Chapter 26: The Key
Victor turned the small brass key over in his palm, studying it beneath the greenhouse lights. "No serial number," he said. "No manufacturer markings. Just years of wear."
"It's a safety-deposit key," Ethan said, stepping closer. "Old ones looked exactly like that."
Victor frowned, unconvinced, and pulled up a reference image on his phone, comparing the two side by side. His expression shifted slowly.
"You're right," he admitted.
"Which bank?" Adrian asked.
"Give me an hour," Victor said, already dialing.
Before we left, Mrs. Brooks caught me near the entrance hall, drying her hands on her apron. "Will everyone be back for dinner?" she asked.
"Probably late," I said, without thinking twice. "Don't wait for us."
She nodded and disappeared toward the kitchen. Lea
