Chapter 6 - The Silver Key
That night, exactly at 2:00 AM, the massive mansion was deathly quiet, save for the rhythmic, heavy footsteps of the armed guards patrolling the outer perimeter. Valeria slipped out of her bedroom, wearing soft socks to muffle her steps against the cold marble floors.
She carefully navigated the labyrinth of dark corridors, strictly avoiding the glow of the security cameras she had memorized during her cleaning duties. She finally reached the north wing, an area heavily draped in dust and absolute silence.
At the very end of the hall stood the heavy oak door to the late Madam’s private study. Valeria tested the heavy brass handle. It was, as expected, locked tight.
She pulled a small, curved piece of sturdy wire from her pocket—a trick she had learned years ago growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Santa Catarina. Her hands were shaking violently as she inserted the wire into the ancient lock. If Alejandro caught her breaking into his dead wife’s sanctuary, he wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in her head.
With a soft, metallic click, the heavy tumbler turned. Valeria pushed the door open and slipped inside, shutting it silently behind her.
She turned on a small penlight. The study was beautiful, untouched for twenty-four months. Books were perfectly lined up, and dried, withered roses sat in a crystal vase on the mahogany desk.
Valeria moved quickly, searching the desk drawers. They were empty, likely cleared out by Alejandro’s security team immediately after the murder. But Valeria knew women who lived in dangerous worlds always hid their true secrets.
She dropped to her knees and began pressing her hands along the decorative wooden panels underneath the heavy desk. Suddenly, a small, hollow section gave way. A hidden compartment popped open, dropping a small, black velvet box into her waiting hand.
Inside the box was a silver safety deposit key and a tiny, leather-bound diary.
May you like
Valeria opened the first page. The neat, elegant handwriting sent a chill straight down her spine.
“If you are reading this, I am already dead. And my husband’s most trusted friend is the one who killed me.”
