By the time I got back to the Walters estate, the sun had already begun to drop behind the trees.
The long driveway looked different in the evening light.
Darker.
Quieter.
Like the place was holding its breath.
I parked the bike near the garage and walked toward the house slowly.
The conversation at the café still echoed in my head.
Don’t ask too many questions about that family.
It was strange.
People in town seemed friendly.
But the moment the Walters were mentioned, something changed.
Their voices dropped.
Their smiles tightened.
And then the conversation ended.
The front door creaked softly when I pushed it open.
Inside, the house felt unusually quiet.
Too quiet.
“Hello?” I called.
No answer.
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.
The hallway lights were di
