*Third's Pov*

After talking to Dudley, the siblings along with Tessa leave the bar marching all the way back to the motel.

It was getting late again and the four decided to look for Misty tomorrow. Jake stole a glance at Tessa, seeing the distressed look on her face.

She was really worried about her roommate.

So many what ifs were filling her mind.

What if she was kidnapped?

If that's the case, by who? Who would do such an horrible thing to someone such as Misty?

Why is the town ignoring her and acting like she don't exist?

Does this town...really hate outsiders for some reason?

Tessa:....

Melody: Tessa...

Tessa: Well. Once we get back to the motel. I'm going to turn in early. I want to be up and early, So I can find my friend.

Jake: Likewise.

Tessa: BTW. What do you guys think...?

Jake: About what?

Tessa: About what Dudley say? A small town such as this. Not taking too kindly to outsiders...? What do you think?

The siblings were at the loss at what Dudley said. But they just to brush it off as an overactive imagination. But they couldn't help but feel a slight bit on edge about what the older man told them.

Jake: Tbh. I just don't want to know. This all feels really surreal.

Tessa: *Confused* What do you mean?

Jake: I mean...this does feels like one of those mystery novels, when someone disappears, another one dies, and everyone pretending like they don't exist.

Melody: As a way of saying...No One Saw A Thing.

Tommy: Huh?

Melody: Well...What do you think happens when a small town is hiding a disappearance? Of course it'll be suspecious. I get where Dudley is coming from. There's something strange going on in this town. I really don't want to stick around to find out.

Tessa: Me either girl! I just want to find Misty, cancel our vacation plans, and get out of here.

Tommy: But...what are they hiding? What are they hoping to gain from this?

Melody: In a lot of ways, such as this town, its history could be overflowing with tragedy and darkness. We could take an intimate look at Dustville and it's history from the viewpoint of its aging citizens whether or not if it's violent or not.

Jake scowled at his sister.

Jake: So you want do some silly investigation? What for? Wouldn't it be better if we don't stick our noses in something we don't belong.

Melody: I hate for admit agree with you. But for Tessa, it's personal. Whatever is going on in this town. It most definitely have something to do with Misty. Think about it...Why are everyone staring at us?

Tommy:...Because they don't like us?

Melody: Seems like it. Like Dudley's theory. It's because we're outsiders. From my time of watching documentaries, here could be some examples of why Dustville doesn't want us knowing something is wrong.

Jake: Enlightened Us...

Melody: There could be details of the town having downward spiral or maybe a struggle with gruesome crimes, the possibility that they all stem from the stunning vigilante killing of the town’s most infamous bully and the supposed “curse” brought on them by their silence in its aftermath.

Jake: A curse...? Really Melody?

Tessa: Hey. It could be possible.

Jake: Not you too!

Tommy: I don't like curses...

Jake: Neither do us. This better be just some dumb conspiracy theory...

Melody: It was just a thought...

Tessa: Well...you could be right about this...I hope...

Melody: Well...if we do nothing. The case of Misty Brooks will remain unsolved until we find her. So tomorrow, let's look for clues...and you guys probably won't like this...

Jake: What?

Melody:...We...might need to get information from one of the locals of this town.

Tommy:....Bad idea.

Jake: Very bad idea. First you were smart...now you are dumb...

Melody: Shut up!

Tessa:... Actually that's not a very bad idea...

The siblings turned to her in awe as she continued.

Tessa: I may have not mentioned this before...But I do know somebody here in this town that can help us.

Talking to a resident in this town and gaining their trust? Is that really possible?

Jake: Are they trustworthy?

Tessa: ....Maybe...

A simple "maybe" isn't going to relive their worries. Jake just hopes whoever this person Tessa knows isn't some creep or child predator.

*Later*

Tessa and the siblings had returned to the Motel. However, the lady at the front desk was no where to be found. Not wondering too much about her current whereabouts.

Tessa: Well...this is where we part ways. If you guys need anything. My door is at the end of the hallway.

Jake: Thanks. You get some sleep Tessa.

Tessa: Oh I will. Goodnight boys. Night Melody.

Melody: N-Night...

Tessa smiled before leaving to her room.

Jake closes the door and locked it. He turned to Melody who had a small blush on her face. He smirked knowing why.

Jake: Glad you finally made an actual friend?

Melody: Shut up already.

Tommy: *Whines* I want to go home.

Jake: We will soon, little buddy. Just hang on for the next few days...

Tommy: *Whines*....But I wanna go home now!

Melody: *Annoyed* We can't, Tommy! You saw those scorpions and tarantulas! I don't see you coming off with any ideas either!

Jake: Alright guys. Enough! Let's finish up some of the hot dogs we brought earlier and turn in for the night. Tomorrow, we're going to be very busy learning more about this town.

The two siblings nodded.

Even if they don't want to do it. But if they want to find a way out of this town. Then they have no choice.

Jake: (Dustville huh...? What are you hiding...?)