Gavin stopped pacing, right in front of the drapes.

I could see the texture of his wool coat, inches from my face.

“What about the key?” Gavin asked suddenly. “The one your mother kept for the offshore accounts?”

“It’s in the safe downstairs,” Arthur said. “But the safe is empty. I checked it yesterday.”

“Then where is the paperwork for the Star account?” Gavin demanded.

“I don’t know,” my father replied. “My mother took those secrets to her grave.”

I squeezed the brass key tighter in my palm, the metal edges biting into my skin.

“Let’s get the laptop and get out of here,” Gavin said, turning back toward the door. “We need to transfer the remaining funds to the shell company before the bank opens in the morning.”

Their footsteps receded down the hallway, their voices fading into a low mumble as they descended the stairs.

I waited until the front door clicked shut and the distant rumble of an engine faded down the driveway.

I let out a long, trembling breath and stepped out from behind the curtain.