My hands trembled as I broke the seal. Inside was a single page in Dad’s blocky engineer’s handwriting, dated the week before he died, and a small brass key taped beneath it. “Nora, if you are reading this, Marissa has already called a Realtor. I knew she would. Do not let anyone touch the fourth cabinet until you have read everything in yours.” The inspector watched me quietly while the officer lowered his camera.

I pulled the drawer marked with my name all the way open. Inside lay a thick stack of deeds, and the top one carried a county stamp I did not recognize. Then footsteps pounded overhead. Marissa’s voice rang down through the hatch, sharp and furious, demanding to know who had given anyone permission to enter. She reached the ladder, looked down at the open cabinets, and went completely pale