I laid the briefcase flat on the dark wood of the dining table and closed the leather cover over the brass locks.

The latches snapped shut with two hard, distinct metallic clicks that echoed through the quiet room.

I turned the small brass key in the center lock, put the key safely in my coat pocket, and lifted the leather handle.

I set the lock on the latches and carried the briefcase out to the front porch just as a black courier van pulled into the cabin’s unplowed driveway.

The driver stepped out into the freezing air holding a large wicker gift basket wrapped in gold foil and dark silk ribbon.