Scarlett’s POV
I gathered a flashlight and gloves from the utility closet while Miriam retrieved the step ladder from the garage.
We spent the next hour tearing through cabinets, closets, even the old laundry room behind the kitchen.
I found dust.
I found old receipts.
I found Charles’s winter coats still hanging like he might come back for them someday.
But no hidden compartments. No wires. No strange equipment. No further notes.
Yet.
When we reached the upstairs hallway, I stood outside Charles’s study door for a long moment, my hands trembling on the handle.
Miriam stood a few feet behind me, shifting from foot to foot like she didn’t want to be there.
I pushed the door open.
The smell of old paper and wood polish hit me instantly.
The same smell that used to make me feel sa
