Hank could feel two pairs of eyes circling the study, and every time they nced at the bookshelf, his heart skipped a beat.


    That was when Duncan came in, carrying a steaming cup of tea. When he saw Jose and Danny, he didn''t even blink, just smiled knowingly at Hank. "It''s getting chilly, sir. Have some tea to warm up."


    He set the cup down at the edge of the desk, his eyes flickering for just a second to the top shelf of the bookcase. Then he turned smoothly to Jose. "Gentlemen, why don''t you head out to the backyard and snap a few photos for Mr. Meyer?"


    He added, "All those flowers out back were nted by Mrs. Meyer herself. If Mr. Meyer sees how beautiful they look this year, he''ll be thrilled. Want me to show you the way?"


    Jose nodded, giving the study onest look before ncing at Danny. "Sure, let''s go."


    The two of them walked out, closing the door softly behind them. Their footsteps faded away, and suddenly the room was quiet again.


    Hank just stood there, frozen. He didn''t know how long he stayed like that, not until he heard a car engine growling to life outside the gates. He let out a shaky breath and realized there was a chill running down his back. His shirt was damp with cold sweat.


    He hurried over to the bookshelf, carefully pulled out the metal box, and slipped it into his briefcase. His hands were still trembling as he zipped it up.


    Duncan came back in, worry etched on his face. "Sir, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine, Duncan. Really. Thanks to you." Hank tried to smile, but his voice was still tight. "You don''t think they noticed anything, do you?"


    Duncan shook his head. "I don''t think so." He knew Hank hadn''te back to the old house just to remember his mother, but he kept that to himself. His loyalty was to Hank, not Bailey.


    Hank nodded. He took out his phone and quickly called Matthew.


    "Mr. Wiles I''ve got it. It''s a metal box with a lock. My father''s men were just here, and m worried they might still be watching the ce can you get someone over to check things out?"


    At the military hospital by Bridger Lake, Matthew picked up Hank''s call and moved to the window his gaze sharp Alright ht just stay


    his


    he sat put and keep the box safe. I''send


    someone to you right away


    He hung up and turned to Reese, who was watching him with anxious eyes. He took her cold hand in his, holding on tight. "Hank has the box. I''ve got people on the way. Don''t worry."


    Reese managed a tiny smile, finally letting herself rx a little. Then her phone rang, making her jump. Matthew squeezed her hand a bit tighter and reached over to grab the phone from the nightstand.


    When he saw who was calling, his brows knit together. "It''s Bailey. Do you want to answer?"


    "Yes," Reese said, her eyes going cold and clear. She wanted to hear what Bailey had to say for himself.


    Matthew stepped back to the bed. He answered the call and put it on speaker.


    "Reese, Marie''s memorial ising up in a few days," Bailey''s voice came through, soft and gentle in a way that didn''t feel right at all. year, I was thinking, maybe we could actually hold a proper memorial for her. What do you say?"


    Reese''s reply was ice-cold. "Just get to the point."


    She didn''t believe for a second that after trying to make her drop the case, Bailey


    suddenly wanted to honor her mother. Not a chance.


    There was a pause. Then Bailey said, "Reese, for everything your mother did for the Meyer family, can you just let the case go?"