The Box Under the Sewing Table
Chapter 02 - The Box Under the Sewing Table
Noah found the box exactly where their mother had hidden it years ago, beneath the old sewing table in the upstairs guest room.
It was made of dark walnut, worn smooth at the corners, with a tiny brass latch.
Inside were family photographs, Ellen’s wedding earrings, a dried rose from her twenty-fifth anniversary, and a sealed envelope with Noah’s name written across the front.
His hands began to shake.
He opened it.
Inside was a short note.
Noah,
If your father ever tries to sell the house quickly after I’m gone, open the false bottom.
Love,
Mom.
Noah stared at the words until they blurred.
He pressed along the velvet lining.
A thin wooden panel lifted.
Beneath it lay a cashier’s check and several folded documents.
The check was made payable to Claire Bennett.
The amount was $280,000.
Noah stopped breathing.
There was also a copy of a life-insurance settlement, a notarized letter, and a document stating that the money was intended to help Claire and her children rebuild after her divorce.
At the bottom of the papers was one final note.
Richard knows about this.
Do not let him tell Claire the money never existed.
Noah heard the front door open downstairs.
May you like
His father was trying to leave.
Noah grabbed the check and ran.
