voice even higher. “Every news outlet nowadays has a million podcasts. That’s how people consume information. It’s the only way to reach their ears!”

Unable to tolerate the loud, passionate conversation about a subject he cared nothing for, Brett rose from his seat with a tired groan. He grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair and waved goodbye absently at his colleagues, who barely noticed his departure, engrossed as they were in heated discussions about the merits and drawbacks of podcasting.

Exhaustion clung heavily to him as Brett left the building, his mind fixated on one thing: his meeting later that morning with Gael at the county jail. It was the only thing that mattered to him right now. Sitting behind the wheel of his car, Brett reached into his pocket and pulled out the mysterious EG key he’d discovered the night before. Though he had no intention of pursuing its origin, its intricate design intrigued him, prompting him to attach it to the zipper of his backpack, deciding it would make a cool charm.

Lighting a cigarette, Brett started the engine and began the short drive home. It was a stunningly beautiful day—the sky a brilliant blue, the sun bathing Lake Laura in warmth and light. As he drove through Collegetown, he watched with detached bewilderment as cheerful people laughed and sipped morning cocktails, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil and despair Brett felt within himself.

At one of those vibrant, sunlit tables, Kelly and Peter sat chatting amicably, enjoying the charming café Kelly had chosen for their coffee meeting. She had invited him under the pretext of discussing issues related to their LINAFEST project and university matters, insisting it was strictly professional. However, sitting across from Peter, she couldn’t help but notice how easily their conversation flowed, how effortlessly comfortable he seemed around her. He appeared lighter, freer, almost like a different person altogether.

“I hope the news about the arrest has brought you some peace,” Kelly ventured cautiously, watching his expression closely.

Peter nodded thoughtfully. “In some ways, yes. But honestly, I’m still shocked by Gael’s confession. He was Tori’s fiancé. We had a great relationship. I wouldn’t exactly say we were friends, but whenever our families got together, I genuinely enjoyed his company.”

Kelly listened attentively, captivated by Peter’s animated gestures and the gentle cadence of his voice. Every time a breeze passed by, she inhaled deeply, savoring the subtle scent of his skin, which made her pulse quicken inexplicably. This feeling was overpowering, thrilling, and entirely unhealthy.

Peter paused briefly, considering something deeply personal. “I mean, we could have ended up brothers-in-law someday if Abby and I hadn’t…” He stopped mid-sentence, looking away briefly as though reconsidering what he was about to reveal.

Kelly’s heart skipped a beat. “Hadn’t…?” she prompted softly, holding her breath, hoping he’d finish the thought.

“Well, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Abby and I actually broke up,” Peter finally confessed, somewhat cautiously.

Kelly fought to suppress her elation, her chest swelling with unexpected happiness. “I hadn’t. How are you feeling?” she asked softly, tilting her head sympathetically.

Peter seemed wary but honest. “I’m okay. Honestly, I think we both knew it was coming. I just hope she’s doing well. I mean…” He stopped abruptly, meeting Kelly’s curious gaze. “This probably isn’t the best idea to discuss with you.”

Kelly interjected swiftly, reassuringly. “Peter, please, don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl. I really enjoy spending time with you like this. We can leave all our messy history behind and just be good friends.”

Peter visibly relaxed, appreciating her understanding. He smiled warmly, feeling more at ease than ever in her presence. “Thank you, Kelly. Now, what exactly did you want to ask me about the University’s library?”

As Kelly recounted her strange experience with the secret library—which had inexplicably vanished—Peter became engrossed, forgetting to check his phone, unaware that Hunter was frantically trying to reach him with urgent news. Hunter had just received word that the university board had made its final decision regarding the new dean, appointing Mrs. Bernadette Clarke. He knew Peter would not take this news well, and his frantic attempts to contact Peter went unnoticed.

Meanwhile, Brett arrived at the county jail, stepping through the heavy doors and presenting himself to the officer handling visitor check-ins. After verifying his identity, another officer escorted him toward the visitation area. “Last door on your right, Mr. Gutierrez. Mr. Mendes is ready for you, and the other lady is already inside.” The officer departed quickly, leaving Brett no opportunity to question the cryptic comment about “the other lady.”

As he entered the stark visitation room, Brett halted in surprise. Sitting calmly across from Gael was Lua. Brett stared in disbelief, wondering desperately what on earth she could possibly be doing there.

---

The upbeat energy of Collegetown hadn’t waned as Peter and Kelly rose from their seats and left the café, the soft hum of laughter and clinking cups still echoing in the background.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful with the secret library,” Peter said, adjusting the strap of his messenger bag. “Like I told you, I vaguely remember hearing something about it years ago, but it’s been a long time since anyone’s brought it up. Still, I’ll look into it and keep you posted.”

Kelly gave him a warm smile. She was genuinely curious about the mystery of the library, but she was also glad this gave them a reason to stay in touch. Unbeknownst to Peter, that was part of her plan all along—any excuse to stay close to him felt like a win.

“Did you notice the man sitting next to us?” Peter asked suddenly, catching Kelly off guard.

She discreetly shifted her gaze to the table on their left, where a man sat alone, clad in a long black trench coat far too heavy for the mild spring weather, his feet in worn combat boots.

“No, I hadn’t seen him until just now,” she replied, her voice low. “Why? Do you know him?”

Peter shook his head. “No idea who he is. But I had the weirdest feeling he was listening to us at one point. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ve just become a little paranoid since losing my father…”

Kelly gave him a look of quiet sympathy. There was nothing she could say to ease the weight of his grief, so she simply nodded.

“Can I drive you home?” he asked, grabbing his now-empty coffee cup and tossing it in the nearby bin.

The drive back to Kelly’s dorm was easy and light. Conversation flowed naturally between them, even more so than earlier. When they arrived, he dropped her off with a promise to follow up about the library soon. As his car pulled away, a figure stepped forward from the shadows near the building’s entrance. Cloaked in the same heavy trench coat and boots, the man remained still—just out of focus—but unmistakably watching.

---

Meanwhile, across town at the county jail, the mood was thick with tension as Brett entered the visiting room, where Lua and Gael were already talking.

“What is she doing here, Gael?” Brett’s voice cut through the air, sharp with resentment.

Lua’s expression didn’t change. She didn’t wait for Gael to respond.

“I’m here for the same reason you are,” she said calmly. “To help my friend get out of this nightmare. And I think the only way we’re going to do that… is together. I have a plan.”

Brett hesitated for a moment, still visibly unconvinced, but something in Lua’s presence—her quiet, grounded strength—was impossible to ignore. Curious, and maybe just a little hopeful, he pulled up a chair and sat beside her across from Gael. The two men found themselves silently acknowledging the power in the room—the quiet force that Lua carried effortlessly.