Barry Farnsworth sounded fully prepared when he answered Ash's call.
"Good morning, Mr. Williams. I've been following the matter closely. The accountants have completed the asset review, tax filings, and liquidation procedures."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Because the transfer involves a considerable amount of money, Heather will need to visit the bank in person with her identification and account documents. My accountant and I will meet you there with the remaining paperwork."
After ending the call, Heather searched through her luggage for her identification, bank card, and legal documents. Fortunately, she had stored everything important inside a secure compartment in her suitcase, so nothing had been left behind at the Carson estate.
An hour and a half later, the three arrived at the bank in Newt.
Farnsworth stood near the entrance in another perfectly fitted suit. A professional-looking accountant waited beside him with a leather briefcase and several thick folders.
The documents included court authorizations, inheritance tax forms, property-transfer records, asset statements, and financial agreements. Heather worked through the stack patiently and signed her name wherever Farnsworth or the accountant indicated.
Once the paperwork was complete, the bank manager personally guided her through the transfer process. The amount involved required additional identity checks and approval from the bank's regional office.
"The funds should be fully available by the afternoon of the second business day," the manager explained. "You'll receive a text message once the transfer clears."
Heather released a long breath after leaving the office. The financial side of Verna Carson's inheritance was finally settled, which left only the mansion and surrounding property.
She had already decided what she wanted to do with the estate. Heather had no intention of living permanently in Newt, but she also disliked the thought of allowing such a valuable property to decay.
The annual taxes, repairs, insurance, and maintenance would become an enormous burden if the mansion remained empty. Since Verna had left enough money to give her real options, Heather chose the most practical solution.
She would reserve part of the inheritance for a complete renovation. Once the house was repaired and the investigation ended, the estate could be leased to a wealthy family, private company, or event-management business.
Heather entrusted Farnsworth with organizing the restoration, finding contractors, handling permits, and managing future tenants. The attorney accepted the responsibility without hesitation.
For him, it did not seem like an ordinary business arrangement. Verna had trusted him for years, and helping Heather care for the property allowed him to fulfill one final obligation to the Carson family.
When every agreement had been signed, Heather finally relaxed.
"That takes care of everything. We can leave Newt."
The three returned to the motel, packed their limited belongings, and checked out. Ash loaded the luggage and weapons into the Ford before guiding the vehicle out of town.
Newt disappeared behind them without any emotional farewell.
Their destination was the place they had intended to visit before Heather's inheritance changed the entire road trip.
Crystal Lake, New Jersey.
Three days later, the Ford crossed into the small town nearest the Crystal Lake campground. Ash parked outside the local campground office, where they completed the registration process and collected information about the area.
The manager reminded them that the campground had only recently reopened after extensive renovations. Since the nearest large grocery store was several miles away, he recommended buying everything they needed before driving into the forest.
Ash, Gwen, and Heather visited the town's supermarket and purchased food, bottled water, charcoal, medicine, insect repellent, and several other supplies. Once they finished, a campground employee guided them along a narrow road for another ten minutes.
The trees eventually opened around a broad lake.
Crystal-clear water stretched beneath the afternoon sun, reflecting the surrounding maple and pine forest. Three light-colored wooden cabins stood along the shoreline with enough distance between them to provide privacy.
Several canoes had been secured near short wooden docks. Picnic tables, firepits, and walking trails completed the campground, which looked exactly as peaceful as the promotional brochure promised.
The scenery felt bright, quiet, and alive. After the Jigsaw game, Ghostface murders, West Virginia cannibals, and Leatherface, it finally resembled the kind of place where a vacation might actually be possible.
The campground manager handed Ash the keys to the cabin on the far left. He explained how to operate the generator, where to find emergency supplies, and which trails were safe to use.
Their reservation covered three days and two nights. The manager would return on the final morning to inspect the cabin and collect the keys.
The grand-reopening discount had made the entire trip surprisingly affordable.
Once the employee drove away, the three carried their luggage inside. The cabin contained two bedrooms, a small kitchen, a living area, and a porch overlooking the water.
Gwen claimed that the long drive had exhausted her and went upstairs to rest. Heather wanted to explore immediately, so she persuaded Ash to accompany her while they introduced themselves to the other guests.
Crystal Lake was not a crowded public campground. Only three detached cabins stood along the shore, and every one had already been rented.
Ash and his companions occupied the cabin on the left. They decided to visit the middle cabin first before walking toward the final property.
A car had just arrived beside the light-brown cabin when Ash and Heather approached. A thin middle-aged woman wearing a loose linen dress was carrying luggage toward the porch.
A teenage girl remained near the open trunk and searched through several bags.
The woman noticed the approaching footsteps and turned. Weariness passed across her face before she managed a polite smile.
Ash introduced himself and Heather, then explained that they had rented the neighboring cabin.
"You can call me Amanda," the woman replied. "I heard this place had reopened, so I brought my daughter here for a change of scenery."
Ash picked up one of her heavier suitcases and carried it toward the porch.
"Do you know why the campground closed?"
Amanda shook her head.
"I'm not sure. The last time I came here was nearly ten years ago. It shut down sometime after we left."
Her voice became quieter near the end. Ash noticed the change but did not press her for an explanation.
Amanda turned toward the girl at the car.
"Tina, come meet our neighbors."
The teenager slowly looked over.
She appeared sixteen or seventeen and wore an ordinary T-shirt with faded jeans. Her long brown hair had been tied loosely behind her head, and her pale expression carried a deep exhaustion that did not belong on someone so young.
Tina closed the trunk and approached with a pink suitcase in one hand.
"Hello. I'm Tina."
She spoke softly and avoided holding anyone's gaze for long.
"I'm Ash, and this is Heather," Ash replied. "We're staying in the cabin on the left. It looks like we'll be neighbors for the next few days."
Tina gave a quiet acknowledgment before looking toward Amanda.
"I'm going to put my things upstairs."
Without waiting for an answer, she carried the suitcase into the cabin and disappeared toward the second floor.
Amanda watched her leave and offered Ash and Heather an apologetic smile.
"She's been having a difficult time. Tina doesn't enjoy talking to strangers, and she hasn't shown much interest in anything lately."
Heather's expression softened.
"There's nothing wrong with being quiet. This place seems perfect for relaxing, so maybe she'll feel more comfortable after a day or two."
Amanda thanked her with a small smile.
Ash helped carry the remaining bags into the foyer. As he placed the final suitcase near the stairs, a man wearing a light-gray suit descended from the second floor.
Amanda introduced him as he approached.
"This is Dr. Crews. He's been helping Tina with her treatment. Dr. Crews, these are Ash and Heather. They rented the cabin next door."
The psychiatrist gave Ash a measured look before shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you."
He offered a business card with his other hand.
Ash accepted it and examined the printed information. Dr. Crews was a licensed psychiatrist who specialized in adolescent trauma and behavioral disorders.
Ash looked toward the staircase where Tina had disappeared.
Amanda had not brought her daughter to Crystal Lake for an ordinary vacation.
Tina Shepard was here for treatment.