The key turned smoothly in the brass lock.

Inside, lying on top of the blue document folder, was a small square box covered in faded navy velvet.

I raised the lid of the box.

Grandfather Arthur’s silver pocket watch lay inside on a bed of white silk, its silver case flawless and cold to the touch.

I took the watch out, wound the little stem at the top three exact turns until the second hand started its steady, even click, and set it gently back in its old box.

I locked the safe, slid the floorboard back into place, and carried the navy velvet box upstairs to the kitchen.