Hope for Scholars

Amelia should have known it was too good to be true. When she searched up the charity Emmeline had been so kind as to hand it over to her online, it seemed legitimate enough― but the small rundown building she was directed to visit at the borders of the city certainly did not scream legalized trade. 

Her nose wrinkled at the smell of cigarette smoke in the air, and upon closer inspection, there were cigarette butts littered on the floor. She stormed over and stomped them out to prevent a fire hazard. 

The entire office was empty. 

Did Emmeline hire someone to kill her here, or was this some sort of prank? Amelia wondered, briefly regretting rejecting Matteo's offer to accompany her to meet with the director. She didn't want him to waste his precious time on her when it could be spent doing other important things.

Besides, it was just a meeting. How bad could things be?