The metal plate opened.
Inside was a small silver key.
A number had been engraved along its edge.
Samuel photographed it without touching it.
Clara stared at me.
“Victor knows about this.”
“Then why didn’t he take it years ago?”
“Maybe he couldn’t find it.”
Luis shook his head.
“He searched the office.”
We all turned toward him.
“When?”
“Two days after Daniel’s funeral. Victor came to the farm and said he needed insurance documents. I found him opening drawers.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I did. You said he was helping.”
I remembered.
I had thanked Victor for being thorough.
The realization made me feel ill.
Samuel called Priya and told her about the key.
She instructed us not to leave the hotel.
At three in the morning, two additional officers arrived.
At four, someone pulled the fire alarm.
The hallway erupted in noise.
Guests opened their doors. Children cried. Staff members directed everyone toward the stairs.
