The bottom drawer of his filing cabinet was locked, but I knew where he kept the key.

I reached behind the framed photograph of our wedding on the bookshelf and felt the small brass key taped to the backing.

I peeled it off, knelt on the floor, and inserted it into the lock.

The cylinder turned with a heavy click that sounded incredibly loud in the empty house.

I pulled the drawer open.

Inside were folders labeled with tax returns, car insurance policies, and household utilities.

Behind them sat a thick manila envelope with no label at all.

I pulled it out and sat on the floor, crossing my legs.

My fingers fumbled with the metal clasp.

Inside was a stack of legal-sized papers printed on heavy, textured paper.

The header at the top of the first page read: *Apex Global Trust – Promissory Note and Guaranty Agreement.*

I scanned the first few pages, my eyes darting over the dense legal terminology.

The borrower was listed as Ryan Vance.

The principal loan amount was four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with an astronomical interest rate that increased every thirty days.