Chapter 23

The town was small, with only a few main streets. A café called "Aurora" sat beside the central square. It wasn't big, but it looked warm and cozy. The moment Spencer opened the door, warm air and the scent of coffee rushed over him. The owner was a local elder with gray hair and a kindly face. When he saw two sharp-looking men who were clearly foreign hurry in, he looked surprised. Spencer didn't bother with pleasantries. Struggling with an unfamiliar language and relying on gestures, he asked urgently, "Did a woman from Caladoria play the piano here? Her name is Anne." The owner understood. He nodded, then hesitated and shook his head. "Yes, Anne. She worked here for about two months. She was quiet and reserved. She played piano very well. The customers liked her," he said slowly, his accent heavy. "But she was always on guard. It was like she was afraid of people, especially men." Spencer's chest tightened hard. Mason's face went paler. "Where did she go?" Spencer asked, hi