Chapter 15 - Whispers of Treachery
By dawn, Sheriff Miller arrived at the estate, taking statements and inspecting the smashed library window. However, the legal reality was grim. Without direct physical evidence linking Julian Sterling to the break-in, the police could not arrest him.
"He's playing a high-stakes game, Daniel," Sheriff Miller warned, sipping black coffee. "He's filed an emergency petition with the County Circuit Court. A judge from the capital is arriving in three days to hear his claim."
Daniel knew they couldn't just play defense. They needed to find out what the tiny brass key actually opened.
Taking the key into the grand library, Daniel, Clara, and Mira systematically searched the vast mahogany bookcases that lined the walls. They checked behind historic awards, city keys, and leather-bound volumes.
"Dad! Look!" Mira called out, pointing toward the very top shelf where Rosy’s glass case usually sat.
On the back panel of the bookcase, directly behind where the doll had been displayed, was a small, circular keyhole trimmed in tarnished brass.
Daniel climbed the wooden library ladder. He inserted the tiny key found inside Rosy’s back. It turned smoothly with a heavy, satisfying click.
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The entire middle section of the massive mahogany bookcase swung outward like a hidden door, revealing a secret stone alcove built directly into the foundation of the house.
Inside sat a dust-covered iron chest stamped with the seal of Mason Falls, 1890.
