Page 110 of Pepper, the Biker & the Vanishing Body

A click sounded.

“I got it,” Josh called as if he couldn’t believe it himself.

With some effort, Ian helped him pry open the hidden panel, the hinges creaking with age and rust.

When they finally got it open all the way, Josh handed me his flashlight. “Your find, sis.”

My hand trembled slightly as I switched on the flashlight and stepped inside, pushing aside cobwebs.

Wooden shelves lined two walls, filled with stacks of ledgers, books, and a few dusty-covered bottles of whiskey. But it was the large metal box sitting on the bottom shelf that caught my eye.

“Ian,” I called, motioning him over.

He stepped inside and easily lifted the box, carrying it out into the hallway before setting it on the half-table.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the skeleton key. The lock looked like a perfect match, and everyone seemed to hold their breath when I slid the key into place.

It turned easily.

The box let out a groan of protest as I lifted the lid. Inside, over two dozen dark blue velvet sacks lay nestled together. I grabbed one, untied the string, and tipped its contents into my palm.

A diamond and pearl necklace tumbled into my hand, the same one rumored to have been buried with Verbena.

“If it wasn’t buried with Verbena, what was?” Amy asked. “Charlie did say Verbena requested something be buried with her.”

I already knew the answer. “What do you think a young girl would take with her if she was going on a journey alone?”

With a tender smile, and her eyes misty, my mom said, “Her doll to keep her company. The one she’s holding in the portrait.”

More gems and jewelry spilled from each velvet pouch, each piece a dazzling testament to the wealth Sarah’s grandmother had left her—the wealth that had allowed Shamus and Sarah to start a new life in a new world.

My mom’s eyes remained misty, overwhelmed by the discovery.

“This could keep the Willow Lake Historical Society financially sound for years,” she said. “Though the personal jewelry should be kept and displayed.”

“We’ll have to discuss that,” Amy chimed in. “Those pieces are priceless to the historical society, but they are worth a fortune on the open market. We’ll need to consider insurance, having a special security system installed, and go through all those ledgers.”

“That’s why the historical society is so glad to have you,” my mom said.

“I know the perfect person to help with the ledgers,” I said, and Amy’s eyes pleaded with me for the name. “Millie, the church secretary.”

Amy’s face lit up with relief. “Perfect.”

Before I could say anything else, Stone stepped beside me and whispered, “A moment, Spicy.”

I glanced at Ian, who was watching us closely, before stepping aside with Stone.

“Did you pay up on the bet you lost to my dad?” I asked.

“I did and I admit that I never expected to lose that bet. That you would figure this out before the FBI did. I misjudged your ability and talent.”

“You could say the same for the Willow Lake Police Department. You should have been upfront with them.”

“That wasn’t my call, and I regret it since your dad was more than helpful when I confided in him that I was FBI. But I must say that you made this case the most interesting and exciting I’ve worked on for a long while.” He grinned. “You’re talented, Spicy. And not bad on the eyes either.”

I held up my hand. “Slow it down, Jedidiah, I’m taken and very much in love.”

“If that should ever change—” He handed me his card, winked, and walked away.

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