Chapter 2 - The Hidden FortuneThe neon sign of the roadside motel flickered through the rain-streaked window. It was a cheap, rundown room that smelled faintly of old tobacco and damp carpets, but it was dry, and the wall heater was buzzing warmly.
After bathing Lily and getting her fever under control with medicine I bought at a nearby 24-hour pharmacy, she finally drifted into a peaceful sleep on the double bed.
I sat on the edge of the mattress, staring at the vintage suitcase sitting on the floor. Tears stung my eyes as anger finally overwhelmed my shock. Why had Evelyn done that? How could she turn her back on her granddaughter?
Hoping she had at least thrown in some baby clothes or an extra blanket for Lily, I popped open the brass latches.
The suitcase was completely empty.
I sank my face into my hands and sobbed quietly. But as my hand dragged along the bottom interior, my knuckles brushed against a slight stiff bump beneath the cheap satin lining.
I frowned, running my fingers along the seam. Near the back hinge, tucked under a flap, was a sealed white envelope with my name written across it in crisp, elegant cursive: DIANE.
Inside were three items:
A black prepaid debit card.
A small, heavy brass key stamped with the number 417.
A handwritten index card.
The index card contained five words: Open the bottom lining. Now.
My heart thudded against my ribs. I turned the suitcase over, searching the interior edges until my fingers caught a tiny, hidden zipper concealed within the fabric fold. I pulled it back.
The false bottom lifted away.
Dozens of high-yield cashier's checks, bond certificates, and trust statements spilled out across the bedspread. My hands trembled as I picked up the top bank statement.
The balance at the bottom read: $812,463.70.
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Beneath the financial papers lay a four-page letter written in Evelyn’s unmistakable handwriting. The very first sentence made my breath catch in my throat:
Diane, forgive me for what I said tonight. Scott could never know I was helping you.
