Chapter 26 - The Key Without a Lock
Detective Collins carefully picked up the brass key.
It was surprisingly heavy.
Unlike an ordinary house key, it had no manufacturer's name.
Only a tiny engraving.
17-B
The forensic officer photographed it immediately.
"No fingerprints except Ethan's mother."
Detective Harris turned back to Eleanor.
"Did she ever mention this key?"
The retired nurse frowned.
"Only once."
"What did she say?"
"She told me..."
Eleanor closed her eyes, recalling the conversation from years earlier.
"'If Ethan ever receives the key, tell him not to trust the first lock he finds.'"
The detectives exchanged puzzled looks.
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know."
Ethan studied the engraving.
"I've seen this before."
Everyone looked at him.
"Where?"
"I can't remember."
"It wasn't a key."
"It was..."
He rubbed his temples.
"...a number."
Dr. Lewis noticed his discomfort.
"Don't force it."
"But I almost remember."
Detective Harris suddenly received another report from headquarters.
His expression sharpened.
"Interesting."
"What is it?" Collins asked.
"We searched every safety deposit box registered under Ethan's parents."
"And?"
"There isn't one."
"So?"
"There is, however..."
He paused.
"...a storage unit."
The room became still.
"Where?"
"Old Riverside Industrial District."
"Unit..."
He looked at the report.
"...17-B."
Every eye immediately turned toward the brass key.
The engraving matched perfectly.
Before anyone could react, another detective entered the room.
"Harris."
"What happened?"
"We have a problem."
"The storage facility called."
"What about it?"
"Someone tried breaking into Unit 17-B..."
May you like
"...less than twenty minutes ago."
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