November 6, Wednesday

THE FLOORBOARDS creaked beneath my feet as I made my way to Rose's bedroom. After yesterday's visit to the funeral home, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Rose's story than anyone knew… or was telling.

Snooping through a dead woman's belongings wasn't exactly ethical, but I reasoned Rose's diary might hold answers about her relationship with Sawyer, her connection to the Bensons, maybe even clues about Wayne's death. I'd decided to set aside my qualms and see for myself.

The room was exactly as I'd left it—bed neatly made, gothic romance novels stacked on the nightstand, simple dresses hanging in the closet. The air felt stale, untouched.

Or did it?

Something felt off, though I couldn't put my finger on what. Had that drawer been slightly open before? Was that jewelry box sitting at a different angle?

I went to the shelf where I'd left her journal and… it was gone. I searched the bookcase and opened a few drawers in case I'd left it somewhere else, but a thorough search revealed nothing.

My pulse quickened as implications started falling into place. Someone else had searched this room and taken the diary.

But who? Kelly had access to the house, but would she rifle through Rose's things?

Sawyer? He certainly had motivation to keep his family connection quiet. And he could've taken it any of the days—or nights—he'd spent with me.

I scanned Rose's room, looking at it with new eyes. Had someone been in here while I slept? Or while I spent the days in the graveyard? The thought sent chills down my spine.

My phone buzzed, making me jump. I glanced at the screen to see a text from Sawyer: Long day here, how are things there?

I stared at the message, my thoughts churning. Should I ask him about the diary? Confront him about possibly taking it?

But if he'd taken it, why would he admit it to me? And if he said no, would I believe him?

I texted back: All good here. Thanks for checking in.

As I left Rose's room, I glanced all around and behind me. And that night, I made sure all the doors were locked before going to bed.

And I wedged a chair under my bedroom doorknob.

And I slept with a kitchen knife.

Just in case.