Mia: Blows dust off the journal, eyes spark with curiosity What's this? Dad, did you know about this?
MountainEcho
My family has a tendency to forget things they don't want to remember.
opens the journal and starts flipping through the pages Oh wow, look at this! It's a detailed account of our family's history.
MountainEcho
And what are you trying to do? Find your mother?
pauses, looks determined No, Dad. I want to uncover the truth behind Grandma's death. There's more to it than what you've told me.
MountainEcho
Why are you doing this?
sighs heavily Because I need to know, Dad. I can't just ignore the possibility that there's something we haven't been told.
MountainEcho
Fine, go ahead. But don't involve yourself with a dangerous secret or you may never see another sunrise again.
narrows her eyes, determined Don't worry, Dad. I know what I'm doing.
MountainEcho
A phone rings in the background, MountainEcho answers it It’s an important call, take it in the hallway.
takes the phone and walks towards the hallway, speaking in hushed tones Hello? Who's calling?
MountainEcho
Listen intently to the conversation Mia is having on the phone
raises an eyebrow, whispers Oh? Really? That's interesting. listens intently, nodding Okay, thanks for the tip.
MountainEcho
What was that?
hangs up the phone and turns to face MountainEcho Dad, I just got some information that could lead us to Grandma's killer.
MountainEcho
Are you sure?
nods, determined Yes, Dad. I've cross-referenced the information from the journal with other clues we've gathered.
MountainEcho
Grabs Mia's shoulders gently Look, Mia, I appreciate your determination, but you're putting yourself in danger. Let me handle this.
steps back, defiant No, Dad! I'm not going to sit back and let you protect me.
MountainEcho
Smirks, stepping closer to Mia Fine, you wanna play detective? Start with the basement. That's where I found grandma's last letter.
nods, determination in her eyes Alright, Dad. I'll find that letter and uncover the truth. But don't think for a second that I'm going to let you stop me.
MountainEcho
Be careful. Grandma's killer is still out there.
As Mia heads to the basement to search for the letter, she uncovers a hidden basement filled with dark secrets and dangerous clues, putting herself in grave danger.
MountainEcho
Gets concerned
takes a deep breath, cautiously steps into the hidden basement Dad, you were right. There's more to this than I ever imagined.
MountainEcho
Be careful, Mia. Don't touch anything.
moves forward, examining the surroundings, finds a hidden compartment behind a bookshelf Holy shit, Dad! Look at this!
MountainEcho
What is it, Mia?
opens the hidden compartment, revealing a collection of photographs and letters addressed to Grandma Dad, these photos...they show Grandma with people I've never seen before.
MountainEcho
Those were your grandma's old friends. She always kept them hidden away.
flips through the letters, her voice hushed with excitement Dad, look at these dates! They correspond to the time periods when Grandma was living abroad.
MountainEcho
Looks at the letters
pauses, deep in thought Dad, do you think Grandma knew more about her death than she let on?
MountainEcho
Your grandma wasn't one for talking much. She definitely had an enemy who wanted her dead.
paces back and forth, her mind racing No, Dad. I don't think we should jump to conclusions. We need to dig deeper, find out who these people were and if they had any motive to kill Grandma.
MountainEcho
Let's start with the police report. We can research the people listed as possible suspects.
nods, determination shining in her eyes Alright, Dad. We'll start with the police report and piece together every clue. But I have a feeling that the truth is closer than we think.
MountainEcho
Just be careful, Mia. We don't know who we're dealing with here.
grips her notebook tightly, her voice filled with conviction Don't worry, Dad. I've got a plan.
MountainEcho
Ok Mia.
starts writing down the names of the possible suspects from the police report First, we need to gather information on each of these individuals. Social media, public records, anything that can give us a lead.
MountainEcho
Do that for each of the listed suspects.
quickly types out a list of search terms on her laptop Okay, Dad. I'm going to start with Suspect #1.