I had never known there was anything inside it worth stealing.
“Where is Daniel now?”
“In the foyer, under supervision.”
I turned to Lily and Noah. “Stay here.”
Lily stood. “Mom—”
“Stay with your brother.” I touched her cheek. “I’ll be right inside.”
Mr. Meyers walked beside me through the back door.
The house felt different when I entered.
Not ruined. Not unsafe.
Awake.
Like every wall had overheard years of whispers and was finally ready to speak.
Daniel stood near the staircase, breathing hard. One security officer blocked the front door. The other held a rectangular metal case with a combination lock.
Vanessa was nowhere in sight.
“Where is she?” I asked.
Daniel’s eyes cut toward the hallway. “Bathroom.”
Mr. Meyers nodded to the officer, who moved in that direction.
I focused on the case. It was dull gray, scratched at the corners, with a small brass plate attached to the top.
