I went into the walk-in closet, reached past his dark wool suit jackets, and felt along the top shelf, where his leather briefcase sat tucked behind three heavy winter coats.

He had bought that bag six years ago for a sales conference in Chicago, and he never left it unlatched.

I walked over to his tall mahogany dresser, lifted the dark velvet tray where he kept his cufflinks and tie clips, and ran my middle finger along the silk lining underneath.

The small silver key lay flat against the bare wood at the bottom.

I slid the key out, picked up the heavy briefcase by its leather handle, and carried it into the small home office across the landing.