It was a gloomy and somewhat cold day − a perfect day for a funeral if that were possible − as Ruth sat in the folding chair, staring at the coffin a few feet away from her. She recalled that her grandfather always treated her like an adult and shared many good moments with her. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she wanted to smile, knowing that they would soon bury her grandfather next to the love of her life, her grandmother. After his heart attack, she had visited him every day at the Mountaineers' nursing home. He loved to tell her stories of the ghost on Putney Mountain, the loud, muffled screams during the day and the lights at night. Sometimes he talked about the secrets of Howardsville and promised that one day he would reveal them to her. However, he died before having this opportunity. Ruth's desire to know the secrets drove her to seek the truth about them. Looking around, he saw several people coming to greet each other, some dressed in black, others seemed to be in a festive mood and dressed as such. He didn't know whether they had come to pay their respects to the manager of the Eastern Auto Parts Store, or whether they wanted to make sure the old man was dead. Even though he warned them of the activities on the mountain, they ignored him, but still blamed him for their losses. It was time to leave when someone announced, “This now completes the service for Bert Bishop. “After sitting there for forty minutes without hearing a single word from the minister or having the awareness to shake anyone's hand, it was time to be alone. Stumbling across the grass toward the black 55 Chevy Classic her grandfather gave her for graduation. When Ruth could no longer control her tears, she sat in the car, sobbing, asking w...... middle of paper...... You will have questions and I would like to know where to find the answers?" Without saying a word , Max walked over to three different tables and whispered something to the ladies before handing Ruth's order to the chef. After waiting several minutes, Max served her lunch, pausing to ask if she wanted anything else question, but I didn't get an answer, but I'd like one anyway." "There's not much to tell you, but the ladies over there said that if you're looking for information about our city, we recommend you visit the Women's Club. Today they are having a special lunch and the mayor's wife will be their spokesperson. The club president knows everything and can give you the nastiest details about everyone in town." "Thanks, I'll stop by before I leave town. It may take some time, but I will find out what's going on up here and unlock the secrets of Howarsville," Ruth promised..