“Emily, everything I did was to keep you safe.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
She stood slowly.
“Come upstairs.”
We walked to my parents' old bedroom.
My mother opened the wardrobe and removed a wooden jewelry box.
Inside was a silver key.
She handed it to me.
“Your father gave me this three days before he died.”
I examined it.
“What does it open?”
“The old desk in the study.”
I frowned.
“That desk hasn't been opened in years.”
“I know.”
She guided me downstairs.
The study smelled of dust and old books.
My father's desk stood beneath the window.
I inserted the key into the bottom drawer.
It opened with a reluctant click.
Inside was a blue leather notebook.
My heart began racing.
I lifted it carefully.
The cover was worn.
The pages were filled with names, dates, account numbers, and handwritten calculations.
At the back were copies of contracts bearing the signatures of all seven women.
