Chapter Six: Old Wounds, New Fires

Saint woke up the next morning with a renewed sense of purpose. The revelations from his father’s journal and Mr. Green’s historical insights had given him the clarity he needed. Richard Colton’s ambitions were a threat not just to the land but to the very essence of Ashton Hill. As Saint prepared for the day, he knew he had to rally the town and expose Colton's plans.

His first stop was the diner, where he met Emily for breakfast. The early morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the tables. Emily was already there, a steaming cup of coffee in front of her.

"Morning," Saint greeted, sliding into the booth.

"Morning," Emily replied, a smile touching her lips. "Any new developments?"

Saint nodded. "We need to start gathering support from the townspeople. If we can show them what Colton is planning, we might be able to stop him."

Emily’s eyes sparkled with determination. "I agree. We need to bring this to the town council. But first, we need more evidence."

Saint knew she was right. They couldn’t just rely on suspicions and old documents. They needed something concrete. After finishing their breakfast, they decided to visit the town’s public records office, hoping to find more recent documents related to Colton's activities.

The records office was a small, nondescript building near the town hall. Inside, rows of filing cabinets and shelves lined the walls, filled with decades of paperwork. The clerk, an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a kind smile, greeted them warmly.

"We're looking for any recent records or permits...