Chapter 21 - The Letter Hidden Inside the Frame
While investigators continued examining Richard's study, one of the forensic technicians removed the old family portrait hanging above the fireplace.
The frame felt unusually heavy.
"There's something inside."
Michael carefully laid it on a table.
After removing the backing, he discovered a folded envelope sealed with dark blue wax.
The seal carried Richard Collins' initials.
It had never been opened.
Margaret immediately recognized the handwriting.
"This wasn't meant for me."
The front read:
To Whoever Finds This Before Elias Does.
Edward carefully broke the seal.
Inside was only one handwritten page.
If this letter has been discovered, then my timetable has failed.
Elias will already be searching.
Never allow him to obtain all three keys.
One key protects the Trust.
One key protects the Beneficiary.
The third...
Protects the truth.
Rebecca frowned.
"Three keys?"
Michael reached into his briefcase.
"The blue key from the attic."
Edward nodded.
"One."
Rebecca removed another strange brass key recovered months earlier from Richard's underground vault.
"Two."
Everyone looked around the room.
The third key remained missing.
Margaret suddenly remembered something.
Years ago Richard had worn a small silver key around his neck.
She had not seen it since the day he died.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She whispered,
"They buried him with it."
Every person in the room understood what that meant.
May you like
The final key...
Might still be inside Richard Collins' grave.
