Your instincts were right on target about Lucas, the high-strung reporter! Here’s how the mystery unfolds…

Elliot turned back to the crowd, his gaze settling on Lucas, whose jittery behavior had grown increasingly suspicious throughout the night. With a sudden flash of insight, everything clicked into place.

“Lucas,” Elliot said, his tone firm, “this is all about the story, isn’t it? You wanted an exclusive headline, didn’t you? Something that would make your career as the reporter who solved the mystery.”

Lucas’s face paled, and he took a small step back. “That’s… that’s ridiculous!” he sputtered, though his voice wavered. “Why would I—?”

“You staged all of it,” Elliot said, holding up the torn notes. “The cryptic messages, the stolen book, and every twist you planted to make tonight’s event headline-worthy. You didn’t expect the blackout or the door being left open, but they worked in your favor, didn’t they?”

The crowd gasped as the realization dawned on them, eyes turning toward Lucas in shock. Seeing that the truth was out, Lucas dropped his defiant expression, a rueful smile creeping across his face.

“Fine,” he admitted. “I didn’t plan the blackout or the door, but I have to admit, they really did add to the mystery.” He shrugged, his tone half-defensive. “The cryptic notes, though—that was me. I thought a little suspense would get people talking. It was all harmless, just a way to keep people on edge and turn this launch into something unforgettable.”

Elliot shook his head, both annoyed and slightly impressed by Lucas’s audacity. “Next time, maybe just ask for an interview,” he said, crossing his arms.

As the crowd began to disperse, muttering about the bizarre evening, Elliot couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. Leave it to a mystery event in Willowbrook to turn into an actual mystery—one that, thankfully, had a fairly harmless ending.

Thank you for joining us in The Mystery of the Missing Bestseller—it’s readers like you who make these mysteries so much fun! Ready for your reward? :gift:Grab an ebook of your choice with code: LUCASEXCLUSIVE