Chapter 1

February 13, 2017- Present Day

Bailey took a deep breath as she rehearsed her speech to try and persuade The Tabloid to allow her to research and investigate the Belladonna Asylum. She would admit that she was terrified of that old building, but research had to be done. She had always heard stories about the building having a dark past and of one particular resident. Elizabeth Dennis. As her thoughts drifted to the horrifying, gruesome things Elizabeth did, she forgot she was supposed to be practicing her speech. 

A knock on her door made her jump back into reality.  "Come in!" She called to the door, gathering her papers into a neat stack on her desk, securing them with a paperclip. "Sorry to bother you Bailey, but Adam is ready for you." Jessica, Bailey's  assistant, said with her head peeking in the door. "Okay. Thank you Jess, I'll be just a moment." Bailey smiled and Jessica nodded  and closed the door once again. She took another deep breath and left her office to go to the conference room. Once in there, she was greeted by Adam Gaeton with a warm smile and a handshake. "Hello Ms. Lawrence. I'm intrigued to hear you have a proposition for a project you would like to start for the paper." He said, genuine curiosity coating his bright green eyes, making them shine. Bailey smiled excitedly, "Oh yes sir. May I start my presentation?" She asked politely, searching Adam's face for a sign of approval. She got her answer when he announced enthusiastically, "Well of course! That's why we're here isn't it?" Bailey giggled and pulled her flash drive from her pocket and inserted it into the computer. Opening up the power-point, Bailey started her presentation. She began by explaining the history of Belladonna and why the hospital was an important part of Connecticut's history, particularly Ashford. All the while, Adam had his hand on his chin, taking in every detail Bailey gave. He was intrigued by her passion for the old hospital, but didn't quite understand how it would be good for the paper. But, he still sat there and listened to her speak scholarly and enthusiastically about her project.
When she was finished, Bailey turned off the power-point and thanked Adam for listening to her presentation. "Wow, Bailey! That was well done, very interesting. What made you want to do a project over this, if I may ask?" Adam said, curiously searching Bailey's face for an answer before she spoke. "Well, I have always been interested in the History of Ashford, so I started doing some research on the old buildings and came across Belladonna. The articles I read were really interesting and I never knew anything about this hospital until I started reading about it. I thought it would be a good project idea for the paper, because most people who read it like to learn new things about the town they live in." Bailey explained with a slight shake to her voice. She was sure Adam was not going to like her idea, but his response caught her off guard. "That sounds like a great idea! When would you like to begin this project?" Adam asked, smiling at the small, nervous brunette. "Oh. Um. Anytime. Thank you so much, Mr. Gaeton." She stuttered and smiled crookedly. "Wonderful! We'll fill the paperwork out today and you should be able to start working on it Monday." Adam concluded, confident in Bailey's presentation enough to allow the project. Bailey's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Thank you, Mr. Gaeton!" she exclaimed, happiness radiating her cheeks. She gathered her things to go back to her office before Adam stopped her by gently grabbing her wrist. Bailey turned swiftly, facing Adam. "And Bailey, how many times have I told you to call me Adam? Mr. Gaeton is too formal." he grinned. "Oh. Okay." Bailey laughed and waved goodbye, excited to start on her project right away.

When she returned to her office, Bailey immediately dialed her brother Ayden. "Hello?" her brothers gravely voice answered after the line stopped ringing. "Hey Ayden, it's Bailey." she said quickly, still excited about Adam's answer about the Belladonna project. "Oh, Hey Bailey whats up?" he asked, a smile evident in his voice due to hearing from his little sister. "I have really good news about the Belladonna project we have been talking about." she smiled into the receiver. "Adam's going to let you do it!?" Ayden exclaimed excitedly. Bailey nodded enthusiastically, even though Ayden couldn't see her do it. "Yes! We can start on it Monday. I just have to fill out the paperwork." Ayden smiled at hearing his sister's words. The two had done research on Belladonna since Bailey had started working for The Tabloid, hoping for Bailey to get a chance at her own page in the newspaper and on the website. "Cool! So do you want me to come by your apartment today after you get off  work and get started sorting through the papers?" Ayden asked, eager to get started working on the project as soon as possible. "That sounds good! I'll order a pizza. What time are you planning on  coming over?" Bailey asked, writing the nights events in her planner. "How about 7:00?" her brother suggested and she confirmed it was a good time and wrote it down. "Okay. Well go get back to work. I'll see you tonight." Ayden said and hung up the phone. When Bailey put the phone back in it's place, Jessica came in with the papers that needed to be filled out in order to start the project. "Thanks, Jess." Bailey said and hugged her. "Wow, someone is in a good mood. I never get the honor of hugging Miss Bailey Lawrence herself!" Jessica teased and Bailey playfully swatted her arm. "Ayden and I are just real excited to start working on this project. By the way, we are going to need an editor. Would you like to do it?" Bailey asked, hopeful her friend would say yes. "Of course! When are you guys starting it?" Jessica smiled. "Tonight at 7:00 at my place." Bailey said, happy that her friend was going to be helping. "Cool. I'll see you then." Jessica said and sauntered out of the room, leaving Bailey alone to begin filling out the papers.