Urn Your Keep by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Patti Larsen Books

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Chapter Twelve

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, though the resulting moment of nothing felt a bit like a letdown. It wasn’t like the box was going to leap up and bite him or anything, or something within trumpet its intent, expel some poisonous gas, shoot off fireworks, yada yada, fanfare and mayhem. The anticlimax lingered regardless, while Albert reached inside and pulled out, not gold or jewels or a smoking gun, but just another letter.

I really was becoming jaded, and I had the Vestervillians to thank.

This time it was only a folded-over page, not even encased in an envelope for that satisfying reveal from the shroud of expensive stationery. Reginald had either lost his interest in the show or simply wanted to downplay the importance of those he’d sent on this wild goose chase. Mind you, the page had been sealed with the same black wax and Vesterville stamp, so there was that much pomp and ceremony attached, feeling less official and more mocking to me. Yes, I might have been overplaying it in my mind, weaving a narrative that had nothing to do with Reginald’s intent, but I couldn’t help but assess and weigh every choice against his need to punish his family for whatever reason he deemed necessary.

The young driver, Fielder Grant, had been right. No love lost here.

There was one item of note, at least, that added a moment of curiosity and breathless anticipation I should have been immune to but found myself leaning toward despite myself. A small key slid into Albert’s palm when he tipped the box over to retrieve the last item inside, the ordinary enough looking item a far cry from the elaborate ones Reginald contrived for the container he’d used to hide this new clue.

Gaines took the box from Albert without hesitation, examining it quickly before setting it aside as Albert read the front of the folded page.

“‘For Albert,’” he said. “‘To receive your due, this must be read aloud in the company of all keyholders.’”

That meant fetching Shea. But, as I turned to do so, I realized she’d never actually left, the sullen young widow lurking at the doorway, Albert noting her presence before he broke the seal and unfolded the page, reading in a voice that cracked before smoothing out.

“‘I’ve known of your affair with Eleanor for many years.’” Albert stuttered to a halt, paling, then flushing red, looking up at her as he stopped, shaking his head while she muttered something in clear disgust and waved at him.

“Just read it,” she snapped. “No one cares anymore, Albert.”

He swallowed so hard his Adam’s apple lurched then resumed in a quieter voice that gained some strength but never returned to full volume as though he feared what else might be revealed. Like murder? “‘However, despite your dalliances, you are still family and, for that reason alone, I relent.’” Albert wiped at his upper lip, sheen of sweat beading his forehead as he went on. “‘Venture now to Chairman’s office where you must unlock the bottom drawer of my eldest son’s desk and uncover what is hidden there.

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