That night, Nate and I searched the house, examining cupboards, floorboards, and the attic. We found nothing until I remembered Opal’s words about hearing rain without getting wet. We searched the old barn and discovered a hidden compartment behind several rotting boards. Inside lay a leather notebook, a brass key, and an envelope addressed to Opal. She arrived the following morning and opened the letter with trembling hands. Samuel had suspected someone was stealing from his accounts before he died. The notebook contained financial records and questionable signatures that appeared to connect Ronald to the missing money.

Nate struggled to believe his father could have betrayed his own uncle. Inside the envelope, we also discovered a document suggesting Samuel had intended to establish a family trust. However, the paperwork appeared to have been altered after his death. A note mentioned an attorney who had handled the estate. Opal immediately recognized his name. “Mr. Whitaker kept copies of Samuel’s original documents,” she explained. Nate looked at the brass key. A number was engraved beneath its handle, suggesting it belonged to a bank deposit box. We suddenly realized the notebook might only be the beginning.