At the far end of the basement, behind a stack of rotting wooden pallets, was a stone archway.

I pushed the pallets aside, my hands getting covered in black grime.

Behind them lay a heavy, green-painted iron door built directly into the foundation wall.

“This is it,” I whispered, my breath forming a faint mist in the cold air.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the old brass key my mother had left me.

My fingers trembled so violently I almost dropped it onto the wet floor.

I inserted the key into the lock and turned it until it clicked.

The iron door creaked open, revealing a small, hidden wall safe.

Inside, sitting on a shelf of rusted steel, was a thick, leather-bound folder.

I pulled it out and laid it on top of a nearby wooden crate.

Denise held the flashlight over my shoulder as I flipped open the cover.

Inside lay a thick parchment document, its edges yellowed with age but perfectly intact.

The words *Partnership Deed* were written at the top in elegant calligraphy.