Chapter 20: The Box
The key was warm in my palm. Small. Brass. Older than me.
"I don't understand," I said. "Dad gave you this? Before he died?"
Frank nodded. "He knew something was coming. He didn't trust the hospital, the doctors, anyone. He made me promise to keep it safe until you needed it."
"And you waited twelve years."
"I waited until you were ready." He looked at the key. "You're ready now."
Anna was already at the door. "We need to move. If Marcus is planning something for Friday, that's two days from now. We're running out of time."
"Take my car," Frank said. "It's clean. No tracker. I made sure."
David stepped forward. "I'm going with her."
"No." Frank shook his head. "You stay. Protect your mother. Clara and Anna can handle this."
"Like you handled Dad?"
The words h
