It was where she stored her most private letters, old tax returns, and property deeds.

I pulled open the top drawer of her heavy oak dresser and ran my hand along the bare wood of the bottom panel, finding nothing but dust.

Loose keys jingled loudly in the hallway.

Dustin leaned against the doorframe, wearing a backward baseball cap and chewing a piece of green gum.

“You’re completely wasting your time,” Dustin said.

“I already checked the floorboards for secret cash.”

He laughed loudly at his own joke, a harsh sound that bounced off the empty walls.